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FranklinWH•aPower

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aPower: Ozone Smell Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ozone smell from a FranklinWH aPower battery system. Identify potential causes, safety warnings, and solutions for residential energy storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What are the proper DC disconnect procedures for the FranklinWH aPower?

Consult the FranklinWH aPower installation manual for detailed DC disconnect procedures. Generally, it involves switching off the AC breaker and opening the DC disconnect switch.

•How do I find a qualified electrician or FranklinWH-certified technician?

Contact FranklinWH customer support or check their website for a list of certified installers and technicians in your area.

•What are the warranty implications of this problem?

Contact FranklinWH to determine if the issue is covered under warranty. Unauthorized repairs can void the warranty.

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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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Possible Causes:

Loose or corroded high-voltage DC connections within the aPower unit, leading to arcing.
Internal component failure within the inverter, such as a failing capacitor or inductor, causing arcing.
Deterioration of insulation on high-voltage wiring inside the aPower unit, resulting in corona discharge.
BMS malfunction causing overcharging of the battery cells, leading to gas generation and a potential ozone smell (though less likely).
Dust or debris accumulation on high-voltage components, facilitating arcing.
Presence of rodents or insects inside the enclosure causing short circuits.

Technical Background:

The FranklinWH aPower system is a residential energy storage system consisting of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery modules, a battery management system (BMS), and a DC-AC inverter. Ozone (O3) can be produced by high-voltage electrical discharge or arcing. The BMS monitors cell voltages, currents, and temperatures. The inverter converts DC power from the batteries to AC power for household use or grid export. Safety systems include over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature protection, and DC disconnects.

Safety Warning:

High DC voltage is present within the FranklinWH aPower unit. Improper handling can result in serious injury or death. Only qualified electricians or FranklinWH-certified technicians should perform any maintenance or repairs. Always disconnect both AC and DC power before accessing the internal components. Follow NEC Article 706 and manufacturer's safety guidelines.

Symptoms:

Ozone-like odor detected near the FranklinWH aPower battery unit. The system may or may not exhibit other error codes or performance issues. No visible smoke or flames are present.

Solution:

1

*Safety First:** Immediately disconnect the AC and DC power to the aPower unit following the manufacturer's recommended procedures. This typically involves switching off the AC breaker and opening the DC disconnect switch.
2

*Visual inspection:** Carefully inspect the area around the aPower unit for any signs of damage, burning, or rodent activity. Document findings with photographs.
3

*Qualified Technician inspection:** A qualified electrician or FranklinWH-certified technician should inspect the internal wiring and connections of the aPower unit. Use a multimeter to verify that all circuits are de-energized before opening the enclosure. (NEC 706.15 requires readily accessible disconnects)
4

*Torque Verification:** Check and re-torque all high-voltage DC connections within the unit to the manufacturer's specifications. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
5

*Component Testing:** The technician should use appropriate test equipment to check the integrity of the inverter components, including capacitors, inductors, and wiring harnesses. An insulation resistance tester (megohmmeter) can be used to assess the condition of the insulation.
6

*BMS Diagnostics:** Access the BMS diagnostic interface (if available) to check for any error codes, voltage imbalances, or temperature anomalies. Contact FranklinWH support for assistance with BMS analysis.
7

*licensed technician Repair or Replacement:** If any damaged components are found, they should be replaced by a qualified technician using genuine FranklinWH parts. If the arcing damage is extensive, consider replacing the entire aPower unit.