Nuvation Energy BMS NUVBCP-4S User manual

Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel
Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-005 | Revision: 1.1, 2020-10-14
BMS Software Version: Curie Update 2

Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
1.1. About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
2. Battery Topology Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê3
3. System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê4
3.1. Multi-Stack System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê5
3.2. Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê6
3.2.1. Main Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê6
3.2.2. Unified View Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê7
3.2.3. Communications & Data Analytics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.2.4. Maintenance and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.2.5. Hardware Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.2.6. Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
3.2.7. LCD Touchscreen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
3.2.8. External Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
3.2.9. Local Ethernet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
3.2.10. Cellular Network Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê10
4. Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
4.1. Mechanical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
4.1.1. Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
4.1.2. Installation Location and Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê12
4.1.3. Mounting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê12
4.2. Electrical Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
4.2.1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
4.2.2. Step 1: Connect Stack Switchgear communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
4.2.3. Step 2: Connect external network or system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
4.2.4. Step 3: Connect cellular antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
4.2.5. Step 4: Verify grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
4.2.6. Step 5: Connect Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê15
4.2.7. Note on Communication ('COM') interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê15
4.3. First-time Power-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê16
5. Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.2. External Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.2.1. External Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.2.2. Launch Platform Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê18
5.2.3. Verify Platform Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.3. Stack Network Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê21
5.3.1. Determine the valid IP Address range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê21
5.4. Connect the Battery Stacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê23
5.4.1. Compose the Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê23
5.4.2. Import the Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê24
5.4.3. Enable the Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê25

5.4.4. Stack Connection Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê27
5.4.5. Automatic Stack Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê28
5.4.6. Manual Stack Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê30
6. Using the Multi-Stack Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
6.1. Access the Multi-Stack Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
6.1.1. External Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
6.1.2. Launch Multi-Stack Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
6.2. The Dashboard Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
6.2.1. Warnings and Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
6.2.2. Pack Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê34
6.2.3. Pack Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê34
6.2.4. State of Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê34
6.2.5. Depth of Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê35
6.2.6. Stack Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê35
6.2.7. Stack Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê36
6.2.8. Cell Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê37
6.2.9. Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê38
6.2.10. Nuvation Energy BMS Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê39
6.3. The Stack Status Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê42
6.3.1. Pack Connection/Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê43
6.3.2. Stack Enable and Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê43
6.3.3. Stack Service Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê43
6.3.4. Stack COM Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
6.4. The Details Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê46
6.4.1. Information Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
6.4.2. Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
6.4.3. Current Limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê47
6.4.4. Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê48
6.5. The Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
6.5.1. Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
6.5.2. Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
6.5.3. Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
6.5.4. Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê50
6.5.5. Locking and Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê54
6.5.6. About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
7. Using the Platform Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê56
7.1. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê56
7.2. Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê56
7.2.1. Installing a Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
7.2.2. Upgrading a Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
7.2.3. Uninstalling a Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
7.3. Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
7.3.1. Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê58
7.3.2. Gateway Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê59

7.4. Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê59
7.4.1. Upgrading the Battery Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
7.4.2. Factory Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
7.4.3. Rebooting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
7.4.4. Setting the Date, Time, and Timezone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
8. Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
8.1. Background and Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
8.1.1. Register Data Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
8.1.2. Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê67
8.1.3. Storage Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê67
8.1.4. Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê68
8.2. Stack States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê68
8.3. Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê69
8.4. Pack Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê69
8.5. Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê70
8.6. Operational Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê71
8.6.1. Stack Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê71
8.6.2. Pack Full and Empty Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê72
8.6.3. Communication Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê72
8.6.4. Stack Watchdog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê73
8.6.5. External Controller Heartbeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê73
9. Communication Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê74
9.1. Modbus Protocol Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê74
9.1.1. Modbus TCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê74
9.1.2. Implemented MESA Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê74
9.1.3. MESA Model Structure and Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê75
9.1.4. Operational Cases for MESA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê77
9.1.5. Accessing MESA Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê79
10. Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê82
10.1. Cellular Modem: Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê82
11. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê83
11.1. Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê83
11.1.1. Ethernet Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê83
11.1.2. Controller Heartbeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê83
11.1.3. Ready Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê83
11.1.4. Firmware Mismatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê84
11.2. Lost/Forgotten IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê84
11.2.1. Wireshark (Windows/Linux) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê84
11.2.2. Netdiscover (Linux only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê84
Appendix A: Operating Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê85
Input AC Power Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê85
Ethernet Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê85
Cellular Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê85
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê85

Appendix B: Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê86
Battery Control Panel - Base Product Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê86
Battery Control Panel - Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê86
Appendix C: Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê87
Stack Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê87
Fan replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê87
Appendix D: Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê88
Excess Cable Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê88
Appendix E: Example Configuration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê89
Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê93

The content in this document must be followed in order to ensure safe operation of Nuvation
Energy BMS.
