Growatt ARK 2.5L-A1 User manual

Shenzhen Growatt New Energy CO.,LTD
No.28 Guangming Road, Shiyan Street, Bao’an District,
Shenzhen, P.R.China
No.28 Guangming Road, Shiyan Street, Bao’an District,
Shenzhen, P.R.China
[phone]
www.ginverter.comwww.ginverter.com
T
E
W
[e-mail]@ginverter.com
[phone]
Download
Manual
Growatt New Energy Residential Energy Storage User Manual
ARK 2.5L-A1 Battery System
GR-UM-228-A-00

Contents
1 Product Overview
2 Safety
3 Storage and Transportation
2.1 Basic security
2.2 Safety Precautions
2.3 Warning Labels
2.4 Emergency Responses
4 Installation
5 Power on and off the Battery
5 1 Power On.
5.2 Power off
6.1 Preparation
6.2 PACK Replacement
6.3 System Failure Information List
and Troubleshooting Suggestions
6 Maintenance Guide
7 Technical Specifications
Appendix I
1.1 Intended Use
1.2 Appearance
1.3 Working Principle and Function
3.1 Storage Requirements
3.2 Transportation Requirement
4 1 Basic Installation Requirements.
4.2 Installation Required Tools
4.3 Installation Procedures
4.4 Electrical Connection
About this Document
This document describes the installation, electrical connection, operation, commission,
maintenance and troubleshooting of ARK 2.5L-A1 Battery System (hereafter simply put
ARK 2.5L-A1). Before installing and operating ARK-2.5L-A1, ensure that you are familiar
with product features, functions, and safety precautions provided in this document.
Symbol
Description
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, if not avoided, could result
in serious injury or death.
WARNING

Each ARK 2.5L-A1 consists of 50Ah cells which form 51.2V voltage battery module and
sixteen serial connection (1P16S).Two to ten ARK 2.5L-A1 can be connected in parallel
and extend the capacity and power of energy storage system. The same type of cell and
the same software version of the PACK can be used in parallel. Specifically, the ARK
battery system powers the loads through PCS at nighttime without solar; when solar
becomes available during daytime, solar energy powers the loads as a priority and store
residual solar power into the ARK batter system.
1.2 Appearance
1 Product Overview
1.1 Intended Use
ARK-2.5L-A1 consists of battery module (including cell and mechanical parts), battery
management system (BMS) as well as power and communication terminals. Product
appearance is shown as below.
Fig 1.1: Battery dimensions and end Connector face introduction
Location
Port
Function
1
Communication interface
PCS CAN communication
2
LINK-IN CAN communication
3
LINK-OUT CAN communication
4
Safety vent
Balance air pressure
5
Negative terminal
Stands for PACK anode output
6
GND terminal
Terminal connect to ground
7
Positive terminal
Stands for PACK cathode output
8
USB interface
USB interface for system upgrade
9
Lamp panel
SOC and status display panel
10
Power button
Starting up
12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No.
Name
Color
Description
A
LED 1
Blue
0%-25%
B
LED 2
Blue
26%-50%
C
LED 3
Blue
51%-75%
D
LED 4
Blue
76%-100%
E
RUN
Green
Normal operation
F
ALM
Red
Failure or protection status
1.3 Working Principle and Function
ARK 2.5L-A1 is an energy storage unit composed of electrochemical cells, switch button,
battery management unit, power and signal terminals, and mechanical parts. It features
better charge and discharge performance, more precise status monitor, longer cycle life,
and less self-discharge loss than other batteries. Two to ten PACKs connected in parallel
increase the capacity and power of battery system; the whole battery system
communicates to Power Conversion System (PCS) via CAN.
ØMonitoring: voltage, current and temperature detection of both single cells and PACK.
ØProtection and Alarm: protection and alarm when overvoltage, under voltage, over
current, over-temperature or under temperature occurs. See Appendix I for the details.
ØReport: report all alarm and status data to PCS.
ØParallel connection: support two to ten PACKs in parallel connection.
ØPassive balance function.
ØPower off triggered by fault: PACK and PCS communication lost for 25 minutes or
under voltage protection for 30 minutes.

