Frequently Asked Questions
General
1How do you convert watts into amps and vice versa ?
Watts = Amps X Volts
Amps = Watts / Volts
Find a good guide on how to calculate your battery needs at:
www.remcoenergy.com.au/calculatingcapacity
Amps = Watts / Volts
Find a good guide on how to calculate your battery needs at:
www.remcoenergy.com.au/calculatingcapacity
2Do I need a different AC, DC or Solar Charger for REMCO AGM and Lithium LiFePO4 batteries?
Yes, different battery chemistries have different charge rates. It is important to pair an AGM battery with the correct charger which has an AGM charge profile, likewise a Lithium LiFePO4 battery should be used with charger which has a lithium charge profile. For example, if a LiFePO4 Lithium battery is not charged at its specific optimum charge rate, it will adversely affect the cycle life of the battery.
However depending on the model, some Lithium batteries are able to accept a voltage of 14.2-4 which enables them to be used with an AGM charger. You will need to check the specifications of your Lithium battery and charger. REMCO LiFePO4 can be charged with an AGM setting as long as the voltage can bet set between 14.4-14.6V and the equalisation mode turned off.
However depending on the model, some Lithium batteries are able to accept a voltage of 14.2-4 which enables them to be used with an AGM charger. You will need to check the specifications of your Lithium battery and charger. REMCO LiFePO4 can be charged with an AGM setting as long as the voltage can bet set between 14.4-14.6V and the equalisation mode turned off.
3Do I need to mount the batteries upright?
No, both REMCO AGM and Lithium battery ranges are “spill-proof” and can be mounted upright, on their side or end.
4What is the difference between IEC and UL certifications?
IEC standards specify the minimum device safety requirements. UL standards, in contrast, specify comprehensive technical details in terms of product safety and application. In addition to standards development, the UL is also responsible for certification (general third-party certification) as well as field acceptance.
5What is the difference between CE and UL certification?
In the United States, the UL mark signifies that a product or material has met specific UL safety standards as verified by third-party testing. ... Unlike the UL Listing in the U.S., the CE Mark is not optional in Europe—it's legally required for products used in construction.
Lithium
1Can REMCO Lithium batteries be used under the bonnet?
REMCO Lithium batteries are not rated or recommended to be installed and used under the bonnet of a vehicle. REMCO Lithium batteries will disconnect from any charging source if the internal temperature reaches above 60”C during discharge.
2How do you dispose of LiFePO4 Lithium batteries?
The individual LiFePO4 cells can be safely disposed of. There are now dedicated battery recycling companies that ensure the batteries are disposed of in the right way.
3What is Thermal Runaway?
Is a condition in which the battery temperature increases rapidly resulting in extreme overheating of the battery. In certain conditions, the battery can melt, catch on fire or explode. Can occur if the battery is at high ambient temperature and/or charging voltage is too high. As the battery accepts current, its internal temperature rises. The rise in temperature reduces the battery impedance, causing it to accept more current. The higher current further heats the battery and so on which can cause the temperature to “runaway”. Electrolyte can start to boil, climb further, melt the plastic and cause fire.
4Ways to avoid Thermal runaway in Lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries should always be charged according to instructions set out or using a recommended charger with a lithium profile. Should also avoid being installed or stored near heat sources and in direct sunlight.
5Can you confirm the procedure on waking up a REMCO lithium battery if it goes completely flat?
You need to connect to an approved battery charger with a lithium profile that can detect batteries below 1V. We recommend the Noco Genius range. You can also parallel the battery with another Remco battery and connect to any charger to wake it up.
6What size inverter can I run with my REMCO Lithium battery?
The REMCO Lithium BMS has a max continuous draw of 100A. This equates to using a 1000W inverter or appliance that will max out that inverter size.
If bigger inverters are required, we recommend paralleling batteries to create a bigger bank/draw. i.e. 2 x 100ah Lithium batteries = 1500W inverter, 3 x 100ah Lithium batteries = 2000W inverter.
7Can I add another REMCO lithium battery at a later date to increase the Ah capacity of my system?
Yes. When you add batteries to a traditional battery bank, the new battery voltage drops to the lowest battery in the system. Lithium does not suffer from this scenario due to the internal battery management system (BMS) equalizing and balancing the cells within each battery.
8Can I mix REMCO Lithium batteries with different amp hour ratings together?
No, it is not recommended to link different REMCO Lithium battery models. You must always build your bank using a battery with the same rating.
9Do we need to maintenance top-up charge REMCO Lithium batteries in storage?
Lithium batteries should be kept between 50%-60% SOC as the cells degrade slower than when kept fully charged. Due to transport regulations lithium batteries should also always be sent out at or below 50-60% SOC. Recommend topping up if they fall below 30% SOC or once every 6-12 months.
10How many REMCO Lithium batteries can be connected in parallel?
Up to 4
11How many REMCO Lithium batteries can be connected in series?
Up to 4