Do NOT energize the system until all connections to the Battery Control Panel
have been made.
Properly insulate or remove any unused wires. Unused wires can couple
excessive system noise into Nuvation Energy BMS which can disrupt
communication and lead to undesirable behaviors.
Please be aware of high voltages present in your system and follow all
necessary safety precautions.
The provided module enclosures are not fire enclosures.
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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing Nuvation Energy BMS.
Nuvation Energy BMS is an enterprise-grade battery management system with features that extend
battery life, ensure pack-level safety, provide data analytics, and allow remote management.
The Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel aggregates information and provides a unified interface to
a multi-stack battery system.
You can take advantage of the highly configurable browser-based user interface and custom-tune
Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel to your specific target application.
1.1. About this Manual
This Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel: Product Manual is a comprehensive manual, providing:
▪Details about all the features offered by your Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel
▪Mounting and wiring instructions to install this product safely
▪Guidance on operating the device to control your multi-stack energy storage system
This document applies to Nuvation Energy BMS Curie Update 2 software release
(Firmware version 4.106.2, Multi-Stack Operator Interface version 0.56.1). Content
may be inaccurate or incomplete for other versions.
We thrive on your feedback and what we build is driven by your input. Please submit
support tickets to [email protected].
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2. Battery Topology Terminology
Energy storage systems are hierarchical in nature. Nuvation Energy has adopted the following
definitions for battery pack topology:
Cell
A Cell is the smallest unit of energy storage distinguishable by the battery management system.
One Cell, as defined from the perspective of the BMS, may actually consist of one or more
electrochemical cells connected in parallel. This subtlety is reflected in the nomenclature for
completeness. For example, a "1p" Cell refers to a single electrochemical cell, while a "2p" Cell
refers to two electrochemical cells connected together in parallel. From the perspective of the BMS,
these topologies appear identical except for the capacity of the Cells.
Group
A Group is a set of Cells connected in series and managed together. For example, 12 "1p" Cells in
series are referred to as a "12s1p" Group, while 16 "2p" Cells in series are referred to as a "16s2p"
Group. Grouping of Cells is highly application-specific and is defined in how BMS hardware
interfaces are physically wired up to Cells.
Stack
A Stack is one or more Groups connected in series. For example, five "14s2p" Groups connected in
series are referred as a "5g14s2p" Stack. This Stack may also be described as a "70s2p" Stack.
Bank
A Bank is one or more stacks connected in parallel. For example, three "5g14s2p" Stacks are
referred to as a "3x5g14s2p" Bank or simply a "3x70s2p" Bank.
Pack
A Pack is one or more Banks connected in series.
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3. System Overview
The Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel aggregates all battery stacks within a multi-stack energy
storage system. It enables operation of the overall system as a single unified battery, while still
providing stack-level control.
This product functions as a central battery-control hub for all other energy control systems. These
may include power conversion systems and/or energy controllers. Through this hub, such control
systems can obtain and respond to battery data and send control commands to the battery system.
The Battery Control Panel can be used to manage up to 36 battery stacks in parallel, and will bring up
stacks in the sequence best suited to the immediate use-case requirement, i.e. power, energy, or
capacity.
The Battery Control Panel provides two crucial battery-level software interfaces for large, multi-stack
battery applications:
1. Modbus TCP:
•Unified view of the entire battery conforming to open energy standards.
•Conforms to MESA (Draft 3) Models: S801, S802 and S803
•Used directly by inverters and other grid infrastructure implementing the MESA (Draft 3)
standard
2. Web-based configuration and diagnostics:
•Hosts web-based tools that can be accessed from common web browsers
•Used to provision firmware upgrades, configure settings and view diagnostic information for
the entire battery system
A few key system-level features that are also provided are:
▪System-wide statistics for voltages, temperature and currents
▪Current limiting algorithms for multi-stack battery systems
▪State-of-Charge algorithms for multi-stack battery systems
▪NTP client for BMS time synchronization
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Figure 1. Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel
3.1. Multi-Stack System Architecture
A typical multi-stack system, equipped with Nuvation Energy’s suite of BMS products, is illustrated in
Figure 2. There is a hierarchy of battery management involved, each product fulfilling its role at a
different level:
▪At the cell level, a Nuvation Energy Cell Interface module measures voltage/temperature and
balances cells as required.
