Phi Battery Outback Integration Guide

©SIMPLIPHI POWER, INC.
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SimpliPhi Your Energy Security
and Independence
and gain control of your own power.
SimpliPhi Power helps you manage your power as a personal resource. Anytime.
Anywhere. SimpliPhi energy storage optimizes integration of any power generation
source – solar, wind, generator – on or off grid, and protects your home and
mission-critical business functions from power outages and intermittency. SimpliPhi
storage technology reduces operating temperature constraints, toxic coolants and
the risk of thermal runaway. Safe lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP). No cobalt. No
toxic hazards.
SimpliPhi’s battery technology utilizes the industry’s most environmentally benign

chemistry (LFP) combined with proprietary architecture and power electronics
(BMS) to create a portfolio of high performance, scalable and enduring energy
storage solutions that provide power security, resilience and daily cycling for
savings on your utility bill – all with a 98% efficiency rate.
SimpliPhi Power offers proprietary, commercially available energy storage and management systems
that are safe, non-toxic, reliable, durable, efficient, highly scalable, and economical over the lifetime
of the PHI Battery.
SimpliPhi Power, Inc. | 3100 Camino Del Sol | Oxnard, CA 93030, USA | (805) 640-6700 | [email protected]| SimpliPhiPower.com
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Table of Contents
1.1 – Product Information & Online Resources .............................................................................................................. 4
1.2 – Technical Support ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.0 – Testing .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.0 – PHI Battery Bank Sizing ............................................................................................................................................ 6
3.1 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate) .......................................................................... 6
3.2 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (DC Coupled) .............................................................. 9
3.3 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (AC Coupled) .............................................................10
3.4 – Overall Battery System Sizing ......................................................................................................................11
4.0 – Program Settings for PHI Batteries ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 – SkyBox Settings ................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2 – Inverter Settings (Non-SkyBox) ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 – FM100 / AFCI Charge Controller Wiring & Settings ................................................................................. 17
4.4 – FLEXnet DC Settings........................................................................................................................................ 20
4.5 – MATE3s Settings .............................................................................................................................................. 21
4.5.1 – FNDC Advanced Control...........................................................................................................................21
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1.0 – Introduction
1.1 – Product Information & Online Resources
This Integration Guide covers the recommended set up and configuration of Outback Power equipment for
optimizing performance with SimpliPhi PHI batteries. More information on SimpliPhi products can be found on
our website: https://simpliphipower.com/.
Specifically, the Product Documentation section of SimpliPhi’s web site (https://simpliphipower.com/product-
documentation/) includes Specification Sheets, Warranties, Installation & Operator’s Manuals, and Integration
Guides for all SimpliPhi’s current and legacy products.
Outback Power offers many products which are too numerous to be covered here. This Guide does not
substitute literature from OutBack Power. The Outback products covered in this guide include, but are not limited
to:
• SkyBox Hybrid Energy Systems (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/true-hybrid-energy-
system/skybox)
• Radian Series Inverter/Chargers (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/inverter-chargers/radian-
series) & Radian Series GS Load Centers (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/inverter-
chargers/radian-gs-load-centers)
• FXR/VFXR Series Inverter/Chargers (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/inverter-
chargers/fxr-vfxr-series)
• FLEXmax 100 / AFCI Charge Controllers (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/charge-
controllers/flexmax-100 & http://www.outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-
100-afci)
• MATE3s System Display & Controller (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/system-
management/mate3s)
• OPTICS RE Remote System Monitoring & Control
(http://www.outbackpower.com/products/system-management/optics-re)
• FLEXnet DC System Monitoring Device (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/system-
management/flexnet-dc)
• SystemEdge Pre-Bundled Solutions
o Energy Management Series (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/prebundled-
solutions/systemedge-energy-management-series)
 SystemEdge 415PHI-300AFCI
 SystemEdge 822PHI-300AFCI
 SystemEdge 514PHI
• FLEXpower Integrated Systems
o FLEXpower ONE FXR Series (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/integrated-
systems/flexpower-one-fxr)
o FLEXpower TWO FXR Series (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/integrated-
systems/flexpower-two-fxr)
o FLEXpower THREE FXR Series (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/integrated-
systems/flexpower-three-fxr)
o FLEXpower FOUR FXR Series (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/integrated-
systems/flexpower-four-fxr)
o FLEXpower Radian Series (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/integrated-
systems/flexpower-radian)
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OutBack Power has instructional videos showing various steps of the battery commissioning and system
programming process: http://www.outbackpower.com/resources/technical-support/videos.
1.2 – Technical Support

SimpliPhi Technical Support (805-640-6700 x 1, [email protected]) is available to take any
questions regarding this manual or general installation questions. For assistance with battery system
commissioning, SimpliPhi asks that a commissioning call be scheduled ahead of time with Technical Support.
We encourage you or your installer to contact SimpliPhi with any questions. We are committed to working with you
and your installation team to achieve a safe, reliable storage system that will provide years of maintenance-free
service that is covered by our Warranty terms & conditions.
CAUTION: Although each PHI Battery contains an internal BMS with circuitry that protects
the PHI Battery cells from over-charge, over-discharge and extreme load amperage, the PHI
Batteries must always be installed with appropriate inverter and/or charge controller settings
to protect the PHI Battery from open PV voltage and other high voltage charging sources.
Exposure to higher voltage than the PHI battery rating (12, 24 &48V) will destroy the PHI
batteries and Void the Warranty.
2.0 – Testing
SimpliPhi Power and EnerSys / Outback Power have performed qualification testing of the PHI Battery with
OutBack equipment. Settings and instruction outlined in this Integration Guide have been validated per these
testing procedures.
2.1 – Equipment Interoperability

According to the PHI Battery Warranty, SimpliPhi does not warrant PHI batteries damaged by “Incidental or
Consequential Damage Caused by Other Components of the Power System Including but not Limited to Inverters,
Charge Controllers, Breakers, Bypass Switches, Fuses, etc.” Many PHI battery models include built-in over-current
protection, but to mitigate risk of potential over-voltage damage from Balance of System equipment, additional
over-voltage protection may be installed between the system’s charge controller(s) and the PHI battery bank.
2.2 – OutBack Firmware Version