34
Safety information contains in this section must be observed at all times when working
on or with batteries. For safety, installers are responsibility to familiarize themselves with
this manual and all warnings before installation.
2.1 Basic security
The PACK has been designed and tested in strict rules with international safety
certification requirements. Read all safety instructions carefully before any work and
obey the rules at all times when working on or with the PACK. Growatt shall not be liable
for any consequence caused by the violation of the following:
ŸDamage occurred during transportation
ŸIncorrect transportation, storage, installation and use, or customer fails to convey the
correct information about transportation, storage, installation and use to terminal
customers.
ŸNon-professional installation
ŸFailure to obey the rules of this operation instructions and safety precautions in this
document
ŸUnauthorized modifications or removal of the software package
ŸPACK tamper label is damaged or product with any part missing (except the authorized
dissemble parts).
ŸOperation in extreme environments which are not allowed in this document
ŸRepair, disassemble, or change PACKs without authorization and cause failure.
ŸDamage to shell labels or modifies date of production.
ŸPACK fail to be charge for more than six months.
ŸDamages due to force majeure (such as lightning, earthquakes, fire, and storms)
ŸWarranty expiration.
2.2 Safety Precautions
2.2.1 Environment requirements
Do not expose the battery to temperature above 50℃ or heat sources.
Do not install or use the battery in wet locations, moisture , corrosive gases or liquids,
such as bathroom.
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Place battery in safe place away from children and animals.
Battery power terminals shall not touch conductive objects such as wires.
Do not dispose the batteries in fire, which may cause an explosion.
PACK shall not come in contact with liquids.
2 Safety 2.2.2 Operation Precautions
Do not touch the PACK with wet hands.
Do not disassemble the PACK without permission
Do not crush, drop or puncture the PACK and battery.
Dispose the batteries according to local safety regulations.
Store and recharge battery in accordance with this manual.
Ensure the connection of ground wire reliable.
Remove all metal objects such as watches and rings that could cause a short-circuit
before installation, replacement and maintenance.
The Pack shall be repaired, replaced or maintained by skilled personal that has been
recognized.
When storing or handling batteries ,do not stack batteries without package.
Do not broke the battery, the released electrolyte may be toxic and is harmful to skin and
eyes.
Packaged batteries should not be stacked more than specified number stipulated on the
packing case.
Do not use damaged, failed or deformed batteries, which may lead to high temperature
or even dangerous accidents. Continued operation of damaged battery may result in
electrical shock, fire or even worse.
2.3 Warning Labels
Symbols
Description
Do not dispose in trash
Lithium ion battery can be recycled
Certification in European union area
Electric shock hazard
Explosive gas
Alternating Current (AC)
Heavy enough to cause severe injury
Keep the Pack away from children
Make sure the battery polarity well connected
Do not expose to fire
Operate as the Manual

6
5
Do not disassemble or alter the PACK to avoid heat ,explosion or fire.
Do not use the PACK beyond specifide conditions.It might cause heat
generation,damage,or deterioration of its performance.
Do not throw,drop,hit,drive a nail in,stamp on the PACK.It may cause
heat generation,explosion,or fire.
In case of electrolyte leakage,keep leaked electrolyte away from
contact with eyes or skin.immediately clean with water and seek help
from a doctor.
Do not put the PACK into a fire.Do not use it or leave it on a place
near fire,heaters,or high temperature sources.It may cause over
temperature,explosion or fire.
Do not submerge the PACK in water,or wet the product.It may cause
heat generation,explosion ,or fire.
Do not reversely connect the PACK positive(+)and negative(-)terminal.
Do not short circuit by letting the PACK terminals(+and -)contact a wire
or any metal.
The unit is heavy enough to cause severe injury.
Keep out of reach of children or animals.
WARNING
X
Fig 2.1: Nameplate Fig 2.2: Label
Note: When the ambient temperature is between -10 ℃ and 0℃, the maximum charging
current of the battery is 2.5A.
2.4 Emergency Responses
Manufacturer takes foreseeable risk scenarios into consideration and is designed to
reduce hazards and dangers. However, if the following situation occurs, do as below:
Situation Occurs
Description and action need
Leakage
Avoid touch of leaking liquid or gas. If you touch the leaking
electrolyte, do as below immediately.
Inhalation: Evacuate the contaminated area, and seek medical help.
Eye contact: Rinse eyes with flowing water for 15 minutes, and seek
medical help.
Skin contact: Rinse contacted area thoroughly with soap and water,
and seek medical help.
Ingestion: Vomiting, and seek medical help.
Fire
It's hard for PACK systems ignite spontaneously. If the PACK has
caught a fire, do not try to extinguish the fire but evacuate people
immediately.
Wet Packs
If PACK is flooded or submerged, do not access it. Contact Growatt
or distributor for technical assistance immediately.
Damaged PACKS
Damaged PACKS are dangerous and must be handled with special
attention. They are no longer suitable for use and may cause danger
to people. If the PACK damaged, stop use it and then contact the
Growatt or distributor.
Storage and Transportation 3
3.1 Storage Requirements
ØPlace the PACK follow the identification on the packing case during storage.
ØDo not put the PACK upside down or sidelong.
ØThe defective PACK needs to be separated from other PACKs.
ØThe storage environment requirements are as follows:
Install the PACK in a dry and clean place with proper ventilation.
The storage temperature for a short week is between -30°C to 60℃.
If you store the PACK over a long period of six months, the storage temperature is
between-20°C to 50°C, relative humidity: 5%~95%RH.
Place the PACK away from corrosive and organic substances (including gas exposure).
Free from direct exposure to sunlight and rain .
At least two meters away from heat sources (such as a radiator).
Free from exposure to intensive infrared radiation.
Note: If a PACK is useless for six months, it needs to be recharged.
3.2 Transportation Requirement
PACK has been certified in UN38.3 (Section 38.3 of the sixth Revised Edition of the
Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: Manual of Tests and Criteria)
and SN/T 0370.2-2009 (Part 2: Performance Test of the Rules for the Inspection of
Packaging for Exporting Dangerous Goods). PACK is classified as category 9 dangerous
goods.
ØThe PACK shall not be transported with other inflammable, explosive or toxic
substances.
ØEnsure the original Package and label complete and recognizable.
ØProhibit direct exposure to sunlight, rain, condensing water caused by temperature
difference and mechanical damages.
ØProhibit to pile up more than six PACKs.
ØThere will be a drop in capacity during transportation and storage.
Ø Transportation temperature is between-20°C to 50°C, relative humidity:
5%~95%RH.
Recharge procedures
1.Identify the PACK that needs recharging;
2.Refer to quick installation guidance, complete the installation and wire connection.
Ensure PACK in off status during all the steps.
3.Set the power system as “CC=25A, CV=55.8V” , activate the PACK and start
recharging.
4.Recharge until LED2 flicks.
5.Having completed recharge, leave circuit open for five minutes before check voltage. If
voltage is not less than 52V, the recharge is successful.