▪At the stack level, a Nuvation Energy Stack Switchgear unit measures current and
connects/disconnects its stack as required, as well as incorporates other stack safety features.
Battery safety is handled at the stack level.
▪At the system level, a Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel unit manages all stacks as described
above.
For a given stack, the daisy-chained Cell Interface modules report data to and receive direction from
the Stack Switchgear. In turn, the Stack Switchgear reports data to and receives direction from the
Battery Control Panel. Here, a unified view and central control of the multi-stack system is provided
to the user as well as any external devices.
Nuvation Energy Cell Interface modules and Nuvation Energy Stack Switchgear units
are sold separately. Datasheets, along with product manuals, are available online at
https://www.nuvationenergy.com/technical-resources.
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Figure 2. Battery Control Panel multi-stack diagram
Battery Control Panel is offered in variants based on the number of battery stacks to which it will be
connected. Variants are available in 4-stack increments, up to a maximum of 36 stacks.
Designed in compliance with MESA (Modular Energy Storage Architecture) Open Standards for Energy
Storage (mesastandards.org, draft 3), the Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel was created
specifically for integration with a wide range of batteries and inverters, and is designed to work with
Nuvation Energy Stack Switchgear, Nuvation Energy High-Voltage BMS and Nuvation Energy Low-
Voltage BMS.
Orderable part numbers are listed in Appendix B.
3.2. Features
3.2.1. Main Functions
Manages multiple stacks
Manage up to 36 stacks.
Provides Unified View of Entire Battery
Access diagnostics and performance data of entire multi-stack battery from a single unified user
interface.
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Provides Remote Access
Remote access for data analytics or for viewing and adjusting battery operation remotely via web
browser on a PC, tablet computer or even on a smartphone.
Automates System-Wide Fault Response
Manually or automatically identify and act upon faults anywhere in the battery pack.
Communications
Communicate securely over Ethernet. Provides unified interface for site controllers to multiple
stacks.
Automatic Pack Connection
Allows the BMS to manage the connected state of all battery stacks within the pack. When
requested, the Battery Control Panel will connect all stacks if they do not violate the pack
connection voltage limit. Stacks are automatically connected when the limit is no longer violated
(i.e. when the stack voltage becomes close enough to the pack voltage that is safe to connect).
Maximize Pack Uptime and Connection
Provides a flexible configuration to manage battery stack faults at a pack level. An operator can
configure a battery pack to tolerate a specified number of stacks that fault and disconnect from
the DC bus. The Battery Control Panel allows the pack to remain operational and manage the
reduced power capacity of the battery.
3.2.2. Unified View Operator Interface
Browser user interface, which supports Chrome and Firefox, provides a view of:
Statistics View
Monitor pack-level statistics for voltage, temperature, and current across all cells.
Real-Time View
Monitor measurement and control information in real-time.
Aggregate State-of-Charge
View State-of-Charge calculated values for the entire battery.
Flow-Through I/O
Control all points in the BMS from a single interface.
Communications Status
Reports networking communication status and communication issues from stacks within the pack.
Faults and Warnings
Monitor all system-wide faults and warnings or—for a finer level of control—drill down into detailed
battery pack diagnostics.
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3.2.3. Communications & Data Analytics
Isolated BMS Network Traffic
Separate Gigabit Ethernet ports isolate BMS network traffic from external network traffic, helping
ensure your energy storage system is hardened and reliable.
Inverter Support
Modbus TCP supports MESA Draft 3 storage models for connection to power conversion systems as
well as other external systems through multiple concurrent client connections.
3.2.4. Maintenance and Management
Multi-Stack Current Limiting
Determine operating current for entire pack and use this data to control the inverter, protecting
the battery pack from over-charging or discharging.
Pack-Level Safety
A highly configurable architecture allows the operator to specify system faults and desired
responses. The Battery Control Panel flags faults anywhere in the battery pack and automatically
takes preventive action to keep the battery safe and healthy.
Servicing
Bring stacks online/offline for service, maintenance, modifications, etc. Selectively connect
multiple stacks to the DC power bus.