OutBack’s pre-SA firmware inverters with firmware versions preceding 001.006.063 do not allow for Low
Battery Cut Out (LBCO) programming to the level recommended for maintaining the PHI Batteries at a maximum
80% Depth of Discharge (DoD). Therefore, OutBack equipment paired with PHI Batteries should use firmware
version 001.006.063 or greater. In situations where this is not possible (in inverter models without an “A” suffix,
for instance), please consult OutBack Power to achieve the appropriate LBCO parameter:
[email protected].
2.2.1 – Verifying OutBack Firmware Version

To verify the firmware version of the equipment at hand, access the Main Menu in the MATE3s. “Access
to the Main Menu” instructions are detailed on page 2 of this MATE3s Programming Guide:
http://www.outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/system_management/mate3s/mate3s_program
mingguide_web.pdf.
From the Main Menu, select Settings, then System, then Firmware Versions:
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2.2.2 –OutBack Firmware Updates
If needed, firmware updates for OutBack equipment can be downloaded at this link:
http://www.outbackpower.com/resources-mobile/technical-support/firmware-updates.
OutBack’s instructional video showing a firmware update in the MATE3 is posted here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu81s-QFabY.
2.3 – Eliminating Battery Temperature Compensation

The PHI Batteries’ charging regimen does not include any temperature compensation. To achieve this, remove
the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) from the system entirely.
3.0 – PHI Battery Bank Sizing

PHI Batteries are designed to operate at the continuous ratings listed on the relevant PHI Battery model’s
Specification Sheet. Therefore, a properly sized PHI Battery bank must be sized to handle both the inverter’s
“load rate” as well as the maximum potential charge rate from the solar photovoltaic (PV) array. Take care to
consider not only the energy (kWh) requirement of the battery bank, but also all other power-related sizing
parameters, as outlined in Sections 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 and 3.4. Failure to do so will Void the Warranty.
CAUTION: PHI Battery bank sizing not in accordance with the following sections will damage
the PHI batteries and Void the Warranty
3.1 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)

The load rate is the amount of power that is discharged from the battery bank to the loads. This may include both
alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) loads. PHI Battery banks are sized so that the batteries’
combined maximum continuous discharge rate meets or exceeds the load rate.
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 ≥ (𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅) + (𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿, 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)
Because most loads are AC loads, the load rate is typically represented by the inverter’s AC Power Output rating.
Convert the inverter’s maximum potential AC power draw to the maximum potential DC power draw from the
battery bank by factoring in the inverter’s efficiency rating.
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = (𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴) ÷ (𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒)
Example: An inverter rated at 5 kW AC and 92% efficiency potentially draws 5.4 kW DC from the battery bank.
𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑒 = (5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴) ÷ (0.92) = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟒𝟒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
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If the system includes DC Loads, no AC-to-DC conversion is necessary. Calculate the minimum quantity of PHI
Batteries needed to ensure that the battery bank does not over-discharge by dividing the load rate by the MAX
Continuous Discharge Rate per PHI Battery (found in Table 1.0 or on the relevant battery’s specification sheet).
(𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅) ÷ (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵)

= 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
Example A: Three PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2Vnominal batteries must be paired with an inverter rated at 5 kW AC and 92%
efficiency to ensure the PHI Battery bank does not over-discharge to power the loads.
(5.4 𝑘𝑘𝑊𝑊 𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶) ÷ (1.92 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷) = 2.83 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝟑𝟑

Example B: Five PHI 3.8-25.6Vnominal batteries must be paired with an inverter rated at 5 kW AC and 92%
efficiency to ensure the PHI Battery bank does not over-discharge to power the loads.
(5.4 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶) ÷ (1.15 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷) = 4.72 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝟓𝟓

Note: Notice that the two different model batteries in the above example (51.2Vnominal and 25.6V nominal) have the
same capacity rating (3.8 kWh) but different MAX Continuous Discharge ratings. In applications where greater
instantaneous power is required of the battery, it is therefore more efficient to use the PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2Vnominal
battery with 1.92 kW of maximum continuous discharge versus the PHI 3.8 kWh-25.6Vnominal battery with 1.15
kW of continuous discharge. The same advantages apply when examining the two different model batteries’
surge capacity.
Example A and Example B, compared:

𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 × 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 =
1,000
Battery QTY Battery QTY

DC Load Needed to Meet Needed to Meet
PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2V MAX PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2V
AC Load (inv eff = Load Load
Continuous Discharge Surge Discharge
92%) Requirement Requirement
(Continuous) (10 min. Surge)
37.5
5 kW AC 5.4 kW DC 1.92 kW DC 60 ADC 3.072 kW DC 2.8 → 3 1.8 → 2
ADC
Battery QTY Battery QTY
Needed to Meet Needed to Meet
PHI 3.8 kWh-25.6V MAX PHI 3.8 kWh-25.6V
Load Load
Continuous Discharge Surge Discharge
Requirement Requirement
(Continuous) (10 min. Surge)
5 kW AC 5.4 kW DC 45 ADC 1.152 kW DC 60 ADC 1.536 kW DC 4.7 → 5 3.5 → 4
Refer to the Battery Bank Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate) tables on the following page
of this Integration Guide for a complete list of common OutBack inverters and the minimum quantity of PHI
Batteries those inverters need to be paired with to ensure that the PHI Battery bank does not over-discharge.
Over-discharging the PHI Batteries will destroy them and Void the Warranty.
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In the case where the inverter’s AC Power Output rating exceeds the connected loads’ actual power draw (i.e. the
inverter is rated at 5 kW but all loads amount to 3 kW of maximum instantaneous power draw), SimpliPhi still
expects that the proper additional precautions be made to ensure that the PHI Battery bank is not over-
discharged. This typically involves the installation of an additional overcurrent protection device between the PHI
Battery bank and the inverter to ensure that the PHI Battery bank does not discharge beyond its maximum
instantaneous power rating. Failure to do so will destroy the PHI batteries and Void the Warranty.
𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

