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FranklinWH•aPower

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aPower Battery Discharging During Peak Solar Hours

Troubleshoot FranklinWH aPower discharging during peak solar. Diagnostic steps, safety warnings, and expert tips for residential battery systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the typical lifespan of the FranklinWH aPower battery system in residential applications?

The FranklinWH aPower battery system is designed for a lifespan of 10 years or more, depending on usage patterns, environmental conditions, and adherence to maintenance recommendations.

•What are the warranty terms for the FranklinWH aPower battery system?

The warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period, usually 10 years. Consult the warranty document for complete details and exclusions.

•How often should the FranklinWH aPower system be inspected by a qualified technician?

It is recommended to have the system inspected by a qualified technician every 2-3 years to ensure proper operation and identify any potential issues early on.

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Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

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Solution:

1

Use a multimeter to verify the DC voltage output of the solar array during peak sun hours. Ensure the voltage matches expected values based on the array specifications and irradiance levels.
2

Use a clamp meter to measure the DC current flowing from the solar array to the inverter. Confirm that the current is sufficient to meet household load and charge the battery.
3

Access the FranklinWH monitoring portal or app to check the battery SOC, charge/discharge current, and inverter settings. Verify that the charge profile is correctly configured to prioritize solar charging during peak hours.
4

Inspect the DC-DC converter for any signs of physical damage or overheating. Use an IR thermometer to check for abnormal temperature readings.
5

Check the communication cables between the inverter, BMS, and energy management system. Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no signs of corrosion or damage.
6

Consult the FranklinWH troubleshooting guide for specific error codes and diagnostic procedures. Update the inverter and BMS firmware to the latest versions.
7

If the problem persists, contact a qualified FranklinWH technician or electrician for further assistance. A qualified electrician is MANDATORY for live DC voltage measurements.

Why This Happens:

Inaccurate SOC readings by the BMS leading to premature discharge initiation.
Incorrect configuration of the charge/discharge profiles within the inverter settings.
Failure of the DC-DC converter responsible for charging the battery from the solar array.
Communication issues between the inverter, BMS, and energy management system, leading to incorrect power dispatch decisions.
High self-consumption loads exceeding solar production, causing the battery to supplement power.
Firmware bugs within the inverter or BMS software.

How It Works:

The FranklinWH aPower system is a residential energy storage system (ESS) composed of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, a battery management system (BMS), and a bidirectional inverter. During peak solar hours, the PV array generates DC power. This DC power is either directly used to power household loads or converted to AC power by the inverter. Excess DC power is used to charge the LFP battery bank via a DC-DC converter controlled by the BMS. The BMS monitors cell voltages, temperatures, and currents to optimize charging and discharging cycles while ensuring safety and prolonging battery life. The system also synchronizes with the grid to export excess power or import power when needed. If the system is discharging the battery when excess solar power is available, a fault exists in the power flow management or control system.

Pro Tip:

Access the installer menu within the FranklinWH app (typically by entering a specific key combination) to view detailed system diagnostics, including cell voltages, internal resistances, and temperature sensor readings. This information can help pinpoint specific battery health issues or communication problems.

What to Look For:

The FranklinWH aPower battery is observed to be discharging during peak solar hours (typically 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) when solar PV production should exceed household load, and the battery should be charging or in standby mode.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly monitor the performance of the FranklinWH aPower system through the monitoring portal or app
Schedule periodic capacity tests to assess the battery SOH
Ensure that the inverter and BMS firmware are always up to date
Clean the solar panels regularly to maximize solar production
Check the system ventilation to ensure adequate thermal management