Sold out. !!!!!!New🔥$199 Kohler 24 volt catl batteries. Using for 48v system. 2.56 kWh 100 ah

[FETguy]

I asked a while back how many they have left, but there has been no response...
Maybe this for sale thread shouldnt have tons of tech support posts, just the for sale stuff?

I might start a new thread, and move all the tech stuff to it, with a link back to this thread?
@AnthonyS

I like the idea of starting a new thread, and suggested it a couple days ago. This has become the main thread for technical stuff of interest to people like me who are trying to repurpose these batteries. I suggest that it go under DIY LiFePO4 Battery Packs.

There are people who are trying to get a full system with GoodWe hybrid inverter going, or to un-brick one they bought from Kohler or ElectriQ - that might merit a separate thread of its own.

I'm new here, so will defer to others, but if the consensus is to start a new thread, I'm happy to do so.

Teaser! I got my first look at the CAN bus comms today. . .

 

[Hungfish]

I like the idea of starting a new thread, and suggested it a couple days ago. This has become the main thread for technical stuff of interest to people like me who are trying to repurpose these batteries. I suggest that it go under DIY LiFePO4 Battery Packs.

There are people who are trying to get a full system with GoodWe hybrid inverter going, or to un-brick one they bought from Kohler or ElectriQ - that might merit a separate thread of its own.

I'm new here, so will defer to others, but if the consensus is to start a new thread, I'm happy to do so.

Teaser! I got my first look at the CAN bus comms today. . .

@FETguy
looking forward to your thread

 

[FETguy]

Thinking about it overnight, rather than starting my own new thread, accepting Supervstech's offer to move the technical into a new thread is better because it preserves what folks have written so far and their attachments. So I'm going to hang back for now. I do have a backlog of small points to make which may be of interest to others who are actively working on these batteries now.

 

[Supervstech]

Thinking about it overnight, rather than starting my own new thread, accepting Supervstech's offer to move the technical into a new thread is better because it preserves what folks have written so far and their attachments. So I'm going to hang back for now. I do have a backlog of small points to make which may be of interest to others who are actively working on these batteries now.

I need the OP to agree...

 

[milfordtrout]

I say start a new thread without this stuff. That will filter the cruft and we can make a summary of the useful bits, but most of that will be baked into the progress already.

 

[wavezz2k]

I support, advocate for, separate threads moving forward. Clearly two separate topics (more?) Personally, interested in both. I've got a full stack integrated and am powering up, will be looking to initiate coms to GoodWe 7600 shortly.

Statement made in post earlier above, the Kohler full stack battery is not functional without cloud authentication. Not sure that is correct, because some contacts I've spoken with have stated they have inverters powered up using this full integrated battery & cabinet, whether SolarGo or SEMS app, being used not sure, and don't know status of charge control function (PV, or grid).

Two topics -
1) Use of the Kohler stack with it's BMS, either unbrick / replace Electriq gateway, using 'plain jane' GoodWe or other inverter (non Kohler firmware).
2) Re-architect the stack for 48v (24v or ..) , to use with other low voltage inverters.

As aside the Kohler manual with cabinet is certainly key, and keeping use of as much of the wiring harness would be a plus in future builds.

 

[chaseb03]

i currently have a test system running that i put together this weekend. the inverter does power up and operate with all the components attached.the only issue i have is the batteries charging back up.i originally charged each battery individually before hand so when i started they were full. i know the original Electriq/Sierra wireless iot device is no longer functioning nor is it need for the inverter to operate.does anyone have any leads to an original goodwe wifi module with normally comes with the inverter.

i'm looking forward to future development with this equipment.

 

[FETguy]

Well, this has gone pretty quiet. It seems the OP cannot be reached, so the contents cannot be mined by the admin for the good stuff and reposted.

I am actively working with the units I have and would like to collaborate with others of similar interest, namely, trying to get these battery modules working in configurations other than the original HV hybrid inverter form. I will start a new thread about that under DIY LiFePO4 Battery Banks, since it seems to me that's what we are doing. See you there!

I agree that people who are working on Kohler/Electriq/Goodwe stack should start their own new thread. I'll check that out too, but it is not my immediate interest.

 

[audia4_20t]

Looks like we're cooking here. I've gotten a CAN sniffer on the can lines and there's a good amount of traffic.

