Operating Instructions
Important Notice – Please Read Carefully Before Use
To ensure the safe and correct use of the Docan Energy LiFePO4 battery pack, please strictly adhere to the following safety guidelines. Improper installation may result in injury or death to installers, operators, or third parties, and may cause damage to the battery or other connected equipment.
Batteries pose potential hazards; appropriate protective measures must be taken, and correct tools and protective equipment used during operation and maintenance. Battery maintenance must be performed by personnel with professional battery expertise and safety training.
Any damage to the battery, personal injury, or fire resulting from a violation of these instructions will void the product warranty. Docan Energy assumes no liability for product quality or associated damages arising from use that does not comply with these instructions.
Please contact the Docan Energy service team for professional support regarding installation, configuration, or troubleshooting.
1. Charging Safety
– Charger Compatibility: Always use a dedicated charger designed for LiFePO4 batteries that features a constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging profile. The use of other charger types or reverse charging is strictly prohibited.
– Voltage and Current Limits: The charging voltage must not exceed the maximum rated voltage specified in the product datasheet or on the label. The charging current must not exceed the limit specified in the datasheet. Charging must cease immediately when the battery reaches the cut-off voltage.
– Temperature Range: Charge only within the ambient temperature range specified in the product datasheet. Charging outside the permitted temperature range may cause permanent damage. Charging the battery below 0°C is strictly prohibited. The battery will automatically stop charging when the temperature reaches the low-temperature threshold specified in the datasheet. If charging current is detected at low temperatures, disconnect the battery immediately and contact the Docan Energy service team.
– Polarity Confirmation: Verify correct polarity before connection. Connect the positive and negative terminals strictly according to markings and instructions. Reversing the polarity will cause immediate, severe damage to the Battery Management System (BMS) and battery cells.
– Charging Duration Limits: Limit the continuous charging duration reasonably. Excessive charging time may cause the battery to overheat, potentially leading to thermal runaway and fire. If charging terminates abnormally, identify and fully resolve the root cause before attempting to use the battery again. – Post-charging usage: Use the battery as soon as possible after charging to avoid loss of usable capacity due to self-discharge.
2. Discharge Safety
– Current limits: Continuous discharge current must not exceed the maximum rated value specified in the product datasheet. Excessive current causes overheating, reduces cycle life, and may trigger BMS protection.
– Temperature range: Discharge only within the ambient temperature range specified in the datasheet. Discharging below the minimum safe temperature is strictly prohibited. Operation outside this range compromises safety and performance.
– High-temperature protection: Under normal operating conditions, the battery temperature must not exceed the maximum safe temperature specified in the datasheet. If this limit is exceeded, the BMS must shut down the battery to halt operation.
– Prompt charging after discharge: Charge the battery within 12 hours of discharge to prevent it from draining to an over-discharged state or 0V due to self-consumption. Charge immediately upon reaching the cut-off voltage to avoid over-discharge.
3. Over-discharge and 0V Battery Warnings
– Over-discharging or storing the battery below the minimum voltage specified in the datasheet will result in irreversible capacity loss, increased internal resistance, and BMS lockout. Docan Energy assumes no warranty liability for quality issues caused by over-discharge or voltage levels falling outside protection limits.
– To prevent over-discharge during normal use, charge the battery periodically to maintain the voltage within the range recommended in the datasheet.
– The BMS in this product does not support recovery charging for 0V batteries. If the battery discharges to 0V, performance will severely degrade or suffer permanent damage; such damage is not covered by the warranty.
– If the BMS disconnects the load due to low-voltage protection, charge the battery promptly—ideally within 12 hours.
Storage and Maintenance
– SOC: For long-term storage, charge or discharge the battery to the storage SOC level recommended in the datasheet. Storing the battery fully charged or fully depleted for extended periods reduces its lifespan. During long-term storage, perform periodic charge-discharge cycles to prevent performance imbalances. It is recommended that the storage period after receipt does not exceed six months. – Recommended Storage Environment: Store in a cool, dry place with relative humidity not exceeding the limits specified in the product datasheet. Please refer to the datasheet for specific temperature ranges. Keep the battery away from direct sunlight and combustible materials.
– Periodic Recharging: Recharge the battery at appropriate intervals to compensate for self-discharge and prevent it from entering an over-discharged state or dropping to 0V.
– Environmental Requirements: Store the battery in a dry, cool environment that complies with the temperature limits specified in the product datasheet. Protect against moisture, water, and static electricity. Do not immerse the battery in water.
– Device Removal: Remove the battery from the device if it will not be used for an extended period.
Power-Up and Power-Down Sequences
– Power-Up Sequence: Connect B- first, followed by the voltage sensing wires, then B+, and finally connect P- and P+ to the load or charger.