78
4Installation
WARNING
ØEnsure to read the Guidance before installation in order to understand
product information and safety cautions;
ØOperators should be well trained technicians and fully understand the
whole photovoltaic system, grid network, working principle and national
regional standards;
ØInstallers must use insulating tools and wear safety equipment;
ØDevice damages caused by failure to comply with storage,
transportation, installation and use requirements specified in Guidance
are not coved by Warranty.
4.1 Installation environment
The ambient temperature for the installation of the battery system shall be above -10℃,
below 50℃, and the humidity shall between 5% and 95%.
Max.+50℃Min.-10℃RH.+5%~+95%
Fig 4.1: Installation environment requirements
4.2 Basic installation requirements
ØThe PACK can be installed indoors or outdoors. The following conditions are allowed:
Fig 4.2: Acceptable wall mounted installation
Ground Ground Ground
Wall
Fig 4.3: Acceptable floor standing installation
Do not place the PACK upside down.
WARNING
ØBuild sun& rain shade to avoid direct exposure to the sunlight and rain.
Wall Wall
Fig 4.4: Shade for ARK 2.5L-A1
4.3 Installation Required Tools
The following tools are required to install the PACK:
Drill Screw Driver Wrench
Pencil Tap Measure Multimeter

10
9
4.4 Installation Procedures
It is recommended to wear the following safety gear when dealing with the PACK.
Insulated Glove Safety Goggle Safety Shoes
Pre-installation Check
Check the package
Check the PACK package before open it. If any abnormity is
detected, do not open the Package and contact your distributor.
Check the power
Check and confirm the PACK is powered off before installation.
Check deliverable
Check the quantity of all parts inside according to the package list.
If there is any part missing or damaged, please contact your
distributor.
Check the ARK-2.5L-A1
Fig 4.5: components and parts of ARK 2.5L-A1
Check the accessories
ARK 2.5L-A1 ARK 2.5L-A1 Cable ARK 2.5L-A1 Parallel Cable ARK 2.5L-A1 Base
A B CD
Installation Method
Compound Mode
Standard Wall-Mounted Installation
A+B
Standard floor installation
A+B+D
Wall-Mounted Battery system stacked in two line
A+B+C
Floor installation battery system stacked in two line
A+B+C+D*2
Fig 4.6:Multiple ARK2.5L-A1 installation process
Wall Mounted Installation
Step 1: Please make sure that the weight capacity of wall should exceed 150kg.
Step 2: Assemble the wall hangers together. If you want to install four packs, make four
wall hangers together. We can parallel two to ten at a time .But, it is recommended that
no more than four packs be mounted on wall.
Step 3: Place the wall hangers on the wall and mark the holes that need to be punched.
We recommend two persons participate the installation. One person places the wall
hangers on wall and ensure the gradienter horizontal; the other person marks the holes.
Each wall hanger has two fixed positions. After mark the holes, put down the wall
hangers.
Step 4: Drill a hole at the marked point with a depth of 55mm at the mark with a drill
ofφ8.Expand the bolt with a hammer into the hole in the wall , install the nut(including
elastic flat pad)and tighten the nut with a wrench.
Step 5: Hang the ARK2.5L-A1 on the wall hangers. Adjust the battery level with M6
external hexagon torque wrench and install the safety screws (M4x10 Combination
screw) on both sides of all modules.
Step 6: Plug the connected power lines into PACK terminals (red positive terminal and
black negative terminal). Plug the well-connected CAN communication line into the
communication ports of PCS and PACK.
Note: The number of wall-mount installations should not exceed four.
Floor Standing Installation
Fig 4.7:Multiple ARK 2.5L-A1 with base installation process