A couple weird things:
1. It looks like the temp readings are in Faranheit (or my cells are way too warm for no load)
2. I can only find 2 of the 4 modules in the 10kwh pack

 

[FETguy]

Well that's a good step. I have been looking at the bus too and have made some progress. I am mostly looking at just one balance board on the bench and poking at it with a PCAN dongle. I have it connected to a resistor string to mimic cells and a couple pots in place of the thermistors. I can see all 8 "cell" voltages and the two thermistors (mine read out in Celsius. . . ). And I can close the daisy chain relay. But it is mostly pretty obscure to me.

How do you get the annotations shown in your figure? Do you have anything which describes the protocol?

Please consider moving to the new post under DIY LiFePO4. I will copy a version of this there.

 

[audia4_20t]

I have all the CAN messages decoded. Will post there

 

[wavezz2k]

I have all the CAN messages decoded. Will post there

Thanks FET guy for starting the new repurpose thread. Nice job. I also have a high voltage stack up and working with goodwe 7600. made some progress on how to connect the Wi-Fi in the BP model. What is best/ suggested forum to start a new thread specific to high voltage Kohler with off the shelf inverters?

 

[FETguy]

I'm still pretty new here, so not sure where is best. The goal is to get visibility among like-minded people. I see a forum for Hybrid and Grid-Tie Inverters. Maybe start it there. Others might have a better idea.
I'm looking forward to reading your thread. And your group might benefit from our CAN comms research, especially if we get our hands on actual documentation for the system (seems unlikely, but you never know. . . )

 

[wavezz2k]

FWIW, couple findings and resources to share - hope will save other's on research time and install hassles.
We (wifey EEngr & self) have brought up first install, and not thorough tested, but do have Kohler cabinet lights up, gives status, and 7600-BP w/ ATX , shows all status OK in base s/w config and clearly can 'talk' to the Kohler battery (100v-125v) stack. Sierra wireless 'hub' for Electriq proprietary cloud is powered from 24v, but we're connecting nor do we see a wifi (perhaps a 5g).
All Inverter status lights appear fully operational, so far so good. No "magic smoke" is always a plus: no more electrons = bad. When started, no guarentee GoodWe / Kohler combo kit would produce AC out.

Charging is functioning, battery indicator on cabinet & Inverter show good. Using a small 1kw 125v string & denotes increasing state of charge after couple days, with output of 120 ac at inverter backup lugs checks out and associated status LED's all look operational. There are still many of these Inverters & Kohler battery stacks listed at online outlets over $3k for Inverter alone (+ $600 for the ATX) . Couple these Resell surplus, can get one complete 900$ or so via Craigs & eBay folks (NIB). Personally, have not seen a better option for $100/kw CATL in a top shelf install set with 'english' documentation, a nice enclosure & snap in cabling for all mates.

These (1) & (2) points & findings on high volt setup with GoodWe will be moved to new thread, out of 'sales', into Hybrid inverters forum section.

(1) Base Install, findings, recommendations - The main cabinet 2" punchout over to inverter 1" , requires a mash-up to connect. Used 2" to 1-1/4" reduce washer, then 1-1/4" liquid tite flex to a custom plastic 'home depot' box, then split to two separate 1" flex (one for com plus ground, and one for +/- power leads). Sadly all routing from cabinet to inverter will not fit a single 1-1/4" (com plug is large). The 1:2 split was a generic box, hole saw drilled. The battery enclosures stack wall brackets are great, & solid, but do not have "uplift" lock on the battery cabinet. If you are in seismic 4 area, best be certain include at least one hold down, or it's gonna bounce off mounts in a shaker. Used 8AWG strand copper THHN for Inverter to ATX, using tinned end, rather than a crimp ferrule, as there was not any crimp fittings which fit properly to ATX . Install Spec states to 6AWG max to ATX.

(2) WiFi connectivity, dongle & cable, configuration, Solar Go, etc. -
Stated to me on phone by others, haven't been getting Wifi going after wiring up. Some cases, I suspect they didn't check board to see if WiFi was installed or not. The 7600-BP has a open, board male 5 pin , for the cable to USB receptacle (which WiFi dongle requires). Mine (7600-BP) had no connector, nor WiFi, so S/W customization or any setting changes are not possible (yet). GoodWe Connector is a Amphenol(?) standard (board to dongle), and GoodWe OEM setup with dongle to outside enclosure will be water tight IP66 if follow that OEM route. Likely , a cheap Amazon substitute is fine on install that's not water exposed. I'm waiting on a GoodWe WiFi dongle in shipment; however, will try a generic WiFi in the next few days after cable arrives. I'd bet a standard WiFi dongle will talk on this USB port On 7600/9600 ES-US as stated to me by rep, has WiFi already built in. Not sure about my ES config (without "-US" spec), as haven't checked it yet.