= (𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞) × (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵)
Example: Two PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2Vnominal batteries must be installed with an additional 75 ADC-rated breaker
between the battery bank and the inverter.
(𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟) = 2 × 37.5𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 75𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
Minimum Battery Quantity per inverter calculation results are listed below. When using more than one inverter in a
system, PHI Battery bank sizing is more precise when the calculations described above are used instead of the following
tables.
48V Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)

Only 51.2Vnominal PHI Batteries can be paired with 48V-rated OutBack equipment.
Load
Inverter Power Inverter PHI 3.8-51.2Vnom PHI 2.9-51.2Vnom
48V Inverter Model Rate (kW
Rating (kW AC) Efficiency MIN Battery Quantity MIN Battery Quantity
DC)
OutBack Radian 8048A 8 93% 8.6 5 6
OutBack Radian 4048A 4 93% 4.3 3 3
OutBack SkyBox 5 97% 5.2 3 4
OutBack VFXR 3648A 3.6 93% 3.9 3 3
OutBack FXR 3048A 3 93% 3.2 2 3

Inverter PHI 3.8 - PHI 2.9 - PHI 1.4 - PHI 730 -

Load
Power Inverter 25.6Vnom 25.6Vnom 25.6Vnom 25.6Vnom
24V Inverter Model Rate (kW
Rating Efficiency MIN Battery MIN Battery MIN Battery MIN Battery
DC)
(kW AC) Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity
OutBack VFXR 3524A 3.5 92% 3.8 4 4 6 11

OutBack FXR 2524A 2.5 92% 2.7 3 3 4 8

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Inverter Load
Inverter PHI 1.4 - 12.8Vnom PHI 730 -12.8Vnom
12V Inverter Model Power Rating Rate (kW
Efficiency MIN Battery Quantity MIN Battery Quantity
(kW AC) DC)
OutBack VFXR 2812A 2.8 90% 3.1 7 9

OutBack FXR 2012A 2 90% 2.2 5 7
3.2 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (DC Coupled)

In a DC Coupled system, the solar PV array output can be curtailed using charge controllers. However, reducing
the solar array’s power output using charge controller programming implies that the PV array’s output is also
reduced for the entire remainder of the system, including the solar power available for powering loads and for
exporting to the grid. Furthermore, greatly reducing the PV array’s output via the charge controllers effectively
wastes the solar PV array’s power and puts strain on the charge controllers.
Calculate the minimum quantity of PHI Batteries needed to prevent over-charge from the solar PV array by
considering both the solar array size and the charge controller’s potential output. Whichever value is less should
be used to size the PHI Battery Bank. If the solar array’s maximum potential current output is less than the paired
charge controller’s Output Amps rating, then the solar array’s maximum potential current output can be used to
size the PHI Battery bank. If the charge controller’s Amp rating is less than the solar array’s maximum potential
current output, then the charge controller’s rating is used to size the PHI Battery bank.
Divide the system’s potential charging current by the MAX Continuous Charge Rate per PHI Battery (found in
Table 1.0 or on the relevant battery’s specification sheet) to calculate the minimum quantity of PHI Batteries
needed to ensure that the solar PV array does not over-charge the battery bank.
Example A: Three PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2Vnominal batteries (used in a 48-Volt system) must be paired with a 4,500-
Watt solar PV array wired to an 80 Amp-rated charge controller. In this case, the 80-Amp charge controller is
used to determine the minimum PHI Battery quantity needed to prevent over-charging from the solar PV.
𝑊𝑊𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 × 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
4,500 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 × 48 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
4,500 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊
= 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗. 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
48 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
80 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 < 93.75 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 → 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
(𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) ÷ (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵)
= 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑦𝑦 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
(80𝐴𝐴) ÷ (37.5𝐴𝐴) = 2.13 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝟑𝟑
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Example B: Two PHI 3.8 kWh-25.6Vnominal batteries (used in a 24-Volt system) must be paired with a 2,000-Watt
solar PV array wired to a 100 Amp-rated charge controller. In this case, the 2,000-Watt solar array is used to
determine the minimum PHI Battery quantity needed to prevent over-charging from the solar PV.
𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 × 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
2,000 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 × 24 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
2,000 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊
= 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
24 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
83.3 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 < 100 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 → 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖. 𝟑𝟑 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
(𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) ÷ (𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐶𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵)
= 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
(83.3𝐴𝐴) ÷ (45𝐴𝐴) = 1.85 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝟐𝟐
Refer to the Battery Bank Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate table below for a complete list of
OutBack charge controllers and the minimum quantity of PHI Batteries those controllers need to be paired with
to ensure that the PHI Battery bank does not over-charge (assuming that the charge controllers’ full current
output rating is utilized). Failing to do so will destroy the PHI batteries and Void the Warranty.
Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate

Assume the charge controller’s current output is fully utilized.
Minimum Battery Quantity

Max PHI PHI
Charge Controller PHI 3.8 PHI 2.9 PHI 3.8 PHI 2.9 PHI 1.4 PHI 1.4
Output 730 730
Model 51.2V 51.2V 25.6V 25.6V 25.6V 12.8V
(ADC) 25.6V 12.8V
OutBack FM 100 / AFCI 100 3 4 3 3 4 8 3 4
3.3 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (AC Coupled)

In an AC Coupled system, charge controllers do not regulate the PV solar array’s output, and many battery-based
inverters fail to effectively regulate the array’s output for battery charging. Therefore, in an AC Coupled system,
SimpliPhi assumes that all the connected PV array’s potential power output will charge the system’s batteries.
Determine the minimum quantity of PHI Batteries needed to prevent over-charge from the solar PV array by
dividing the solar array’s power rating by the MAX Continuous Charge Rate per PHI Battery (found on the
relevant battery’s specification sheet).
Example: Four PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2Vnominal batteries must be paired with 7.6 kW of AC Coupled solar PV to ensure
the PHI Battery bank does not over-charge from the solar array.
(7.6 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘) ÷ (1.92 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘) = 3.96 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 4
In addition to the Battery Bank Sizing requirements outlined above, also adhere to OutBack’s AC Coupling
Guidelines and system sizing considerations.
• AC Coupling with the Radian:
http://www.outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/appnotes/ac_coupling_radian.pdf
• AC Coupling with the SkyBox:
http://www.outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/appnotes/ac_coupling_skybox.pdf
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CAUTION: Not all grid-tie inverters (including micro-inverters) successfully AC Couple with
battery-based inverters. Some grid-tie inverter manufacturers require specific updates to
their equipment (via their Support staff) when configuring an AC Coupled system. Make sure
to contact the relevant grid-tie inverter manufacturer regarding the feasibility of AC Coupling
prior to an AC Coupled installation using OutBack equipment and SimpliPhi batteries.
CAUTION: Radians operate in Grid Tied or Generator modes only when AC Coupled; they do
not operate in Mini Grid or Grid Zero modes when AC Coupled. SkyBox AC Coupling allows
for inverter operation in additional modes. For more information on this, refer to the above
linked AC Coupling Application Notes or contact OutBack Power: [email protected].
Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (AC Coupled)

