Skip to content

KEDRON® LiFePO4 Batteries

 

KEDRON® LiFePO4 Battery Guide

With exceptional cycle life, our new LiFePO4 batteries weigh about 50% less than lead-acid equivalents. They handle deep cycling and prolonged storage without damage: No sulfation. No stratification. Less worries.

Safety First

The internal Battery Management System (BMS) provides robust protection to ensure efficient and safe operation. Key safety features include:

  • Overcharge protection
  • Discharge protection
  • Overcurrent protection
  • Overtemperature protection
  • Reverse polarity protection*
  • Short-circuit protection*

*Every precaution should be taken to ensure connections are made properly. While these protections are active, their activation may damage the battery.

Failure to properly install KEDRON® batteries and use the correct charging profile can result in reduced performance or damage not covered under warranty.

Installation

  • KEDRON® batteries must be fully charged to 100% SOC individually before first use. This is critical when connecting multiple batteries.
  • Max 4 batteries in series and 4 in parallel. Combined series/parallel strings are not recommended and will void the warranty.
  • Ensure terminal connections are torqued to 7.7Nm (68 IN-lbs) and inspect them regularly.
  • Use correctly sized cables for your application to prevent damage and efficiency loss.
  • Protect the battery bank with adequate fusing or breakers.
  • NEVER exceed the recommended maximum charge or discharge current.
  • Locate batteries in a dry, cool, ventilated environment away from heat sources or direct sunlight. NEVER expose the battery to water.
  • For batteries with the cold-weather feature: The internal heater activates below 0°C (32°F) using the external charge source (approx. 7.2A) to warm the battery to +5°C (41°F). Charging stops at 0°C (32°F), and discharging stops at -20°C (-4°F).
  • Immediately stop use and disconnect if the battery becomes hot, emits an unusual smell, or changes shape.

Charging Profiles

12V Systems

  • Charge Current Limit: 50A
  • Bulk/Absorb Voltage: 14.6V
  • Float Voltage: 14.6V
  • Rebulk Voltage: 13.2V
  • Low DC Cut-off: 10V (12.4V alarm)

24V Systems

  • Charge Current Limit: 50A
  • Bulk/Absorb Voltage: 29.2V
  • Float Voltage: 29.2V
  • Rebulk Voltage: 26.4V
  • Low DC Cut-off: 20V (24.8V alarm)

48V Systems (2019-2023)

  • Charge Current Limit: 50A
  • Bulk/Absorb Voltage: 56V
  • Float Voltage: 56V
  • Rebulk Voltage: 52.8V
  • Low DC Cut-off: 42V (49.6V alarm)

48V Systems (2023+)

  • Charge Current Limit: 50A
  • Bulk/Absorb Voltage: 58.4V
  • Float Voltage: 58.4V
  • Rebulk Voltage: 53.2V
  • Low DC Cut-off: 44.0V (51.2V alarm)

Equalization & Absorb Time: Equalization is not used for LiFePO4. Set equalization duration to zero. A standard boost/absorb time is 120 minutes per battery.

System Management

BMS Reset Procedure

If the BMS disengages due to repeated protection events, apply a LiFePO4 charge source (>1A) to reset it. This indicates a likely system setup issue that requires review.

Important Note on Low Voltage

The BMS low-voltage cutoff is a short-term protection. If left in this state for weeks, the cells will be permanently damaged. Frequent low-voltage faults suggest your charging source is undersized or your loads are too large.

Long-Term Storage

  • 4+ Weeks: Discharge to ~50% SOC, disconnect from the system, and store in a cool, dry place. Fully recharge to 100% before reconnecting.
  • 6+ Months: Follow the same process. Every 6 months, perform a full charge/discharge cycle (100% -> 50%) before returning to storage.

60-Month Warranty

KEDRON® batteries include a 36-month cell warranty and a 24-month BMS replacement warranty. Claims require proof of purchase, installer details, and photos of the setup. Warranty is void if the battery is installed incorrectly or abused.