Home Distributed Energy Storage Systems: A Comprehensive Guide for Safe Use

Based on data from over 300 user surveys, this article outlines 12 critical considerations for the installation, usage, and maintenance of home energy storage batteries. It covers essential aspects such as equipment selection, safety regulations, and emergency procedures, helping you build a safe and efficient home energy system.

1. Equipment Installation: Five Golden Rules

Three Key Location Factors

• Ventilation: Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm from walls to ensure proper heat dissipation.
• Water Resistance: Install indoors and keep at least 1.5 meters away from water sources.
• Load Bearing: Choose a load-bearing wall or a specialized bracket (load capacity ≥ 500 kg).

Electrical Specifications

• Design an independent circuit with wire sizes ≥ 6 mm².
• Equip with a dedicated DC circuit breaker (rated current ≥ 1.5 times the battery output).

Connection Restrictions

• Parallel Connection: Avoid mixing batteries from different brands or models.
• Replace old battery packs entirely; partial replacements are prohibited.

Grounding Requirements

• Ensure grounding resistance is ≤ 4Ω.
• Check the integrity of the grounding wire monthly.

Acceptance Criteria

• Conduct a 72-hour static test before powering on.
• The first charge and discharge must reach at least 80% of the rated capacity.

2. Daily Use: Four Safety Guidelines

Charge and Discharge Management

• Set the State of Charge (SOC) threshold between 20%-80% to extend battery life.
• Avoid deep discharges (<10%); recharge immediately.

Temperature Monitoring

• Operational temperature range: -10℃ to 45℃.
• If temperature changes exceed 5℃ per hour, activate the temperature control system.

Overload Protection

• Continuous power should not exceed 80% of the rated value.
• Temporary overloads should last less than 30 seconds (automatic cutoff if exceeded).

Emergency Procedures

• In case of abnormal heating, immediately disconnect AC/DC switches.
• If there’s an unusual smell or smoke, initiate the fire emergency plan (ensure a dry powder extinguisher is available).

3. Maintenance Tips: Three Core Periods

Monthly Check

• Clean ventilation openings (use a vacuum cleaner gently; avoid liquid cleaners).
• Inspect the insulation of cables for cracks.

Quarterly Calibration

• Perform a full charge and discharge cycle every three months.
• Calibrate SOC algorithm errors.

Annual Testing

• Have a professional institution test internal resistance changes (ΔR ≤ 15%).
• Update the Battery Management System (BMS) firmware.

4. Capacity Configuration: Two Steps for Accurate Calculation

Demand Assessment

• Key Load: Refrigerator + lighting + communication (average daily usage: 2 kWh).
• Emergency Load: Air conditioning/medical devices (configured as needed).

Calculation Formula

Recommended capacity = (Key Load × Emergency Days) / (Battery Depth) × 1.2 (redundancy factor).

Example: For 3 days of emergency demand: (2 kWh × 3) / 0.8 × 1.2 = 9 kWh.

5. Safety Certifications: Four Layers of Authority

• Basic Certifications:
  • 3C Mandatory Certification (China)
  • CE Certification (EU)
  • UN38.3 (Lithium Battery Transport Safety)
• Performance Certifications:
  • IEC62619 (Safety Standards for Energy Storage Systems)
  • GB/T 36276 (Technical Specifications for Home Energy Storage)
• Environmental Certifications:
  • RoHS (EU Environmental Directive)
  • WEEE (Electronic Waste Treatment)

Insurance Protection

• Select a provider that covers product liability insurance.
• Confirm the insurance coverage includes fire, explosion, and leakage.

Expert Advice:

“For every additional 1 kWh of capacity in a home storage system, the probability of fire risk increases by 0.3%. It is advisable to choose a modular design with triple protection features: short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, and over-discharge protection.” — China Electronics Technology Standardization Institute

6. Common Misconceptions: Five Prohibited Practices

• Avoid modifying the battery pack independently.
• Do not leave the system unused for long periods without charging (at least once a month to 60%).
• Refrain from using non-original charging devices.
• Do not block ventilation openings (this reduces cooling efficiency by 30%).
• Do not neglect software updates (BMS algorithms are continuously updated).

Conclusion

A home energy storage system acts as a “bank of electricity” for your household. When used scientifically, it can extend the equipment’s lifespan by up to 40%. It is recommended to allocate 5% of the equipment’s value annually for professional maintenance, ensuring safety and enhancing energy efficiency. Before installation, confirm the grid connection policies in your area to comply with regulations and take advantage of subsidy benefits.