Network Environment Flexibility
A multi-socket Ethernet interface allows concurrent operation of both local and remote operator
panels, monitoring data and controlling inverters over Modbus TCP.
Battery Performance Tuning
Low-level, fine tuning controls enable optimization and on-the-fly experimentation. Update fault
voltages, temperature levels, and more in seconds from the Operator Interface GUI.
Provides Remote Support
The Battery Control Panel provides a secure VPN connection to a Nuvation Energy server and
grants Nuvation Energy support engineers remote access to check on the health of the battery
pack and aid the local site commissioning team.
3.2.5. Hardware Overview
The block diagram in Figure 3 depicts the interconnection of these components and how they make
up the Battery Control Panel system.
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Figure 3. Battery Control Panel block diagram
3.2.6. Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller
At the core of the Battery Control Panel is the Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller which is
responsible for the management of multiple battery stacks via their Stack Switchgear units. It is the
central computing component inside the Battery Control Panel. It aggregates all the battery stacks in
the energy storage system and manages them as a single battery. Key features include:
▪Sequencing the connection and disconnection of stacks during bring up and operation
▪Providing battery data to energy management and environmental control systems
▪Reporting system faults and warnings
▪Making BMS configuration updates
Users can remotely access the Multi-Stack Controller to perform system changes or to observe
battery performance at the system, stack, and cell level. Users can also view aggregate or granular
voltage, current, temperature, and State-of-Charge data in real-time.
The Multi-Stack Controller includes internal storage for battery performance data logs. These data
logs may be used to:
▪Support warranty claims by comparing actual and predicted battery degradation curves, based on
time and throughput
▪Understand how different energy storage applications impact battery life
▪Track down the cause and location of a performance issue
3.2.7. LCD Touchscreen
A 10.1" LCD touchscreen display on the front of the unit provides an at-a-glace view of the battery
system as well as provides access to the Nuvation Energy BMS Operator Interface, making it possible
to access performance data and user controls directly at the Battery Control Panel.
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The touchscreen display presents the Multi-Stack Operator Interface dashboard which is the default
view; it is the central, unified interface that allows access to Multi-Stack Controller features. From this
screen a local technician can monitor the running state of the system, connect and disconnect the
battery from the system to perform maintenance.
While the touchscreen display provides access to a sub-set of the Multi-Stack Operator Interface
features, the full Multi-Stack Operator Interface feature-set with many additional functions may be
accessed remotely, via a web-browser.
3.2.8. External Ethernet
The External Ethernet interface is a standard Cat5e-rated RJ45 jack, supporting Gigabit speeds. It is
used as the primary means of connecting the Battery Control Panel to an external system, such as:
▪Energy control systems, such as power conversion systems and energy controllers
▪A laptop, to configure operating parameters and observe status
▪A local area network (LAN) connection, for wired internet access
▪An Ethernet switch, to access any number of the above devices
3.2.9. Local Ethernet
The Local Ethernet interfaces are standard Cat5e-rated RJ45 jacks. This bank of Ethernet ports are
used to connect the battery stacks—that is, the Stack Switchgear units—to the Battery Control Panel.
The number of ports available depends on the Battery Control Panel purchased.
3.2.10. Cellular Network Modem
The primary means of internet access is a wired connection to the "External Ethernet" interface
(Section 3.2.8). If this becomes unavailable for any reason, the internal cellular modem provides
redundant connectivity. This facilitates remote access to the system for product support and off-site
monitoring.
A Battery Control Panel purchase includes 1 year of cellular data-access for installations in the USA or
Canada. Most 3G and 4G networks in these regions are supported by the modem; refer to Cellular
Specifications for further details.
An external antenna is provided to strengthen the signal between the internal modem and the local
cell tower.
The cellular modem is compatible with network carriers in the USA and Canada only.
Section 10.1 instructs how to request the omission of this feature.
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4. Installation Instructions
During all stages of the installation, use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
ensure that all battery stacks are offline.
Do NOT energize the system until all connections to the Battery Control Panel have
been made.
4.1. Mechanical Installation
4.1.1. Dimensions and Weight
The unit weighs approximately 13.6 kg [30 lbs].
Figure 4. Nuvation Energy Battery Control Panel Dimensions
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4.1.2. Installation Location and Position
The Battery Control Panel is rated to operate in the temperature range of 10 °C to 40 °C. It designed
to be vertically wall-mounted in an indoor location.
It is recommended to install the Battery Control Panel with the display at eye level to allow operating
conditions to be read at all times.