Minimum Battery Quantity per inverter calculation results are listed below. These calculations assume that the AC
Coupled grid-tie inverter used in the system fulfills the maximum allowable rating according to OutBack’s AC Coupling
guidelines. When AC Coupling to a grid-tie inverter with a rating lower than described in the table below, or when using
more than one inverter in a system, PHI Battery bank sizing is more precise when the calculation described in the
example above is used instead of the following table.
Inverter Power MAX AC Coupled GTI PHI 3.8-51.2Vnom PHI 2.9-51.2Vnom

48V Inverter Model
Rating (kW AC) Rating (kW AC) MIN Battery Quantity MIN Battery Quantity
OutBack Radian 8048A 8 7.6 4 5

OutBack Radian 4048A 4 3.8 2 3
5 (non-UL1741SA
compliant) or up to 7.6
OutBack SkyBox 5 4 6
(UL1741SA compliant
inverters only)
3.4 – Overall Battery System Sizing

Size the PHI battery bank so that the minimum number of batteries in the bank is the greater of the two figures
obtained from the Discharge and Charge calculations. For example, a system that requires 5 PHI Batteries to
ensure that the battery bank does not over-discharge and 3 PHI Batteries to ensure that the battery bank does
not over-charge, should include a final minimum quantity of 5 batteries. Failure to do so will destroy the PHI
batteries and will Void the Warranty.
Note that these sizing guidelines and program settings outlined in Section 4.0 – Program Settings for PHI
Batteries assume that solar PV charging and charging via the inverter/charger do not occur simultaneously. If
there is a possibility that these two charging sources might be active at the same time in your system, please
consult OutBack Power ([email protected]).
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Note also that the quantity of PHI Batteries calculated from this sizing guide is the minimum requirement to
prevent over-discharge and over-charge from an instantaneous power perspective. The system may need more
PHI Batteries in the battery bank in order to meet the system’s energy requirement (the amount of power the
batteries must supply to the loads over time).
Refer to SimpliPhi’s online Battery Bank Sizing Estimator tool for assistance with sizing the PHI Battery Bank
according to connected loads and the desired number of days of autonomy:
https://simpliphipower.com/support/battery-bank-sizing-estimator/.
CAUTION: Not all system discharge or charge characteristics can be mitigated via
programming. Under-sizing a PHI Battery bank relative to the system’s maximum discharge or
charge rate will destroy the PHI Batteries and Void the Warranty.
4.0 – Program Settings for PHI Batteries

4.1 – SkyBox Settings
Unlike most other equipment, the OutBack SkyBox has PHI battery-related settings pre-programmed into
versions 1.5.0 and later. Instead of programming custom settings into the equipment (as described in later sub-
sections of this Section 4.0 – Program Settings for PHI Batteries), simply select “SimpliPhi” from the dropdown
menu on the SkyBox’s Battery Configuration screen in order to maintain the PHI Battery warranty:
Refer to this linked SkyBox: Commissioning with Energy Storage video for further instruction:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twmI7_og-Dw.
4.2 – Inverter Settings (Non-SkyBox)

In order to maintain the PHI Battery Warranty, it is critical to ensure that the appropriate settings are
programmed in all system components. The settings outlined in the following section maintain a maximum 80%
Depth of Discharge (DoD) for the PHI batteries, thereby optimizing the performance and life of the PHI batteries.
Not all OutBack equipment includes all the below listed settings. Settings that are not explicitly listed below do
not directly pertain to the PHI batteries. Refer to the relevant OutBack manual for more detailed information on
any one of the listed settings.
OutBack equipment networked together via the HUB and with a MATE3s system controller can be programmed
via the MATE3s (instead of directly in the inverter/charger and/or charge controller). Video instructions for
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programming battery charging settings via the MATE3s are posted here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDsLpuSDG7o. (Note: This video shows inverter/charger programming; make
sure to also program charge controller settings by selecting Charge Controller in the Settings menu.)
The following Table outlines settings for the Radian and FXR/VFXR inverters, not the SkyBox.
Table 1.0 – Settings for PHI Batteries with OutBack Inverters Based on 80% DoD Levels
Inverter Settings
51.2Vnom PHI Battery 25.6Vnom PHI Battery 12.8Vnom PHI Battery
> Battery Charging
Absorb Voltage 56V 28V 14V
Absorb Time 0.1 hours
N/A
Float Voltage (54V / 27V / 13.5V may be used as a placeholder value, but Float is disabled
by setting Float Time to 0)
Re-Bulk Voltage 50.8V 25.4V 12.7V
Float Time 0 Hours
N/A
Re-Float Voltage (50V / 25V / 12.5V may be used as a placeholder value, but Float is disabled
by setting Float Time to 0)
N/A
EQ Voltage (54.4V / 27.2V / 13.6V may be used as a placeholder value, but EQ is disabled
by setting EQ Time to 0)
EQ Time 0 Hours
> Battery Protection
Low Battery Cut-Out Voltage1 50V 25V 12.5V
Low Battery Cut-Out Delay 130 seconds
Low Battery Cut-In Voltage 52V 26V 13V
High Battery Cut-Out Voltage 60V 30V 15V
High Battery Cut-Out Delay 1 second
High Battery Cut-In Voltage 54V 27V 13.5V
> Mini Grid
Mini Grid Connect to Grid
Refer to Section 4.2.1
Mini Grid Delay
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> Grid Zero
Grid Zero DOD Volts
Refer to Section 4.2.2
Grid Zero DOD Amps
Inverter Settings
> AC Input
AC Input Select Priority Program this setting according to the homeowner’s system preference.
Charger Operating Mode Program this setting according to the homeowner’s system preference.
Charger AC Limit Refer to Section 4.2.3
> Grid
Grid Input Mode Program this setting according to the homeowner’s system preference.
Grid-Tie Program this setting according to the system’s setup.
Sell Voltage2 54V 26.4V 13.2V
Notes:
1. SimpliPhi recommends programming equpment as outlined in Table 1.0 above in order to maintain 80% DoD levels. Programming to
90% DoD (49.6V / 24.8V / 12.4V) and 100% DoD (48V / 24V / 12V) levels are permissable, but result in shorteneed cycle life (refer to
the PHI Battery Warranty for more information).
2. Sell Voltage parameter appears in the OutBack Radian inverter only.
• Levels are typical @ 25°C and may need adjusting at temperature extremes.
• When performing rapid deep charge/discharge cycles the battery should be allowed to “rest” 15 minutes in between.
CAUTION: When PHI Battery quantities change the capacity and charge/discharge current
settings must be reassessed. Failure to do so will Void the Warranty.
4.2.1 – Mini Grid Mode & Settings