– Power-Down Sequence: Disconnect the charger and load first, followed by B+, then the voltage sensing wires, and finally B-.
– Do not perform any wiring or disconnection operations while the system is powered on or under load. Incorrect power-up or power-down sequences may damage the BMS or cause protection malfunctions.
– When connecting multiple batteries in parallel, power up starting with the master battery and proceed sequentially; follow the same sequence for powering down.
General Operational Precautions
– Visual Inspection: Stop using the battery immediately if the casing shows signs of deformation, dents, swelling, punctures, or any other damage. If the battery emits an odor, overheats, changes color, deforms, or exhibits any other abnormality, remove it from the device or charger immediately and discontinue use. Never use a damaged or swollen battery; if the battery arrives in such a condition, please contact Docan Energy.
– Installation Environment: Install and use the battery in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, open flames, flammable materials, and combustible gases. Do not use in areas with strong static electricity or strong magnetic fields. Do not install the battery in locations prone to flood damage.
– Installation Spacing and Ventilation: Maintain adequate ventilation clearance during installation in accordance with local regulations. For enclosed indoor installations, ensure the room volume meets safety requirements set by local fire and building codes to prevent the accumulation of combustible gases.
– Installation Orientation and Securing: Install the battery strictly according to the orientation specified in the product datasheet. Secure the battery firmly to a solid, flat surface and fasten power cables securely in place to prevent friction-induced arcing or sparking. Do not encase the battery in plastic or use plastic for electrical connections.
– Handling Heavy Loads: The battery is heavy; use appropriate lifting equipment or team-lifting techniques during handling and installation. Verify that the wall or support structure can bear the full weight of the battery before installation.
– Short-Circuit Prevention: Always guard against short circuits. Keep metal conductors, tools, and jewelry away from battery terminals. Do not short-circuit the positive and negative terminals using metal objects. Do not transport or store the battery alongside metal objects. Use insulated tools during assembly. Ensure wire ends, solder, and other debris do not come into contact with circuit board components.
– Stacking and Orientation: Do not stack heavy objects on the battery. During assembly, correctly identify and verify polarity and terminals before finalizing connections.
– No Hot-Swapping: Do not connect or disconnect power terminals or accessories while the battery is under load or charging. Ensure the battery is powered off before performing any connection or disconnection operations.
– Drops and Impacts: Do not drop, throw, strike, step on, or bend the battery. Protect the battery from mechanical vibration, collisions, and pressure impacts. If the battery falls onto a hard surface, discontinue use immediately, even if there is no visible external damage.
– Disassembly and Modification: Do not disassemble, crush, bend, puncture, or attempt to open the battery pack. Do not puncture the battery with nails or other sharp objects. Do not weld directly onto the battery. Do not modify the BMS, wiring, or casing. Do not insert foreign objects into connectors or vents. Unauthorized disassembly of the product without Docan Energy’s written consent is prohibited. Unauthorized disassembly or modification may result in a risk of electric shock or fire and will void the warranty. – Cleaning and Spraying: Do not spray the interior, exterior, or any part of the battery.
– Battery Pack Series and Parallel Connections:
* Only Docan Energy battery packs of the same model, specifications, and similar state-of-health (SoH) may be connected in parallel; mixing batteries of different models, capacities, or brands within the same battery system is prohibited.
* Series connection of battery packs is strictly prohibited unless explicitly supported by the product specifications. The BMS and internal components may not be designed for series configurations; incorrect series connection may lead to module failure.
* Before parallel connection, ensure that the voltage and state-of-charge (SoC) of all battery packs are substantially consistent to prevent surge currents caused by excessive voltage differences.
* Before parallel connection, ensure all battery circuit breakers and BMS units are turned off. Assign a unique address code to each battery according to the specifications, ensuring no duplicates.
* After parallel connection is complete, power on the units one by one, starting with the master battery. Similarly, power down the units one by one, starting with the master battery.
* After parallel connection, the total voltage and total current must not exceed the lowest rated values among the constituent batteries; also, verify that external equipment and cables can handle the load.
* Do not connect batteries that are physically damaged, swollen, leaking, or have severely degraded performance to the battery system.
* If there are any doubts regarding the feasibility of the configuration or specific operational procedures, please contact the Docan Energy team to confirm safety and suitability.
System Installation and Maintenance Safety
– Qualification Requirements: Installation, repair, and maintenance of the battery system must be performed by qualified professionals in accordance with installation instructions, correct operating procedures, and all applicable local electrical, building, fire, and utility codes and regulations. Consult the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) prior to installation to obtain necessary permits and approvals.
