Factory Test of a TP-100 Lithium-Ion Vision Battery System for Possible Implementation in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Until recently, lead-acid batteries were the go-to source for storing energy for UPS/Inverter applications. The most common types of batteries used in wind applications are Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid batteries (VLRAs). But, lead-acid batteries have drawbacks that make them risky and expensive to use in wind turbine applications. They are the element that is most likely to fail at the moment when they are most needed. It is hard enough to deploy and manage lead-acid batteries traditionally. But when VRLAs are used in remote facilities, there are some problems that increase the effort and the cost of using them. Currently, the Soweto Small Wind Turbine is incorporated with the Vertiv (Inverter) and VRLA battery type. TP 100 Vision lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer substantial advantages. This battery system is ideal for both UPS/Inverters and energy storage systems, offering excellent compatibility and a secure, durable lifespan. Factory testing was carried out on the installation and testing of a TP 100 Vision battery to a Vertiv-type UPS at a South African company. A variable resistive load bank was added to the UPS output in order to test and evaluate the outcome. This paper presents the factory testing results and proposes the implementation of the TP100 Vision battery to a 500W Small Wind Turbine (SWT) in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.