According to the OutBack Radian Series Inverter/Charger Operator’s Manual:
“In Mini Grid mode, the Radian inverter automatically rejects an AC source and runs solely from battery
(and renewable) energy. The inverter only connects to the AC source (the utility grid) when the batteries
run too low… The inverter will reconnect to the utility grid if the battery voltage decreases to the Connect
to Grid set point after the Delay time period.”
By programming Mini Grid Connect to Grid to 50.4V and Mini Grid Delay to 2 minutes, the Radian allows
the batteries to discharge to about 80% DoD. A voltage of 50.4V is typically the recommend voltage
setting for the Connect to Grid parameter.
In Mini Grid mode and while connected to the utility grid, “the inverter’s charger can be set either On or
Off. If the charger is turned on, the inverter will proceed through a full charging cycle. Upon reaching the
end of the charging cycle, the inverter will disconnect from the grid.”
4.2.2 – Grid Zero Mode & Settings

“In Grid Zero mode, the Radian inverter remains grid-connected, but prioritizes the use of battery or
renewable sources to run loads. It uses only renewable energy to recharge the batteries… Any time the
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batteries exceed the DoD Volts setting by 0.8 Vdc or more, the Radian will send power from the batteries
to the loads. As the battery voltage decreases to the DoD Volts setting, the inverter will reduce the rate
of flow toward zero and loads will be powered by the grid. It will maintain the batteries at this setting
until renewable sources recharge the batteries.”
Remember, the programmed Re-Bulk Voltage in the inverter is ignored while in Grid Zero mode because
the inverter’s charger is off. In this mode, the batteries charge only from the renewable energy source via
the connected charge controller(s).
“When DoD Volts is set low, this mode allows more renewable energy to be delivered from the batteries
to the loads. However, it will also leave less battery reserve in the event of a grid failure.”
By programming Grid Zero DoD Volts to 50V, the Radian inverter will begin curtailing the batteries’
discharge at 50.8V. Setting Grid Zero DoD Volts to 50V is the lowest permitted value while still
maintaining the PHI Batteries’ ~80% maximum DoD.
“When DoD Volts is set high, the batteries will not be discharged as deeply and will retain more of a
backup reserve. However, not as much renewable energy will be sent to the loads.”
By programming Grid Zero DoD Volts to 51.6V, the Radian inverter will begin curtailing the batteries’
discharge at 52.4V, nearly 100% Sate of Charge (SoC). It would not make sense to program Grid Zero
DoD Volts to a value higher than 51.6V.
Refer to the Battery Voltage VS. SoC Table at the end of this document for further guidance.
“To prolong cycle life and increase battery capacity, the rate of discharge can be limited using the DoD
Amps setting. This item should be set lower than the current provided by the renewable source.”
Refer to the Charger AC Limit Table for the maximum permissible Amps AC — charge or discharge — per
battery.
4.2.3 – Radian Charger AC Limit Calculation

The OutBack Radian inverter/charger’s Charger Limit setting is regulated on the AC input side of the
charger (not the DC side of the charger). Convert the PHI Battery bank’s maximum* continuous DC
charging current to the charger’s AC current limit by following these steps:
1. Convert the PHI Battery bank’s maximum continuous DC charging current to DC watts.
2. Apply the charger efficiency.
3. Convert AC watts to AC current.
*When Grid charging specifically, it is permissible to charge the battery bank according to its maximum continuous DC charging
current, but SimpliPhi recommends charging at less than the maximum current. In a Grid charging scenario, multiply the Charging
Amps found according to this section by 40% or less.
Example: Four PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2Vnominal batteries (used in a 48-Volt system) are paired with an OutBack
Radian GS8048A model inverter/charger.
1. Each PHI 3.8 kWh-51.2V battery has a maximum continuous DC charging current of 37.5 Amps DC,
or 1,920 Watts DC at the battery’s 51.2 nominal voltage. The four-battery bank has a combined
maximum continuous DC charging current of 150 Amps DC, or 7,680 Watts DC.
𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 × 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
1,920 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 37.5 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 × 51.2 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
7,680 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 4 × 37.5 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 × 51.2 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
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2. Apply the charger efficiency. If the charger converts AC Input power to DC Charging power at an
85% efficiency rate, then over 9,000 Watts AC can be used as the charger’s maximum AC Input.
7,680 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
= 9,035.3 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
0.85
3. Convert AC watts to AC current, by dividing AC watts by the inverter’s AC Voltage rating. The
OutBack Radian has a 240VAC output rating, but some other OutBack inverters are rated at
120VAC.
9,035.3 𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
= 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟔𝟔 𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨 𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨
240 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
The OutBack Radian GS8048A has a maximum AC Input Charge Current of 30 Aac, lower than the
calculated 37.6 Aac maximum for the four-battery bank. Therefore, the Radian’s inverter/charger can
operate at its full 30 Aac-rated charger output without over-charging the PHI battery bank.
Typically, a properly sized PHI Battery bank will have a maximum charging current greater than the paired
inverter/charger’s maximum potential charging output. If a PHI Battery bank is under-sized relative to its
paired inverter, in addition to programming a lower inverter/charger charge limit, other additional
precautions must also be taken to protect the battery from over-discharge (refer to Section 3.1 – Sizing
for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)).
PHI Batteries’ Maximum Charge Rates Table

