Solar Stik 24VDC LI EXPANDER PAK 1300 Installation instructions

|1June 2020 |Solar Stik® Inc.
OPERATOR AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
FOR THE
24VDC LI EXPANDER PAK 1300
Updated: 20200611
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Version 1.0
P/N 21-0202316

24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
June 2020 |Solar Stik® Inc.2 |
Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION, PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION, AND EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Energy Storage Modules - An Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Important Product Safety Information and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety Information Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Limitations on Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Fire Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Recommended Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Electric Shock Hazard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Environmental and Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION – THE EXPANDER PAK
Advanced Battery Management System (BMS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
The Inter-Connect System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
24VDC Linear Inter-Connect Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Optimizing the Battery Conguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Determining Proper Battery Capacity for a System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Scaling Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Keys to Expander Pak Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
External Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Inter-Connect Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Data Plate (D-Plate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS
Connect Expander Paks to Inter-Connect Strip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connect Expander Paks to Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Alternative Methods of Recharging the Expander Pak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Recharging Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Correct Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Expander Pak Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
In-storage Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Li Expander Pak Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Disposal – LiFePO4Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ADDENDUM – Understanding Li Expander Paks
ABOUT SOLAR STIK, INC.
Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1. Linear Inter-Connect Plug................................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 2. Connecting Li Expander Paks using Inter-Connect Strips and Inter-Connect Cables.................................... 13
Figure 3. External features of the Expander Pak............................................................................................................ 15
Figure 4. Li Expander Pak 1300 Inter-Connect Cable plugs .......................................................................................... 15
Figure 5. 24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 D-Plate ............................................................................................................ 16
Figure 7. Connecting and stacking multiple Expander Paks.......................................................................................... 17
Figure 6. Connecting Inter-Connect Cable to Expander Pak ......................................................................................... 17
Figure 8. Connecting Expander Paks to Solar Stik power management ...................................................................... 18
Figure 9. 24VDC Li Battery Maintainer with Inter-Connect Plug .................................................................................... 18
List of Tables
Table 1. In-storage Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services ............................................................................... 20
Section Page(s) Description Date
First published March 2019
All Most Update Expander Pak 1300 Images (new large I-Plate) 25March2019
All Most Update organization and content 02Oct2019
Update to photos of 1300 with Tech Port and new Data Plate.
Updated specications.
03June2020
Revision History

24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
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GENERAL INFORMATION, PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION,
AND EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Energy Storage Modules - An Introduction
Energy Storage Modules (ESMs or “batteries”) serve as the foundation for every Hybrid Power
System (HPS). When ESMs are employed in a power system, they can serve many different
functions:
• Backup power for critical loads when the primary power source fails
• Power when periods of “silent” operation are critical
• Use of renewable power generation is desirable
• Less reliance on grid-utility power is desirable (peak shaving)
ESMs are also critical to the operation of the Inter-Connect network. They open the system
architecture to allow multiple technologies to operate in concert. When functioning ESMs are
congregated within the Inter-Connect Circuit, their collective voltage is what allows the other
components within the network to perform their functions.
There is a wide range of energy storage technologies, including small- and large-format lithium iron
phosphate (LiFePO4) and lead-acid (Pb) batteries. ALL batteries are “consumable” parts of the HPS.
While the role ESMs serve can be widely varied, their function is quite simple: ESMs discharge
and recharge over time; this is known as“cycling”. Batteries are designed with a nite cycle-life
expectancy, and several factors will determine how many cycles a battery can endure before it is
depleted:
1. Cell chemistry
2. Operational environments and conditions
3. Charging and discharging rates
4. Storage conditions (even though it may not be actively cycling, the chemical reaction in a battery
never stops.)
All of these play roles in cycle-life expectancy, so selecting the best battery chemistry for a particular
application is critical.
Formats and chemistries are selected based on the requirements of a particular application, but
regardless of the battery type used in an HPS, there are two common attributes of all ESMs:
• Scalable—ESMs are scalable to meet System performance requirements.
• Modular—ESMs can be rotated, serviced, and/or swapped within the Inter-Connect network.
When assembling ESMs into an HPS for a particular application, the following need to be
considered:
• Consistency of chemistry
• Consistency of operating voltage
• Proper cycling
• Proper capacity for the intended load / application
• “One” battery bank (connected together, not disparately)