Example Amphenol on DigiKey for WiFi to connect off the board 5-pin to USB Wifi (or 5g) dongle, similar to this, but not exact equivalent spec (shows a USB B, dongle uses USB A):

UB-20PMFP-LC7003 | DigiKey Electronics

Order today, ships today. UB-20PMFP-LC7003 – Cable Assembly USB B Female Receptacle to Rectangular 5 pos Plug 0.16' (50.0mm) from Amphenol LTW. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

Similar Amazon connector, tho not water proof (ed - this pin space wasn't the same as on 7600 board, will solder in a molex connector):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5KZC9W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Could try this route for bit over $10, may work. I'll update after my bits arrive (have 3 cables, 2 dongles inbound).

(3) eBay & Craigslist sellers -
I'd estimate 1000 units or more, full systems, are out there from Electriq bankruptcy. Multiple 1000's of proprietary firmware inverters are now "bricked" by servers going dark (there's a business opportunity). At a price point $100/kw-hr & $1k for 10kw complete 4-pack & cabinet & cables, and Inverters at $650-900., a rebuild of the battery to low volt, is only of academic interest to most. Really must have a strong "need" to rebuild these, as they are great out of the box as designed high volt. Suggest if doing a new system, might as well get GoodWe or other high-volt inverter - punt on rebuild to 48v. These can be set up and running in a day, ultra clean. There are advantages to high-volt setups. I've got larger legacy 48v systems running, so 48v is of interest, but only because my case are embedded complex builds ( 3 systems, > 6 charge controllers, OB Flex & MidNite, Outback & SMA & Trace/Xantrex inverters).

John T, in SF Bay area on Craigs has large warehouse & lots product (panels, inverters, cabinets, batteries); he's a good straight up seller, very responsive and easy to coordinate. Cash & pickup, in / out in 15 minutes. Have picked up 2 systems. Panels are by the full pallet.
In farther SF East Bay, eBay seller "cudean" & "4yourbusiness" were responsive to questions, but haven't purchased there directly. "4yourbusiness" stated in DM that WiFi is up & working for config "SolarGo", and has inbound supply of WiFi connexn kits - that'd be last mile closure awesomeness.

YMMV.

Going fwd, pls post comments / replies to new thread forks started. good luck

 

[audia4_20t]

Awesome work! Is your plan to keep the setup as is? aka 96v and just get a better bridge working?

 

[wavezz2k]

Awesome work! Is your plan to keep the setup as is? aka 96v and just get a better bridge working?

GoodWe dongle, perhaps also generic WiFi USB, is anticipated to work as designed. Simply ignore proprietary Sierra wireless hub & Electriq Kohler cloud commission and cloud report functions, as present setup it’s likely a dumb hub along for the ride. Will know more in couple days. At present rather pleased Kohler ‘refrigerator’ & GoodWe are humming along. It’s a tank. Enclosure alone, sans battery, believe ~100lbs. Serious stout & clean hardware. Plans to power a well, water tank filter / ozone, and Ag landscape pumps.

 

[audia4_20t]

Nice little project. You're right, it's incredibly cheap for how quality this stuff is

 

[Victorg93308]

GoodWe dongle, perhaps also generic WiFi USB, is anticipated to work as designed. Simply ignore proprietary Sierra wireless hub & Electriq Kohler cloud commission and cloud report functions, as present setup it’s likely a dumb hub along for the ride. Will know more in couple days. At present rather pleased Kohler ‘refrigerator’ & GoodWe are humming along. It’s a tank. Enclosure alone, sans battery, believe ~100lbs. Serious stout & clean hardware. Plans to power a well, water tank filter / ozone, and Ag landscape pumps.

FWIW, couple findings and resources to share - hope will save other's on research time and install hassles.
We (wifey EEngr & self) have brought up first install, and not thorough tested, but do have Kohler cabinet lights up, gives status, and 7600-BP w/ ATX , shows all status OK in base s/w config and clearly can 'talk' to the Kohler battery (100v-125v) stack. Sierra wireless 'hub' for Electriq proprietary cloud is powered from 24v, but we're connecting nor do we see a wifi (perhaps a 5g).
All Inverter status lights appear fully operational, so far so good. No "magic smoke" is always a plus: no more electrons = bad. When started, no guarentee GoodWe / Kohler combo kit would produce AC out.