Refer to either the “Amps AC at 240VAC” or the “Amps AC at 120VAC” column depending on the AC
Output rating of the inverter in use. Values are per battery; calculate the Charger AC Limit by multiplying
the per-battery value by the number of batteries. If necessary, round figures down to the closest whole
number.
Table 2.0 – PHI Batteries’ Maximum Charge Rates
MAX MAX
Watts AC
Continuous Continuous
(assume Amps AC Charge Amps AC Charge
PHI Battery Charge Charge
85% Limit per Battery Limit per Battery
Model Rate per Rate per
Charger at 240VAC at 120VAC
Battery Battery
Efficiency)
(ADC) (Watts DC)
PHI 3.8-51.2Vnom 37.5 1,920 2,259 9.4 18.8
PHI 3.5-51.2Vnom 34 1,741 2,048 8.5 17.1
PHI 3.4-51.2Vnom 33 1,690 1,988 8.3 16.6
PHI 3.8-25.6Vnom 45 1,152 1,355 5.6 11.3
PHI 3.5-25.6Vnom 45 1,152 1,355 5.6 11.3
PHI 3.4-25.6Vnom 45 1,152 1,355 5.6 11.3
PHI 2.9-51.2Vnom 28.5 1,459 1,717 7.2 14.3
PHI 2.7-51.2Vnom 26 1,331 1,566 6.5 13.1
PHI 2.6-51.2Vnom 25 1,280 1,506 6.3 12.5
PHI 2.9-25.6Vnom 45 1,152 1,355 5.6 11.3
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PHI 2.7-25.6Vnom 45 1,152 1,355 5.6 11.3
PHI 2.6-25.6Vnom 45 1,152 1,355 5.6 11.3
PHI 1.4-25.6Vnom 28.5 730 858 3.6 7.2
PHI 1.3-25.6Vnom 26 666 783 3.3 6.5
PHI 1.4-12.8Vnom 45 576 678 2.8 5.6
PHI 1.3-12.8Vnom 40 512 602 2.5 5.0
PHI 730-25.6Vnom 14 358 422 1.8 3.5
PHI 675-25.6Vnom 13 333 392 1.6 3.3
PHI 730-12.8Vnom 28.5 365 429 1.8 3.6
PHI 675-12.8Vnom 26 333 392 1.6 3.3
4.3 – FM100 / AFCI Charge Controller Wiring & Settings

The FM100 and FM100 AFCI charge controller’s Aux terminals 7 and 8 must be utilized for the Battery Sense to
function. Refer to page 21 of the FM100 charge controller manual for additional information regarding the
device’s Battery Sense terminals and Battery Sense function:
http://www.outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/charge_controllers/flexmax_100/flexmax100_manual.pdf
A twisted-pair cable can be wired from Aux terminal 7 (negative) and 8 (positive) to any of the (respective)
negative and positive battery terminals in the PHI Battery bank. If the system includes more than one charge
controller, daisy chain the wiring from Aux terminals 7 and 8 in the multiple charge controllers.
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Table 3.0 – Settings for SimpliPhi PHI Battery w/ OutBack Charge Controller
Charger 51.2Vnom PHI Battery 25.6Vnom PHI Battery 12.8Vnom PHI Battery
Absorb Voltage1 56.4V 28.2V 14.1V
Absorb Time 0.1 hour
Float Voltage 54V 27V 13.5V
ReBulk Voltage 51.2V 25.6V 12.8V
PHI battery banks sized according to Section 3.2 – Sizing for Maximum
DC Current Limit Instantaneous Charge Rate (DC Coupled) do not require any limitation of
the charge controller’s DC Current output.
2% of the PHI Battery bank’s capacity
Absorb End Amps2
OR disabled (End Amps = 0) if the system includes a FNDC
MPPT Refer to page 44 of the FM100 Manual
Battery Equalize
Although Equalize is Disabled, the below values may be used as placeholders.
Equalization Voltage
56.4V 28.2V 14.1V
Equalization Time Although Equalize is Disabled, 0-1 Hours may be used as a placeholder value.
Automatic Battery Equalization 0 Days (disables Equalization)
Grid-Tie Mode
N (No) when the system does not export energy onto the grid, and/or
when the entire system is not composed of all OutBack devices networked
to each other via the HUB.
Enable Grid-Tie Mode
Y (Yes) when the system exports energy onto the grid and the entire
system is composed of OutBack devices (including a grid-interactive
OutBack inverter) networked to each other via the HUB.
Notes:
1. Setting the charge controller’s Absorb Voltage higher than inverter’s Absorb Voltage prioritizes charge controller charging over
inverter charging. If the system does not utilize an inverter/charger for battery charging from an AC power source, the Absorb
Voltage in the charge controller may be programmed to the same Absorb Voltages listed in Section 4.2 – Inverter Settings.
2. Refer to Section 1.3.1 – Absorb End Amps.
1.3.1 – Absorb End Amps