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
Limitations on Liability
Since the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of operation, use, and maintenance of
this product are beyond the control of Solar Stik, this company does not assume responsibility and
expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense—whether direct, indirect, consequential, or
incidental—arising out of or anyway connected with such operation, use, or maintenance.
Due to continuous improvements and product updates, the images shown in this manual may not
exactly match the unit purchased.
This equipment CAN BE USED FOR CONNECTION WITH LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OR OTHER
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT or devices; however, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Solar
Stik makes no representations or warranties regarding the use of the System in connection with life
support systems or other medical equipment devices.
Safety Information Labels
Your safety and the safety of others is very important.
Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill you or
hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and the word
“DANGER”, “WARNING”, or “CAUTION”. These words are dened as:
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, how to reduce the chance of injury, and
what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
WARNING
Important Product Safety Information and Instructions
This manual contains important safety instructions that must be followed during the installation and
operation of this product. Read all instructions and safety information contained in this manual.
Exercise caution when handling or operating equipment. Live power may be present.

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Fire Hazard
Fire Types
Class A fire - Fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.
Class B fire - Fires in ammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum, oil, and paint.
Class C fire - Fires involving energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and
appliances. Remove the power source and the class C re becomes a class A or B re.
Recommended Fire Extinguisher
NSN 4210-00-288-7219 Fire Extinguisher, Carbon Dioxide, 10 lb
Carbon dioxide is a liqueed gas, which is highly effective ghting class B and C res. These
extinguishers are ideal for areas where contamination and/or cleanup are a concern, such as data
processing centers, labs, and telecommunication rooms.
Use Sweeping Motion
WARNING
Only CO2(carbon dioxide) re extinguishers should
be used with Solar Stik equipment.
These additional cautionary steps will ensure
your safety:
• System components should not be operated in
standing water.
• System cables should not be routed through
standing water.
• Cable connections should remain dry.
• Unused ports on System components should
be covered when not in use to reduce the
possibility of water intrusion.
Using the Fire Extinguisher
When using the extinguisher on a re, remember PASS:
Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the re from a safe distance.
Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the re extinguishing agent.
Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the re is out. Move forward or around the re as
the re diminishes.
Watch the area for reignition until the cause has been xed.

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
Electric Shock Hazard
DON’T LET THIS BE YOU!
HIGH VOLTAGE: System components, photovoltaic (PV) arrays, and generators may produce lethal
line voltages. Extreme care should be taken to protect against electrocution. Always work with
another person in case an emergency occurs. Disconnect power before performing maintenance.
Wear safety glasses whenever working on any part of a System that requires exposure to mechanical
or direct electrical contacts.
WARNING
The Expander Pak is NOT GFCI protected.
WARNING
Standing water around the electrical equipment and/or intrusion of water into the System
components can increase the risk of electrical shock.

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Environmental and Handling Precautions
Water
Place the Expander Pak 1300 at on an
elevated surface to prevent water intrusion or
submersion during outdoor operation and/or
storage.
Impact
The Expander Pak should not be dropped
onto hard surfaces at a height greater
than one foot when transporting or during
operation.
Dust
As a general rule, minimize exposure to high
levels of particulates by exercising common-
sense placement.
Heat
Heat and solar loading reduce efciency and
life expectancy. Shade the Expander Pak to
prevent the negative effects of heat.

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION – THE EXPANDER PAK
The Expander Pak is designed as a modular, scalable energy storage module (ESM) for service in
any stand-alone power platform. Insertion of an Expander Pak into a circuit will allow the operator to
“expand” the architecture and improve the operating the efciency of the entire network.
Expander Paks serve as the foundation for all hybrid power systems, allowing the use of renewables
and traditional power sources, simultaneously, in the same System.
The 24VDC Expander Pak 1300:
• 54 Ah (1.3 kWh) of energy storage capacity
• LiFePO4cell chemistry
• High energy density—twice that of lead-acid (double the energy for its weight)
• High cycle life > 3000 cycles (@80% depth of discharge)
• Plug & Play connection
• Rapid and deep discharges (can go to near 0% without hurting the cells)
• Rapid recharges
• Internal circuit protections
• Integrated vertical stacking
• 19-inch rack compatible
• One-person lift
• Inert and nonhazardous when 100% discharged
• Ruggedized for extreme conditions
• Designed to MIL-STD-810G; GVT Safety Conrmation for worldwide deployment
• Transportable by land, sea, and cargo air
Adherence to operation and safety protocols will yield optimal performance from the Li Expander Pak
for many years. Procedures for operation, preventive care, and maintenance are in this manual.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the Li Expander Pak.
Advanced Battery Management System (BMS)
The 24VDC Li Expander Pak consists of LiFePO4cells and an advanced battery management system
(BMS) that performs two vital functions:
• The BMS manages the battery functions and promotes healthy cycling at the cells.
• The Protection Circuits protect the cells (and the operator) from dangerous conditions related to
cell voltages, temperatures, and current owing in/out of the battery.
When all of the operating conditions are satisfactory, direct current (DC) can ow in/out of the battery
cells (cycling). If the temperature, voltage, or current is outside of the preset limits, then the BMS
Protection Circuits engage and remove the cells from service by disabling the battery at its terminals
until proper operating conditions are restored.

