When incorporating an additional battery into a system, it is crucial to ensure that the battery voltage and State of Charge (SOC) percentage are closely matched. The SOC reflects the available capacity of the battery relative to its full capacity. Maintaining similarity within these parameters is essential for achieving balanced performance.
If the added battery deviates significantly from the existing battery in terms of voltage or SOC, issues related to unbalanced batteries may arise. Unbalanced batteries imply that they are not synchronized in terms of their energy levels. This imbalance poses a risk where one battery could potentially discharge to a very low level while the other remains at a higher SOC, such as 50%.
To avoid such imbalances, it is recommended that the additional battery's specifications closely match those of the existing battery, with a permissible deviation of no more than 5% on either side of the specified values. This ensures harmonized operation, preventing scenarios where one battery undergoes excessive discharge while the other retains a substantial charge. A well-balanced battery system contributes to optimal performance and longevity of the overall energy storage system.
After the additional battery has been connected into the system it is essential that all batteries charge up to 100% in order to calibrate before being used in normal operation.