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FranklinWH•aPower

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aPower: Clicking Noise Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot a clicking noise in your FranklinWH aPower battery. Diagnose potential causes and find expert solutions for residential energy storage systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Is the clicking noise constant or intermittent?

Intermittent clicking can indicate a component issue, while constant clicking may suggest an operational process like cell balancing.

•Does the clicking noise occur at specific times of the day or night?

Time-dependent issues can be linked to temperature fluctuations, grid conditions, or scheduled charging/discharging cycles.

•Are there any error codes or warnings displayed on the FranklinWH monitoring app?

Error codes provide valuable clues about the nature of the problem and can help narrow down the possible causes.

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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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Symptoms:

Audible clicking noise emanating from the FranklinWH aPower battery unit, predominantly occurring during nighttime operation. Sound described as a distinct “click” rather than a continuous hum or buzz. No immediate error codes are displayed on the monitoring app.

Safety Warning:

High DC voltage is present within the FranklinWH aPower unit. Only qualified electricians should perform any diagnostic or repair work. Always disconnect the DC power supply to the aPower unit before accessing any internal components. Follow all applicable NEC codes and safety procedures, including proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Recommended Action:

1

*Visual inspection (Qualified Electrician Only)**: Carefully inspect the aPower unit for any signs of physical damage, loose connections, or overheating. Use an IR thermometer to check for hot spots on the enclosure or around electrical connections.
2

*Record Operating Parameters**: Note the battery's State of Charge (SOC), voltage, current, and temperature from the monitoring app at the time the clicking noise is occurring. Note grid voltage and frequency.
3

*Relay/Contactor Diagnostics (Qualified Electrician Only)**: Using a multimeter in DC voltage mode, monitor the voltage across the relay/contactor coils when the clicking noise is present. Unstable voltage readings may indicate a faulty relay driver circuit or a failing relay. Observe the contactor operation using a clamp meter to measure current flow during engage/disengage.
4

*Review System Logs**: Access the FranklinWH system logs through the installer portal or authorized service channels to identify any error codes or unusual events correlated with the clicking noise.
5

*Cell Voltage Monitoring (Qualified Electrician Only)**: If possible, access individual cell voltage data through the BMS interface (requires specialized tools and training). Large voltage imbalances between cells can indicate a cell balancing issue or a failing cell.
6

*Firmware Verification**: Ensure the aPower unit is running the latest firmware version. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause unexpected behavior.
7

*Contact FranklinWH Support**: If the problem persists, contact FranklinWH technical support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the symptoms, operating parameters, and any diagnostic steps taken.

Technical Overview:

The FranklinWH aPower system utilizes a lithium-ion battery pack coupled with a bidirectional DC-AC inverter. The system's Battery Management System (BMS) controls charge/discharge cycles, cell balancing, and thermal management. Clicking noises can originate from several components: 1) internal relays switching to manage power flow between battery and inverter, 2) contactors engaging/disengaging for grid connection, 3) the cooling system (if equipped with mechanical components), or 4) from the batteries due to internal chemical reactions or mechanical stress caused by thermal expansion/contraction. Nighttime operation might coincide with lower ambient temperatures, potentially exacerbating thermal stress or revealing noise masked by daytime activity.

Why This Happens:

Relay chatter: Faulty or worn relays within the aPower unit may be rapidly cycling, causing the clicking noise.
Contactor malfunction: The grid-tie contactor could be experiencing issues, leading to intermittent connection and clicking sounds.
Thermal expansion/contraction: Differential expansion/contraction of battery cells or enclosure components due to temperature changes could cause mechanical clicks.
BMS cell balancing activity: Active cell balancing, especially if one or more cells are significantly out of balance, could trigger relays or other switching components.
Inverter component issue: Potentially an issue with the inverter switching components.
Loose Connections: Check all connections.

Expert Tip:

The clicking noise could be more pronounced when the system switches from grid-tied to off-grid (backup) mode or vice-versa. Try manually forcing a switch between these modes using the app or system controls to see if the noise correlates with the switching event. The time of use or TOU settings within the inverter may be causing increased switching during off-peak hours.

Prevention:

Regularly monitor the system's performance through the FranklinWH monitoring app.
Ensure the aPower unit is installed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
Schedule periodic licensed technician inspections (every 1-2 years) to check for loose connections, corrosion, and other potential issues.
Keep the system firmware updated to the latest version.
Monitor battery SOC and SOH. If degradation is noticed, address appropriately.