Victron Peak Power Pack LiFePO4 Battery Setup Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Victron Peak Power Pack is a standalone LiFePO4 battery with integrated charging, designed for mobile auxiliary power and caravan movers.
• It features dual outputs for high-current mover applications (Output 1) and general domestic loads (Output 2).
• Charging is flexible, supporting direct connection from vehicle alternators or solar panels (Input 1) and a mains adapter (Input 2).
• Never attempt to connect multiple Peak Power Pack units in series or parallel, as this is explicitly prohibited by the manufacturer.

How do I set up my Victron Peak Power Pack for mobile applications?

Setting up your Victron Peak Power Pack involves connecting it to your loads and charging sources, then configuring its operational modes. This unit is designed as a complete, integrated power solution, making installation straightforward for caravan maneuvering and auxiliary power.

Initial Setup and Connection Steps

The Victron Peak Power Pack is engineered as a self-contained unit. Follow these steps to ensure correct installation and operation.

1. Mount the Unit: Securely mount the Peak Power Pack in a well-ventilated area, ensuring it is within its specified operating temperature range of -20°C to +40°C for discharging and 0°C to +40°C for charging.
2. Connect Output 1 (Mover/High-Capacity Loads): This output is designed for high-current applications like caravan movers, providing 150A continuous and 200A peak discharge. Use cables appropriate for these currents, ensuring they fit within the 16 mm² cable clamp capacity. Fuse this connection externally, matched to the cable cross-section and load requirements.
3. Connect Output 2 (Domestic Loads): This output handles general DC loads, delivering 30A continuous and 50A peak. Use cables up to 6 mm² for these connections. Protect these low-voltage DC circuits with inline fuses, matched to the wire cross-section, with a maximum of 30A.
4. Connect Input 1 (Car/Solar Charging): This input accepts voltages between 11V and 25V. You can connect a solar panel (up to 25V Voc) or a vehicle alternator D+ line directly to this input. The unit automatically limits the charging current to 7A. No external solar regulator is needed for this input.
5. Connect Input 2 (Mains Adapter Charging): Use the supplied 15V, 3A adapter to charge the Peak Power Pack from a 110V/230V AC mains supply.
6. Install Remote Push Button: Mount the supplied remote push button on your vehicle dashboard. This button controls the high-capacity output and activates storage mode.
7. Verify Operation: After all connections are made, use the remote push button to cycle through the operational modes and observe the LED indicators.

Operational Modes and Indicators

The Victron Peak Power Pack features specific operational modes and LED indicators to manage its power delivery and charging.

Charging and Output Settings

The Peak Power Pack integrates its own charging and discharge management. Understanding these settings ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Battery Specifications

The Peak Power Pack uses intrinsically safe LiFePO4 cells with a nominal voltage of 12.8V DC. Available capacities are 20 Ah (256 Wh), 30 Ah (384 Wh), and 40 Ah (512 Wh). The round trip energy efficiency is 92%.

Output Capabilities

• Output 1 (Mover): Provides 150A continuous and 200A peak discharge for 10 seconds. It has a short-circuit current capability of 300A.
• Output 2 (Domestic): Provides 30A continuous and 50A peak discharge for 10 seconds. It has a short-circuit current capability of 80A.

Charging Inputs

• Input 1 (Car/Solar): This input accepts voltages from 11V to 25V. The current limit is automatically set to 7A. This input is suitable for direct connection to an alternator or solar panel without an external regulator.
• Input 2 (Mains Adapter): The supplied adapter provides a 15V output with a 3A charging current. It is compatible with 110V/230V 50/60Hz power supplies.

Rapid Charging

Rapid charging is possible via Output 1 for the PPP-30 and PPP-40 models.

• PPP-30: Supports a maximum rapid charge current of 15A.
• PPP-40: Supports a maximum rapid charge current of 20A. The recommended charging voltage for rapid charging is 14.2V, with a maximum of 14.4V.

Storage Mode

To prevent damage from excessive discharge during storage, especially during winter layup, activate storage mode by holding the remote push button for 5 seconds. This reduces self-discharge to below 0.7mA, or less than 6.5Ah per year. In activated mode, self-discharge is less than 1.4mA, or 13Ah per year.

Safety: Critical Considerations for LiFePO4 Batteries

The Victron Peak Power Pack is designed with safety in mind, featuring intrinsically safe LiFePO4 cells. However, certain precautions are essential during installation and operation.

• Standalone Operation Only: Never wire multiple Peak Power Pack units in series or parallel. Each unit is designed strictly for standalone operation. Attempting to connect them in series or parallel can lead to severe damage and safety hazards.
• Fusing: Always protect low-voltage DC circuits connected to Output 2 with inline fuses matched to the wire cross-section, with a maximum of 30A. Similarly, ensure the high-capacity Output 1 connection is fused appropriately for the load and cable size.
• Cable Sizing: Ensure all cables are correctly sized for the anticipated currents. Output 1 supports cables up to 16 mm² screw clamps, while Output 2 supports up to 6 mm² screw clamps. Exceeding these capacities or using undersized cables can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
• Temperature Limits: Do not attempt to charge the battery when the cell temperature is below 0°C. The built-in BMS will inhibit charging to protect the LiFePO4 chemistry. Avoid discharging the battery below -20°C or operating it outside the specified -20°C to +40°C temperature envelope.
• Storage: Before winter layup or extended storage, ensure the battery is switched to Storage Mode by holding the remote button for 5 seconds. This significantly reduces self-discharge.

When to call a technician instead

While the Victron Peak Power Pack is designed for user-friendly setup, certain situations warrant professional assistance.

• Persistent Issues: If the unit does not power on, charge, or deliver power as expected after following all setup and operational instructions, a technician may be needed.
• Physical Damage: Any signs of physical damage to the unit, cables, or connectors should be addressed by a qualified professional.
• Warranty Concerns: Modifying the unit or attempting repairs not explicitly outlined in the manual may void the 5-year standard warranty. If you suspect an internal fault, contact Victron Energy support or an authorized service center.
• Complex System Integration: For integrations into larger, more complex electrical systems beyond simple auxiliary power, a certified installer can ensure compatibility and optimal performance.