Disclaimer: None of this really make sense from a "build it from scratch" standpoint, and I realize that. I also realize that a bunch of the readouts on the Pecron, like state-of-charge are probably not going to work correctly. I'm doing this because I like to tinker with stuff, and I'm posting this thread to record the process and results for anyone else who is thinking about doing this in the future. Also, this will definitely void the warranty on your Pecron solar generator, but who doesn't like to live dangerously?
Based on some stuff I've seen with the Pecron E2000LFP, I'm thinking that it is possible to run an off-brand 16s LiFEPO4 battery (in my case, a server rack battery) in place of the OEM expansion battery. I ordered and received an E1500LFP to use as a UPS for my pellet stove, so I thought I'd keep going down the path of actually testing it out. This is what I've found so far:
Quick aside about the E1500LFP: if you just want a budget-priced medium-size solar generator that just works without much tinkering, the E1500LFP seems to be pretty great. I haven't tested it extensively but the UPS function works great with my stove and it'll power my Harmon P43 pellet stove (which draws between 70-120 watts once it's lit) for about 10 hours on the internal battery. The app is also internet connected, so you can access the unit from anywhere with an internet connection to see what's going on.
Based on some stuff I've seen with the Pecron E2000LFP, I'm thinking that it is possible to run an off-brand 16s LiFEPO4 battery (in my case, a server rack battery) in place of the OEM expansion battery. I ordered and received an E1500LFP to use as a UPS for my pellet stove, so I thought I'd keep going down the path of actually testing it out. This is what I've found so far:
- The battery expansion port on the E1500LFP appears to be a hot connection straight to the battery. I'm measuring 57.2 VDC on the port maximum (end of charge), down to 50.4 VDC at an indicated 7% charge. Those numbers match a 16s LFP pack.
- The expansion port looks like a female two-pin MJ32, with some additional data pins above and below the main pins. I'm guessing those are just for BMS communication. A straight two-pin MJ32 connector set is available on Amazon, and I ordered one to test. They are way cheaper if you order them straight from China, but I'm impatient.
Make sure the male MJ32 connector fits and secures correctly into the E1500LFPit fits perfectly and the polarity matches the markings on the plug.- Order a 16s server rack battery. It'll probably be an AOLithium since the E1500LFP voltages are within the range of the BMS in that pack, they are cheap, and also have free shipping
- Wire up the MJ32 to some battery leads
- Match the voltage on the E1500LFP and the server rack battery, and connect them up to see if magic smoke comes out
- Test the charging and discharging capability to see if the E1500LFP is charging the server rack battery in parallel with the internal pack, and then drawing from the server rack battery in parallel with the internal pack for discharging
Quick aside about the E1500LFP: if you just want a budget-priced medium-size solar generator that just works without much tinkering, the E1500LFP seems to be pretty great. I haven't tested it extensively but the UPS function works great with my stove and it'll power my Harmon P43 pellet stove (which draws between 70-120 watts once it's lit) for about 10 hours on the internal battery. The app is also internet connected, so you can access the unit from anywhere with an internet connection to see what's going on.
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