MPPSOLAR PIP5048MG 5kW with 2x2kWh Chevy Volt battery Error 58 (Inverter Voltage Too Low)

[raffles]

My inverter is working great without the batteries, but if I connect my battery array I get Error 58 (Inverter Voltage Too Low). I average around 4kWh on my output.
I wonder if there is a setting to load balance with grid or solar so the battery doesn't run out of power. Do I need more batteries or if I set something incorrect on my inverter.

Inverter: MPPSOLAR Off-Grid PIP5048MG 5kW 48V ( http://www.mppsolar.com/manual/PIP-GE/PIP-GE manual (PF1.0).pdf )

Battery: Two Chevy Volt batteries 2kWh 50Ah (Parallel mode 4kWh)
[ Cells details:36-17ah 3s12p LiCo02 Lithium Rated capacity (0.3C) 17 Ah, Average voltage 3.8 VDC, Maximum Voltage 4.2VDC, Minimum Voltage 3.0VDC, Amp Hour 47, Total Voltage 50vdc, 36 cells. ]

Settings:
1, SBU (Solar provides power first. If solar not sufficient to power, battery will supply power. Utility provides power if battery drops low voltage)
2, 10A (Maximum charging current)
3, APL (AC input voltage)
4, 5d5 (Power Saving mode - disabled)
5, USE (Battery type - User defined)
6, Lrd (Restart on overload - disabled)
8, Output Voltage (Output voltage 230V)
9, 60Hz (Output Hz)
11, 10A (Maximum utility charging)
12, 44V (Back to utility mode)
13, 48V (Back to battery mode - ranges from 48-64V)
16, CSO (Charger source - Solar will charge battery first, utility will charge when no solar)
18, bON (Alarm on)
19, ESP (Return display to main screen)
20, LOF (Display backlight off)
22, AON (Beeps when power source interrupted)
23, byE (Overload bypass - bypass enabled)
25, FEN (Record fault code - enabled)
26, 48V (BULK CV Voltage)
27, 48V (Floating voltage)
29, 42V (Low voltage cut-off)
31, SbE (Solar balance - Enabled)
32, AUE (Bulk charging time - Automatic)
33-39 (Battery equalization - disabled)

I would appreciate any directions!

 

[Roland W]

Edited....

Code 58 is AC output voltage low. So if the inverter cannot pull enough power from the batteries, voltage might collapse as in your case, you are pulling max. Load

This inverter can only switch between grid or battery. It cannot supply grid power as an extra boost when battery is weak.

I think 12s battery setups are not good for this inverter. High loads will pull down battery voltage, which in this configuration will drop close to low limits of the inverter

As example, your battery which is 12s is not a good fit for that inverter because of the: "13, 48V (Back to battery mode - ranges from 48-64V)"
That gives you a minimum cell voltage of 4V which already is on the high end of your battery.

Thats why Li-ion systems for those inverters should have at least 13s or better 14s.

I am working with a 14s battery on that inverter. Never getting a problem. 48V on 14s is already around 20% SOC.

 

[raffles]

Code 58 is AC output voltage low. So if the i

Code 58 is AC output voltage low. So if the inverter cannot pull enough power from the..

Thanks for the quick response!

( I guess the 12 VS 14 is the Chevy Volt year? I've teried to run my system from batteries only... It didn't handle my load. I was hoping it wasn't charged enough or the Amp is set too low or it will load balance. I have heard this controller has some firmware issues. More batteries would resolve? )

I guess my mathematical question is that can these batteries handle 4kW for a few minutes?

Also is there anything that could go between my batteries and controller so I could use standard controller settings. (Something like a UPS or other battery charging unit or even 2nd MPP)

I've looked at other batteries like Tesla and Leaf and can't find a plug and play solution. Is there one for MPPSOLAR?

( I'm happy with my off-grid system. Batteries would be a great addition. Not sure what to do with the Volt batteries I have. I also own two 2013 Chevy Volt cars. So I thought if I retire them I could put the good cells together. I'm in PHX Arizona so I only need a few minutes from the batteries. Otherwise my Air conditioner only uses 5% from the grid. )

 

[daromer]

Your best bet is to change to 14s. 12s is to low voltage and during sag it will shut down.

 

[not2bme]

( I guess the 12 VS 14 is the Chevy Volt year? I've teried to run my system from batteries only... It didn't handle my load. I was hoping it wasn't charged enough or the Amp is set too low or it will load balance. I have heard this controller has some firmware issues. More batteries would resolve? )

Wrong. 12S is 12 cells in series. ie. 3.8V*12=45.6V nominal. If they're like normal lithium, their range is typically between 3.0V to 4.2V. Ideal range is to use 3.5V to 4.1V.

In a 12S configuration:
3.5V * 12 cells = 42V
4.1V * 12 cells = 49.2V

Your PIP probably cannot go down to 42V so it will error out early because the voltage of the 12S pack is too low.

In a 14S configuration
3.5V * 14 cells = 49V
4.1V * 14 cells = 57.4V

That should be in the PIP's operating range.

 

[raffles]

It makes perfect sense! The PIP can't go bellow 48V... That is why it can randomly run for a few minutes than it goes to error 48! Awesome Thanks! I consider it to be resolved at this point. (I'm not sure if I need to change the batteries or the PIP or if there is another alternative. But I didn't read the spec ranges was the issue.) Thanks Everyone for the quick response! (Resolved)