11 12
Step 1: Assemble the wall hangers together. If you want to install four packs, make four
wall hangers together. We can parallel two to ten at a time . We recommend that the
stack number be no higher than six. However, if necessary our structure allows us to
stack higher.
Step 2: Place the mount base where you want the PACK to be mounted. Put the wall
hangers on the wall and match the base
Step 3:Mark the holes that need to be punched. We recommend two persons participate
the installation.One person places the wall hangers on wall and ensure the gradienter
horizontal; the other person marks the holes. Noted that only two ends of the top wall
hanger and the bottom wall hanger need to be marked.. After mark the holes, put down
the wall hangers.
Step 4: Drill a hole at the marked point with a depth of 55mm at the mark with a drill of
φ8. Expand the bolt with a hammer into the hole in the wall , install the nut(including
elastic flat pad)and tighten the nut with a wrench.
Step 5: Hang the ARK2.5L-A1 on the wall hangers. Adjust the battery level with M6
external hexagon torque wrench and install the safety screws (M4x10 Combination
screw) on both sides of all modules.
Step 6: Plug the connected power lines into PACK terminals (red positive terminal and
black negative terminal). Plug the well-connected CAN communication line into the
communication ports of PCS and PACK.
Note:If more than 4 batteries are used, base mounting is recommended.
For floor installation, we recommend that the number of the stacked battery modules is
no higher than six.
4.4 Electrical Connection
Do not forget wear ESD wrist strap and gloves, safety gloves and
goggles.
WARNING
Terminal Definition:
Fig 4.8: Terminal Definition
Serial
number
Item
Quantity
Specifications
Symbol
1
Communication Port
1
IP67 RJ45water proof
connector
PCS
2
Communication Port
1
IP67 RJ45water proof
connector
LINK-IN
3
Communication Port
1
IP67 RJ45water proof
connector
LINK-OUT
4
Safety vent
1
Pressures inside released via
the vent.
PCS
5
Negative terminal
2
IP67 –Black connector
BAT-
6
Grounding terminal
2
M6 Screw
7
Positive terminal
2
IP67–Red connector
BAT+
8
USB interface
1
USB interface for Program
Upgrade
BAT-
9
LED
1
Five leds
BAT+
10
POWER button
1
IP67—Button to turn on or off
the PACK
POWER
RS485&CAN crystal plug definition：
Item
Crystal head picture
Serial no.
Definition
PCS
1
RS485_B
2
RS 485_A
3
GND_COM
4
CANH
5
CANL
6
GND_COM
7
WAKE-
8
WAKE+
Communication interface definition:

14
13
Fig 4.9: System connection diagram Fig 4.10: parallel connection stacked in two line
Note:
The battery is not allowed to be installed in the running state, and all the RUN lights of
battery modules should be off before installation.
To ensure system security, do not forget to install ground wire.
For the power lines connected to PCS, the positive power line is drawn from the top
battery module, and the negative power line is drawn from the bottom battery module .
The breaker between PCS and ARK, we recommend to use molded case circuit breaker
with rated working voltage greater than 500V and rated working current greater than
125A.
4.4.2 System connection diagram of two line
4.4.1 System connection diagram
When stacked in two lines, you need to buy the accessory of wires connecting two stacks
of battery systems. The connection mode is shown in the figure 13.
4.4.3 Electrical wiring connection
1. When the power wiring harness is connected, please pay attention to the positive and
negative terminals, the red terminals are connected to the positive terminals and the
black terminals to the negative terminals.
2. The PCS communication terminal is used to communicate to the PCS. Link-in terminals
are used for signal inlet of multiple parallel battery packs. Link-out terminals are used for
signal output of multiple parallel battery packs.
4.4.4 Power line connection
Press the position indicated in the figure above before disconnecting the power terminal.
Fig 4.11: Connect and disconnect power terminals
4.4.5 Communication line connection
Fig 4.12: Connect and disconnect communication terminals
1.Parallel communication is the connection between the middle communication plug of
the first module and the lower communication plug of the next module.
2.The uppermost communication plug of the top battery module is connected to the
PCS.