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The Inter-Connect System
The System is comprised of three (3) distinct types of technologies:
• Energy storage
• Power management
• Power generation
All of the individual components that operate in these categories utilize a unique connection
architecture known as the Inter-Connect Circuit.
The Inter-Connect Circuit is the connection framework of the System’s DC power network. It uses
a simple, polarized, locking connection that is common throughout the architecture. All power
management, energy storage, and power generation components are compatible with the Inter-
Connect Circuit.
Using a common, polarized connector allows rapid “Plug & Play” scaling of components, adaptation
of capabilities within the architecture, technology refreshment, and swapping of components when
conditions warrant. It also ensures that there is no unsafe way to make connections.
Circuit Breaker Protections
The Inter-Connect network is protected from overloads and short circuits through a network of circuit
breakers strategically placed throughout the circuit. It ensures the potential for a reverse polarity
connection within the circuit is minimized. If a problem occurs in a leg of the Inter-Connect Circuit,
the affected leg will disconnect from the primary network, leaving the other circuits functioning. If a
major failure occurs in the circuit, then the entire network will shut down for System and Operator
protection.
Operate with Voltage
The Inter-Connect Circuit communicates simple battery voltage to all components on the network,
allowing them to independently coordinate their respective functions. Battery voltage is used to
trigger actions such as Automatic Generator Start/Stop (AGS) function, power distribution timing,
and more. Therefore, the proper setup of the Inter-Connect Circuit is critical to properly communicate
voltage to all points in the System and to ensure all of the components operate together to provide
seamless power to the load.
Optimize with Data
Data collection for a System occurs through the Inter-Connect network. Power management devices
such as Power Hubs and PRO-Verters meter voltage, current and time through the circuit, providing
critical real-time data the operator can use to troubleshoot and verify System performance. Data
collection enables programming/architectural changes to optimize performance based on evolving
conditions.

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
Figure 1. Linear Inter-Connect Plug
• Polarized
• 200 A maximum current
• 24 VDC connection only
• Mechanically “locks” into place
• Rotate knob clockwise to lock,
counterclockwise to release
• Can be repaired or modied in the eld
Inter-Connect Cables for use with the Li Expander Pak 1300 have two types of plugs: straight and
angled. The straight plug connects to the Expander Pak 1300 to facilitate stacking (Figure 1).
24VDC Linear Inter-Connect Cable
Straight
Angled

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Optimizing the Battery Configuration
A hybrid power system will function most efciently when proper balance is achieved within
the System’s architecture (Energy Storage, Power Management, and Power Generation). The
foundational component in the Solar Stik System architecture is the battery (Expander Pak).
Generally, the amount of energy storage (battery capacity) required for any System will be directly
proportional to the amount of load and power generation that is required for 1-2 battery cycles per
day; however, two other system factors may also play a role in determining the necessary capacity:
• Application (external factors such as logistics and operation climate)
• Capabilities (internal factors such as system composition, including generation, AC/DC power
management, distribution, etc)
Power Management Components that are connected to the battery bank must be able to pull and
push enough current (amps) to/from the batteries to support their individual functions. This requires
the establishment of a “minimum” capacity for proper system operation.
For example, PRO-Verters can require extremely high current (amperage) from the batteries when AC
loads require power from the inverter, but they can also push high current into the battery when it is
in charge mode.
Each Expander Pak has a built-in circuit breaker that will limit the amount of current available from
the individual batteries. In most System congurations where Expander Paks are used, the combined
values of the Expander Pak circuit breakers must be greater than the rated demand of the connected
power management/distribution equipment.
Connecting an insufcient number of Expander Paks (energy storage modules) will result in a
situation where the following may occur:
• Circuit protections may unnecessarily engage
• Inaccurate voltage readings falsely trigger voltage-related functions in the system
• Battery state of health and overall life expectancy is degraded due to excessive cycling
Refer to the “Minimum Battery Capacity Recommendations” in the System manuals or on relevant
I-Plates to ensure trouble-free operation.
Determining Proper Battery Capacity for a System
Inherent to the HPS architecture is the ability to “scale” components to meet the System
requirements, and a properly scaled battery bank is essential for successful operation of any HPS.
Two general guidelines should be followed when scaling Expander Paks for proper capacity:
1. Power generated for a system must be equal to or greater than the total load requirement, so the
battery bank must be able to store the requisite power.
2. A properly sized battery bank will cycle 1–2 times per day.
The “total load” in a 24-hour period can be used to baseline the energy storage capacity for a
System. For example, if the total load requirement over 24 hours is 10 kWh, then the energy storage
capacity can usually be scaled to that same metric.