– Personal Protection: Installers must always use appropriate professional-grade insulated protective equipment to prevent electric shock, arc flash injuries, and hazards associated with electrolytes or other chemicals.
– Power-Off Verification: Before installing or maintaining the battery, set all battery module circuit breakers and switches to the disconnected or “off” position, and use a voltmeter to verify the absence of voltage.
– Grounding Requirements: Ensure the battery is properly grounded in accordance with relevant standards. – Wiring Check: Before installing, operating, or maintaining the system, inspect all existing wiring to ensure it meets specifications and is in good working condition. When connecting to external equipment, use communication cables that match the required specifications; do not substitute them with standard network cables. Ensure all battery and system component connections are secure and correctly installed. Battery cables should be kept to an appropriate length to minimize voltage drop.
– Water and Dust Protection: The battery pack must be used in compliance with the water and dust protection ratings specified in the datasheet. Docan Energy assumes no warranty liability for battery damage resulting from water or dust ingress.
– Label Retention: Keep all warning labels and nameplates on the battery clearly visible at all times; do not remove or cover them.
– Keep Children Away: Keep children away from the battery and related systems to prevent contact or misuse.
– Supervision During Installation: Do not leave the battery unattended during installation while it is not yet in a safe state. Do not touch, lean on, or place tools on the battery or its connections.
Leakage, Fire, and Emergency Response
– Electrolyte Contact: In the event of electrolyte leakage, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. If contact occurs, immediately flush the affected area continuously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Ensure the area is well-ventilated. If swallowed, drink plenty of water or milk immediately; do not induce vomiting if the person is unconscious, and seek medical attention immediately. Do not allow any person or animal to ingest any part of the battery or the substances contained within it.
– Liquid Ingress: Keep the battery away from saltwater, freshwater, rain, beverages, and any other liquids. Internal corrosion caused by moisture ingress is extremely dangerous. Do not spray water or other liquids onto the battery. Do not perform installation in conditions where dust, moisture, or other debris could enter the battery. Do not expose the battery to conductive materials, strong oxidizing agents, or strong acids.
– Fire Sources and Explosives: Keep the battery strictly away from open flames, explosives, and high-temperature heat sources. Do not incinerate the battery; doing so will cause a violent explosion and release highly toxic gases. Do not transport in the same vehicle with flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials.
– Thermal Runaway Identification and Response:
* Danger Signs: If the battery exhibits any of the following signs, stop operation immediately and move away from the battery: swelling or bulging; unusual odor; hissing sound; abnormal heating and/or smoke.
* Emergency Response: These signs may indicate thermal runaway, a hazardous condition that can lead to fire or explosion. Move the battery to a safe, open, non-combustible area if possible, and contact the local fire department immediately. Also, contact the Docan Energy service team for technical support.
– Toxic Gas Warning: Lithium batteries may release toxic gases if ruptured. If a rupture occurs, do not attempt to repair the battery; move it outdoors and seek professional assistance.
Communication Connections and BMS Usage Precautions
– When using a host computer or external device for communication, ensure the cables support data transmission and verify that the communication tools are correctly connected to the protection board’s communication port and the corresponding PC interface.
– If communication fails, check the communication settings and wiring connections. Certain DIP switch or protocol selection settings must comply with the specifications; incorrect settings may cause communication failure.
– When connecting to external devices such as inverters, follow the wiring definitions provided in the specifications.
– Certain tabs within the BMS software are intended for use by authorized technicians only. Unauthorized changes will void the warranty and may result in product damage or permanent inoperability.
– In systems with multiple battery packs connected in parallel, only the master battery should be configured to communicate with the inverter; the remaining batteries must be assigned unique slave addresses.
Transportation and Handling
– Do not transport in the same vehicle with flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials. Do not stack large packages during transport.
– Protect the product from exposure to liquids such as rain or snow, and prevent mechanical damage.
– Use a forklift or specialized tools for loading and unloading. Handle with care; do not throw or crush the product. Do not store with corrosive substances such as acids or alkalis.
Monitoring Data and Quality Traceability
– Customers must implement a battery management and monitoring system to closely monitor, manage, and protect each battery. Complete operational monitoring data must be retained to serve as a reference for troubleshooting and the determination of product quality liability. Docan Energy assumes no product quality warranty liability if complete monitoring data covering the battery system’s service life is not available.
Disposal
– Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries contain recyclable materials; do not dispose of them as household waste. At the end of the battery’s service life, do not discard or handle it improperly; instead, contact a local, compliant recycling facility for safe disposal guidelines.
– Disposal regulations vary by location; you must comply with all applicable local and national laws and regulations regarding the disposal of used batteries.
Disclaimer: Docan Energy reserves the right to revise this document at any time.