15 16
5Power on and off the Battery
5.1 Power On
Power on the PACK by pressing power button(t>2S)
Serial
Procedures
Acceptation criteria
1
Connect the battery and PCS
Make sure the wiring harnesses are well
connected
2
Close the breaker of the PACK
Make sure the breaker is ON
3
Press POWER button for three to
eight seconds. Observe the LED
indication on panel.
1. If both RUN/ALM and SOC lights turn on
normally, PACK is powered on successfully.
2. If RUN/ALM light turns red, there is a failure
and should solve it before power on again.
Power on the PACK by PCS
1
Connect the battery and PCS
Make sure the wiring harnesses are well
connected
2
Close the breaker of the PACK
Make sure the breaker is ON
3
Power on the PCS. PCS outputs
a wake up signal of 5V or an
output main circuit voltage
signal of 46-58V
1. If both RUN/ALM and SOC lights turn on
normal, PACK powers on successfully.
2. If RUN/ALM light turns red, there is a failure
and should solve it before power on again.
5.2 Power off
Press the power button to turn off the PACK and five LED lights will flicker for three
times. If under the situation of multiple packs in parallel, only turning off one of the
packs then the whole battery system will turn off.
Maintenance Guide 6
6.1 Preparation
ØTools like safety gloves, cross head driver and socket wrench should be prepared.
ØTurn off and turn on new PACK.
1. If the PACK is power-off. Press power button for 3-8 seconds to turn on.
2. If the PACK is power-on. Press power button once to turn off.
Before maintaining the battery, turn off the breaker and press power button once to
make sure the PACK is in the power-off mode. Follow the installation and wire
connection procedures specified above. Ensure wires are properly connected before turn
the breaker on. After that, turn on the breaker and press power button of any PACK for
3-8 seconds to check if the system normal works.
6.2 PACK Replacement
§Wear safety gloves.
§Close the breaker and power off the PACK.
§Disconnect power lines and CAN communication lines of the PACK.
§Wall-mounting PACK: Uninstall the safety screws on both sides of the PACK. Lift up the
PACK.
§ Floor-standing PACK: Uninstall the safety part and open the connector at both ends of
the battery of the batteries. Lift up the PACK.
§Put the PACK into the packing box according to the repair procedure and transport the
PACK to the designated repair site.
§Install new PACK based on procedure specified in Section 4.
WARNING
ØThe installation and use of batteries involve much specialized
knowledge. Therefore, technicians should be given appropriate technical
training and obtain operational certificates in compliance with local laws
and regulations. Please ensure technicians have obtained training
certificate before operation.
ØPlease stand on dry insulating objects and do not wear conductive
material such as watches and necklace during operation. Insulated tools
should be used.
ØDo not contact any positions with potential difference.
ØProhibition sign should be hung on the battery: " Non - professionals,
do not touch.
ØIf any abnormalities occur during the startup phase, power off the
PACK immediately. After problem confirmed, proceed again.
ØMake sure the inverter is turned off before checking the PACK.
6.3 System Failure Information List and Troubleshooting
Suggestions
Error
Indication
Error
description
Error cause
Suggested actions
ALM
（ ALM
Light
Flickers）
Discharge under
voltage
protection
Single cell voltage
below the threshold
for under-voltage
protection.
There is over discharge risk. User
should stop discharging and
arrange recharge
Charge over
voltage
protection
Single cell voltage
exceeding
threshold for
protection
threshold.
1. There is no safety threat;
2. User should stop charging. Idle
PACK and it will turn to normal
status.
External CAN
Communication
failure
Communication loss
between
PCS and PACK.
1. There is no safety threat and
user should stop using battery.
2. Check if PCS and battery
communication
terminal is well connected.
3. If PCS and PACK cannot
communicate when the
communication wire is confirmed
well connected, user should
contact installer to repair battery.