Ideally, the end of the PHI battery bank’s Absorb charging phase is indicated by a low current (2% of the
battery bank’s Amp-hour rating) rather than by its length of time in the Absorb stage. In scenarios where
the OutBack system contains a single charge controller and no FLEX net DC (FNDC) device, this low-
current trigger can be programmed using the Absorb End Amps setting in the charge controller. In
scenarios where a FNDC is included in the OutBack system (there is more than one FM100 or for any
other reason), this low-current trigger is instead programmed via the FNDC’s Return Amps setting and
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Absorb End Amps is disabled in the charge controller (set to 0). Note that in any OutBack system that
includes a FNDC, the OutBack equipment will defer to the Return Amps setting in the FNDC rather than
the Absorb End Amps setting in the FM100.
In either situation, the low-current trigger setting is calculated by multiplying the nominal per-battery
Amp-hour value times the number of batteries in the PHI Battery bank, times 0.02:
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = (𝐴𝐴ℎ 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑏𝑏𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) × (𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏) × (0.02)
The table below includes the per-battery Amp-hour (Ah) value for a wide variety of PHI Battery models,
including legacy batteries.
Table 4.0 – PHI Batteries’ Capacity Ratings
Capacity 2% of Capacity
PHI Battery Model Rating per Rating per
Battery (Ah) Battery
PHI 3.8-51.2Vnom 75* 1.5
PHI 3.5-51.2Vnom 69* 1.38
PHI 3.4-51.2Vnom 67* 1.34
PHI 3.8-25.6Vnom 151 3.02
PHI 3.5-25.6Vnom 138 2.76
PHI 3.4-25.6Vnom 134 2.68
PHI 2.9-51.2Vnom 57* 1.14
PHI 2.7-51.2Vnom 52* 1.04
PHI 2.6-51.2Vnom 51.2 1.024
PHI 2.9-25.6Vnom 115 2.3
PHI 2.7-25.6Vnom 105 2.1
PHI 2.6-25.6Vnom 102.4 2.048
PHI 1.4-25.6Vnom 57 1.14
PHI 1.3-25.6Vnom 52 1.04
PHI 1.4-12.8Vnom 115 2.3
PHI 1.3-12.8Vnom 105 2.1
PHI 730-25.6Vnom 28.5 0.57
PHI 675-25.6Vnom 26 0.52
PHI 730-12.8Vnom 57 1.14
PHI 675-12.8Vnom 1.0452
Note: Battery Ah capacities less than 100Ah are not programmable in the FLEXnet DC.
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4.4 – FLEXnet DC Settings
While the FLEXnet DC (FNDC) provides data logging of shunt information, it does not provide reliable State of
Charge (SoC) measurements of the PHI Batteries when successive partial charging takes place at variable charge
and discharge rates over many cycles. For this reason, using an FNDC in conjunction with PHI Batteries can
frequently be misleading. SimpliPhi certainly recommends against using the FNDC with PHI Battery banks rated
at an Amp-hour (Ah) value less than 100Ah (the lowest programmable value in the FNDC).
Table 5.0 – Settings for SimpliPhi PHI Battery w/ OutBack FLEXnet DC
FLEXnet DC Settings 51.2Vnom PHI Battery 25.6Vnom PHI Battery 12.8Vnom PHI Battery
Battery Ah1 Refer to Table 4.0 – Capacity Ratings per Battery (Ah)
54V 27V 13.5V
Charged Voltage (V)
0.4/0.2/0.1 volts lower than the lowest charger’s Absorb voltage setting
Charged Time 1 minute
Charged Return Amps2 2% of the PHI Battery bank’s capacity (Refer to Table 4.0)
Battery Charge Factor 98%
Relay Invert Logic No
All Relay Set Points remain as the Default settings because the PHI Battery
AUX Relay Set Points
does not require that the relay be utilized.
Notes:
1. Per PHI Battery – These settings are calculated by multiplying the per-battery Ah value times the # of batteries. Refer to Table
4.0 – Capacity Ratings per Battery (Ah). Note that 100Ah is the minimum programmable value.
2. This setting is calculated by either (A) multiplying the per-battery Amp-hour (Ah) value times the # of batteries, then
multiplying by 0.02, or (B) multiplying the per-battery 2%-capacity value times the # of batteries. Refer to Table 4.0 – 2% of
Capacity Rating per Battery for all PHI Battery models’ per-battery 2%-capacity value.
To avoid conflict between the Return Amps parameter programmed in the FNDC and the Absorb End Amps parameter in any
connected OutBack charge controller, disable the charge controller’s Absorb End Amps parameter by setting it to 0 when a
FNDC is included in the OutBack system.
Instead of using the FNDC for SoC readings, the PHI Batteries’ most accurate SoC gauge is according to voltage:
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Table 6.0 – Battery Voltage VS. State of Charge (SOC) at C/2 Discharge Rate
SOC 51.2Vnom PHI Battery 25.6Vnom PHI Battery 12.8Vnom PHI Battery
100% > 52.5 VDC > 26.25 VDC > 13.13 VDC
95% 51.7 VDC 25.9 VDC 12.93
90% 51.65 VDC 25.8 VDC 12.91
75% 51.4 VDC 25.7 VDC 12.85
50% 51.0 VDC 25.5 VDC 12.75
20% 50.2 VDC 25.1 VDC 12.55
10% 49.5 VDC 24.8 VDC 12.38
0% 48.0 VDC 24.0 VDC 12.0
4.5 – MATE3s Settings

4.5.1 – FNDC Advanced Control
The MATE3s System Display and Controller allows for the monitoring and programming of all connected
OutBack equipment.
Table 7.0 – Settings for SimpliPhi PHI Battery w/ OutBack FLEXnet DC Advanced Control
FNDC Advanced Control

FNDC Advanced Control Low SoC Warning = 20%
FNDC Advanced Control Critical SoC Warning = 10%
4.5.2 – Advanced Generator Start