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
“Plug & Play” architecture allows rapid expansion or contraction of battery capacity when conditions
warrant.
Use Inter-Connect Strips and Inter-Connect Cables to create an “bank” of Li Expander Paks (Figure 2).
If a Solar Stik System needs to be downsized, due to either reductions in the load or simply to
reallocate energy storage resources to other locations, then Li Expander Paks can be removed from
service in accordance with reductions in runtime requirements.
Figure 2. Connecting Li Expander Paks using Inter-Connect Strips and Inter-Connect Cables
Inter-Connect
Strip 7
Power Hub*
PRO-Verter*
Power Hub*
Inter-Connect
Strip 7
Inter-Connect
Cable
Basic
Expanded
*Solar Stik power management components have minimum battery capacity requirements for
operation at their rated capacities. Consult the individual component manuals for their minimum
capacity requirements.
Li Expander
Pak 1300
Li Expander
Pak 1300
Scaling Methods

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Keys to Expander Pak Performance
• All Expander Paks should be connected into “one” common bank.
• All Expander Paks comprising a battery bank should be the same chemistry.
• All Expander Paks operating in a bank should be close in health (age, cycles, capacity).
• Follow initialization and calibration steps in System manuals when putting Expander Paks into
service in a bank (system).
• Expander Paks prefer to be charged using a PRO-Verter or Power Hub. If any other charging
device is used, it must be rated for the Expander Pak’s storage capacity, voltage, and current limit
(see Alternative Charging Methods).
• Accurate monitoring (current, voltage, SOC, cycles, etc.) of a bank of Expander Paks should be
obtained from the system’s PRO-Verter or Power Hub. Note: Information about an individual
Expander Pak is not reported by the PRO-Verter or Power Hub.
• Fully charge Expander Paks before placing them into storage.

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
• Inter-Connect Port: Point of connection with the system 24 VDC bus, Inter-Connect network
• Stacking Locks: Provide stability and alignment for stacked Expander Paks
• Tech Port: Contact Solar Stik Technical Support for information.
Figure 3. External features of the Expander Pak
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Inter-Connect Cables for use with the Li Expander Pak 1300 have two types of plugs: straight and
angled (Figure 4). The straight plug connects to the Expander Pak 1300 to facilitate stacking (Figure 7).
24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Inter-Connect Cable
Figure 4. Li Expander Pak 1300 Inter-Connect Cable plugs
External Features
Linear
Angled
Inter-Connect Port Tech Port
Stacking
Locks (x4)
Top
Top Bottom
Stacking
Locks

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Data Plate (D-Plate)
Figure 5. 24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 D-Plate

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS
Multiple Expander Paks can be connected in parallel using an Inter-
Connect Strip 7 (Figure 7). Connect the angled Inter-Connect Cable plug
to the Inter-Connect Strip 7. Stacking locks (Figure 3) align and stabilize
stacked Expander Paks.
Expander Paks
Inter-Connect Strip 7
Inter-Connect Cables
Connect the Inter-Connect Cable to the Expander Pak
1. Connect the (4 AWG) Inter-Connect Cable linear-plug to the Expander Pak. The plug and socket
are polarized (Figure 6A) and can be connected only in the proper orientation.
2. After inserting the plug into the socket (Figure 6B), twist the knob to lock the connection.
Note: The red wire cover denotes the positive (+) terminal, and green (or black) denotes the
negative (-) terminal.
+–
A B
Figure 6. Connecting Inter-Connect Cable to Expander Pak
Figure 7. Connecting and stacking multiple Expander Paks
Connect Expander Paks to Inter-Connect Strip
The 24VDC Expander Pak 1300 normal operating voltage ranges from 21.0 VDC to 29.0 VDC.
Prior to operating the Expander Pak for the rst time, charge it fully. Recharge it with a PRO-Verter,
Power Hub, or an external charging source, such as a battery charger, until the battery reaches
100% SOC.