4.1.2.1. Mounting Clearances
It is recommended to leave 300 mm [12 in] of clearance on all sides (above, below, left, and right) of
the mounted Battery Control Panel unit. This facilitates airflow through the Battery Control Panel for
better thermal performance as well as for easy access to connectors for installation.
4.1.3. Mounting Instructions
Procure Fasteners
Ensure appropriate fasteners (not included) for are used to mount the Battery Control Panel.
These fasteners will vary depending on the material and construction of the mounting surface.
It is recommended to use M6 mounting bolts with a washer for the 4 mounting holes on the top
and bottom flanges of the unit.
If used to tap into a wall or anchors, the mounting bolts should be at least 25 mm [1 in] long. If
required, install anchors in the wall to mate with the mounting bolts.
Mount unit
Ensure the intended mounting surface is sturdy enough to secure the unit to it. Ensure the path
for the fasteners in the intended mounting surface is safe and free of electrical or other cables.
It is recommended that the installation be performed by two people—one person to hold the unit
in place, while another person fastens the unit.
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4.2. Electrical Connections
Before making any connections, ensure that the power switch in Figure 5 is in the
OFF position.
4.2.1. Getting Started
To complete the electrical installation of Battery Control Panel you need to:
1. Connect Stack Switchgear communications
2. Connect external network or system
3. Connect cellular antenna
4. Verify grounding
5. Connect power
Below is a overview image of the external interfaces available on the top of the Battery Control Panel.
Figure 5. Battery Control Panel external interfaces
4.2.2. Step 1: Connect Stack Switchgear communications
Connect the Stack Switchgear units to the 'Local Ethernet' RJ45 jacks using Cat5e-rated or higher
Ethernet cables of suitable lengths.
The number of ports available for connection depends on the Battery Control Panel variant purchased.
External or third-party equipment should not be connected to the 'Local Ethernet' ports.
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4.2.3. Step 2: Connect external network or system
The 'External Ethernet' RJ45 jack may be used to connect the Battery Control Panel to an external
system, such as:
▪Energy control systems, such as power conversion systems and energy controllers
▪A laptop, to configure operating parameters and observe status
▪A local area network (LAN) connection, for wired internet access
▪An Ethernet switch, to access any number of the above devices
The External Ethernet interface is a standard Cat5e-rated RJ45 jack, supporting Gigabit speeds.
Any Cat5e-rated or higher Ethernet cable of suitable length may be used to connect to this RJ45 jack.
4.2.4. Step 3: Connect cellular antenna
This step applies to Battery Control Panel units with the Cellular Network Modem
option.
Connect the supplied screw-in mating antenna to the Cellular Antenna ('ANT') interface. This interface
is a standard SMA jack and it connects to the Battery Control Panel’s internal cellular modem
discussed in Section 3.2.10.
This external antenna is provided to strengthen the signal between the internal modem and the local
cell tower. For installation sites and rooms with weak cellular reception, an extension SMA cable (not
provided) may be used to route the antenna to an area with superior network coverage.

The cellular modem is compatible with network carriers in the USA and Canada only.
Most 3G and 4G networks in these regions are supported by the modem.
Refer to Cellular Specifications for further details.
4.2.5. Step 4: Verify grounding
All components internal to the Battery Control Panel, as well as the enclosure itself, are grounded to
the Protective Earth line of the AC power connector.
These instructions assume that attention is paid to proper grounding instructions and best practices
for any and all Stack Switchgear units and Cell Interface modules. Please refer to the Nuvation
Energy Stack Switchgear: Product Manual for this information.
It is also assumed that similar measures are taken for other components of the battery energy
storage system such as the batteries and the power conversion system.
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4.2.6. Step 5: Connect Power
Before making any connections, ensure that the power switch in Figure 5 is in the
OFF position.
Identify an appropriate AC power source
The AC power source must not be derived from the energy system itself without an ability to
maintain (or turn on) the supply when the energy system is powered off.
An external UPS can be used between the energy system-derived AC source and the supply
providing power to the Battery Control Panel when an external AC power source is not available.
Connect the power cable to the 'Power In'
The 'Power In' interface is an IEC 320-C14 connector requiring external 120/240 V AC power. It is
compatible with locally-sourced AC line cords and features: line filtering, a built-in 4 A breaker,
and an illumination LED to indicate power presence.
4.2.7. Note on Communication ('COM') interface
The Communication ('COM') interface is a D-Sub connector that should be treated as a NC (no-
connect).
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