Advanced Generator Start (AGS) capabilities are built into OutBack equipment. Refer to OutBack’s GS
Load Center Manual for generator wiring instructions, and program the AGS via the MATE3s. According
to OutBack, “AGS Mode utilizes the auxiliary (AUX) output on the inverter or charge controller and is
compatible with any two-wire start generator.” Verify generator compatibility directly with OutBack
Power: [email protected]. Refer to page 117 in the MATE3s manual for the AGS Functional
Test.
In the MATE3s’s Main Menu (accessed by pressing the TOP key on the MATE3s), select Settings, then
MATE3s, then Advanced Generator Start.
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Table 8.0 – Settings for SimpliPhi PHI Battery w/ OutBack MATE3s AGS
AGS Setup
AGS Enabled Y to enable the AGS mode
Port Identifies the HUB port (1-10) for the device that is going to control the
gen
Fault Time The amount of time the generator is given to connect before an AGS Fault
message appears and a fault is logged in the system
Control (Radian inverters only) Selects which terminals will be used for AGS: AUX Output or AUX Relay
Warm Up Time Individual to the specific generator
Coll Down Time Individual to the specific generator
DC Generator Y if a DC Generator is used
AGS Voltage Start 51.2Vnom PHI Battery 25.6Vnom PHI Battery 12.8Vnom PHI Battery
24 Hour Start Disable N
2 Hour Start Disable N
Enable Y, minimum values below (correlate with 80% DoD)
2 Minute Start
50.4V 25.2V 12.6V
AGS Load Start
Enabled Enable Y when necessary (refer to application described below)
1.9 kW per PHI 3.8-51.2Vnom model battery
1.1 kW per PHI 3.8-25.6Vnom battery
Start (kW)1
0.3 kW per PHI 730-25.6Vnom model battery
0.3 kW per PHI 730-12.8Vnom model battery
Start Delay Varies depending on the characteristics of the loads.
~0-1 minutes can be used.
Stop (kW) Varies depending on the characteristics of the loads.
The Start kW minus 100 Watts can be used but may need adjustment.
Stop Delay Varies depending on the characteristics of the loads.
~0-1 minutes can be used.
Notes:
1. Per PHI Battery – These settings are calculated by multiplying the per-battery kW value times the # of batteries. Refer to
Table 2.0 – MAX Continuous Charge Rate per Battery (Watts DC) and convert Watts to kiloWatts for legacy battery
specifications.
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According to OutBack, the AGS’s 2 Minute Voltage Start is “considered an emergency start set point and
… will start the generator regardless of Quiet Time settings.” Programming this parameter according to the
settings listed in Table 8.0 above ensures that the battery does not discharge below ~80% Depth of
Discharge. Triggering the generator to turn on from the AGS Voltage Start setting not only results in the
loads being powered from the generator instead of the PHI battery bank, but also initiates a full battery
charge cycle via the inverter/charger.
According to OutBack, AGS “Load Start will start a generator whenever the total system AC load wattage
exceeds the Start set point for the programmed amount of time (Delay). The generator will then be
stopped when the AC load has dropped below a Stop set point for a programmed amount of tie (Delay).”
This setting is especially useful when a PHI Battery bank is slightly under-sized relative to the inverter’s
Load Rate (refer to Section 3.1 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge). If the PHI Battery bank is
sized such that the its maximum continuous discharge rate meets or exceeds the inverter’s Load Rate, it
is unnecessary to utilize this setting.
When the generator is running because of Load Start, the inverter system will charge the batteries.
However, it is not programmed to perform a complete charge cycle. If the generator stops upon reaching
its Stop criteria/set point, the charge might not be completed.
AGS Voltage Start and AGS Load Start settings can be used in parallel. Whichever condition is met first
starts the generator.
Because PHI Battery SoC readings in the OutBack equipment are unreliable in partial charging
applications, SimpliPhi recommends against using the AGS SoC Start parameter and favors the AGS
Voltage Start and/or AGS Load Start parameters instead.
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©SIMPLIPHI POWER, INC.

SimpliPhi’s battery technology utilizes the industry’s most environmentally benign

1.2 – Technical Support ................................................................................................................................................ 5

2.0 – Testing .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.0 – PHI Battery Bank Sizing ............................................................................................................................................ 6

3.1 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate) .......................................................................... 6

3.4 – Overall Battery System Sizing ......................................................................................................................11

4.0 – Program Settings for PHI Batteries ...................................................................................................................... 12

4.1 – SkyBox Settings ................................................................................................................................................. 12

4.2 – Inverter Settings (Non-SkyBox) ...................................................................................................................... 12

4.3 – FM100 / AFCI Charge Controller Wiring & Settings ................................................................................. 17

4.4 – FLEXnet DC Settings........................................................................................................................................ 20

4.5 – MATE3s Settings .............................................................................................................................................. 21

4.5.1 – FNDC Advanced Control...........................................................................................................................21

1.2 – Technical Support

2.1 – Equipment Interoperability

2.2 – OutBack Firmware Version

2.2.1 – Verifying OutBack Firmware Version

2.3 – Eliminating Battery Temperature Compensation

3.0 – PHI Battery Bank Sizing

3.1 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)

(5.4 𝑘𝑘𝑊𝑊 𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶) ÷ (1.92 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷) = 2.83 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝟑𝟑

(5.4 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶) ÷ (1.15 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷) = 4.72 → 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝟓𝟓

Example A and Example B, compared:

Battery QTY Battery QTY

48V Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)

24V Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)

Inverter PHI 3.8 - PHI 2.9 - PHI 1.4 - PHI 730 -

OutBack VFXR 3524A 3.5 92% 3.8 4 4 6 11

12V Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Discharge (Load Rate)

OutBack VFXR 2812A 2.8 90% 3.1 7 9

3.2 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (DC Coupled)

Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate

Minimum Battery Quantity

3.3 – Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (AC Coupled)

Sizing for Maximum Instantaneous Charge Rate (AC Coupled)

Inverter Power MAX AC Coupled GTI PHI 3.8-51.2Vnom PHI 2.9-51.2Vnom

OutBack Radian 8048A 8 7.6 4 5

3.4 – Overall Battery System Sizing

4.0 – Program Settings for PHI Batteries

4.2 – Inverter Settings (Non-SkyBox)

Absorb Voltage 56V 28V 14V

Absorb Time 0.1 hours

4.2.1 – Mini Grid Mode & Settings

4.2.2 – Grid Zero Mode & Settings

4.2.3 – Radian Charger AC Limit Calculation

PHI Batteries’ Maximum Charge Rates Table

Table 2.0 – PHI Batteries’ Maximum Charge Rates

4.3 – FM100 / AFCI Charge Controller Wiring & Settings

1.3.1 – Absorb End Amps

Table 5.0 – Settings for SimpliPhi PHI Battery w/ OutBack FLEXnet DC

95% 51.7 VDC 25.9 VDC 12.93

90% 51.65 VDC 25.8 VDC 12.91

75% 51.4 VDC 25.7 VDC 12.85

50% 51.0 VDC 25.5 VDC 12.75

20% 50.2 VDC 25.1 VDC 12.55

10% 49.5 VDC 24.8 VDC 12.38

0% 48.0 VDC 24.0 VDC 12.0

4.5 – MATE3s Settings