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Expander Pak–specic ports on Solar Stik power management components are labeled. Individual
Expander Paks or a bank of Expander Paks can be connected to these ports. Expander Pak–specic
ports are metered and can be used to measure the amount of energy owing into and out of the bank
of Expander Paks.
PRO-Verter
Power Hub
Figure 8. Connecting Expander Paks to Solar Stik power management
Connect Expander Paks to Power Management
Alternative Methods of Recharging the Expander Pak
Alternative methods of recharging should be performed using only regulated charging sources
appropriate for 24 VDC LiFePO4batteries such as the 24VDC Li Battery Maintainer shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. 24VDC Li Battery Maintainer with Inter-Connect Plug
Recharging Voltage
Do not connect an external charging source that exceeds 29.8 volts to the post terminals. This
may damage the battery and is not covered under any warranty.
Correct Polarity
Always connect to DC terminals using correct polarity. Failure to connect using correct polarity
will trip the master breaker or trigger protection circuits to engage.

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24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Expander Pak Storage
There is a simple rule to remember about maintaining the Expander batteries:
Never store an Expander Pak in a discharged state! Charge the
Expander Pak fully before placing it in storage.
Other than keeping the battery fully charged during storage, an LiFePO4-type of battery does not
require any type of maintenance by the operator.
The Expander Pak has a relatively low self-discharge rate at 77 ºF (25 ºC) and can be stored for up
to one (1) year at this temperature before it needs to be recharged. However, the self-discharge rate
increases as the storage temperature increases. See In-storage Preventive Maintenance Checks and
Services for complete specic charging instructions for a particular Expander Pak battery chemistry.
Note: If the Expander Pak is stored at temperatures above 91 ºF (33 ºC), then the time between
maintenance checks and / or charges must be reduced to three (3) months.
In-Storage Charging Procedures:
Charge one—charge all. It is important to maintain an equal level of health between all
Expander Paks in a System. If one (1) Expander Pak in a System needs to be charged
during storage, it is likely that any/all others will also need to be charged. Charging all of the
Expander Paks until the they meet the criteria of being charged fully will maintain balance and
equality among them.
CAUTION
Do NOT leave Li Expander Paks on a constant charge during long periods of storage. Cell damage
may occur. Once the battery reaches 100% SOC during maintenance charging, the charging
source should be removed until the next charging interval is determined.
Do NOT use a BMS reader to determine Li Expander Pak SOC during periods of storage. The
BMS’ reported values for SOC are not calculated using “cell self-discharge” information, which
occurs in all batteries. The SOC may be reported at 100% even though the cells may only be at
50%.

24VDC Li Expander Pak 1300 Operator Manual
June 2020 |Solar Stik® Inc.20 |
Failure to follow these instructions may result in permanent equipment failure and/or
personal injury.
Required Tools
Solar Stik PRO-Verter or LiFePO4battery maintenance charger.
In-storage Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services
Table 1. In-storage Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services
1Monthly (M)—every month 2Quarterly (Q)—every three months 3Semiannually (S) – every 6 months
Item # Item to be
Inspected
Interval*
at
91-140 ºF
(33-60 ºC)
Storage
Temp
Interval* at
77-90 ºF
(< 25-32 ºC)
Storage
Temp
Procedures Non-mission
Capable
1
Visual
inspection
of 24VDC
Li Expander
Pak 1300
M1Q2
1. Inspect case for visible
damage and missing
items.
2. Clean excessive dust or
dirt accumulation from
the exterior and ports.
3. Close all unused port
covers.
~If the case is
broken or split
or if the port
is damaged,
contact Solar Stik
Technical Support.
2
In-storage
maintenance
charging
Q2S3
Charge Li Expander Paks
for 24 hours using a PRO-
Verter. If any other charging
device is used, it must be
rated for the Expander Pak
storage capacity, voltage,
and current limit.
If an Li Expander
Pak has does not
hold a charge
after 48 hours
of charging,
contact Solar Stik
Technical Support.