Charging is functioning, battery indicator on cabinet & Inverter show good. Using a small 1kw 125v string & denotes increasing state of charge after couple days, with output of 120 ac at inverter backup lugs checks out and associated status LED's all look operational. There are still many of these Inverters & Kohler battery stacks listed at online outlets over $3k for Inverter alone (+ $600 for the ATX) . Couple these Resell surplus, can get one complete 900$ or so via Craigs & eBay folks (NIB). Personally, have not seen a better option for $100/kw CATL in a top shelf install set with 'english' documentation, a nice enclosure & snap in cabling for all mates.

These (1) & (2) points & findings on high volt setup with GoodWe will be moved to new thread, out of 'sales', into Hybrid inverters forum section.

(1) Base Install, findings, recommendations - The main cabinet 2" punchout over to inverter 1" , requires a mash-up to connect. Used 2" to 1-1/4" reduce washer, then 1-1/4" liquid tite flex to a custom plastic 'home depot' box, then split to two separate 1" flex (one for com plus ground, and one for +/- power leads). Sadly all routing from cabinet to inverter will not fit a single 1-1/4" (com plug is large). The 1:2 split was a generic box, hole saw drilled. The battery enclosures stack wall brackets are great, & solid, but do not have "uplift" lock on the battery cabinet. If you are in seismic 4 area, best be certain include at least one hold down, or it's gonna bounce off mounts in a shaker. Used 8AWG strand copper THHN for Inverter to ATX, using tinned end, rather than a crimp ferrule, as there was not any crimp fittings which fit properly to ATX . Install Spec states to 6AWG max to ATX.

(2) WiFi connectivity, dongle & cable, configuration, Solar Go, etc. -
Stated to me on phone by others, haven't been getting Wifi going after wiring up. Some cases, I suspect they didn't check board to see if WiFi was installed or not. The 7600-BP has a open, board male 5 pin , for the cable to USB receptacle (which WiFi dongle requires). Mine (7600-BP) had no connector, nor WiFi, so S/W customization or any setting changes are not possible (yet). GoodWe Connector is a Amphenol(?) standard (board to dongle), and GoodWe OEM setup with dongle to outside enclosure will be water tight IP66 if follow that OEM route. Likely , a cheap Amazon substitute is fine on install that's not water exposed. I'm waiting on a GoodWe WiFi dongle in shipment; however, will try a generic WiFi in the next few days after cable arrives. I'd bet a standard WiFi dongle will talk on this USB port On 7600/9600 ES-US as stated to me by rep, has WiFi already built in. Not sure about my ES config (without "-US" spec), as haven't checked it yet.

Example Amphenol on DigiKey for WiFi to connect off the board 5-pin to USB Wifi (or 5g) dongle, similar to this, but not exact equivalent spec (shows a USB B, dongle uses USB A):

UB-20PMFP-LC7003 | DigiKey Electronics

Order today, ships today. UB-20PMFP-LC7003 – Cable Assembly USB B Female Receptacle to Rectangular 5 pos Plug 0.16' (50.0mm) from Amphenol LTW. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

Similar Amazon connector, tho not water proof (ed - this pin space wasn't the same as on 7600 board, will solder in a molex connector):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5KZC9W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Could try this route for bit over $10, may work. I'll update after my bits arrive (have 3 cables, 2 dongles inbound).

(3) eBay & Craigslist sellers -
I'd estimate 1000 units or more, full systems, are out there from Electriq bankruptcy. Multiple 1000's of proprietary firmware inverters are now "bricked" by servers going dark (there's a business opportunity). At a price point $100/kw-hr & $1k for 10kw complete 4-pack & cabinet & cables, and Inverters at $650-900., a rebuild of the battery to low volt, is only of academic interest to most. Really must have a strong "need" to rebuild these, as they are great out of the box as designed high volt. Suggest if doing a new system, might as well get GoodWe or other high-volt inverter - punt on rebuild to 48v. These can be set up and running in a day, ultra clean. There are advantages to high-volt setups. I've got larger legacy 48v systems running, so 48v is of interest, but only because my case are embedded complex builds ( 3 systems, > 6 charge controllers, OB Flex & MidNite, Outback & SMA & Trace/Xantrex inverters).

John T, in SF Bay area on Craigs has large warehouse & lots product (panels, inverters, cabinets, batteries); he's a good straight up seller, very responsive and easy to coordinate. Cash & pickup, in / out in 15 minutes. Have picked up 2 systems. Panels are by the full pallet.
In farther SF East Bay, eBay seller "cudean" & "4yourbusiness" were responsive to questions, but haven't purchased there directly. "4yourbusiness" stated in DM that WiFi is up & working for config "SolarGo", and has inbound supply of WiFi connexn kits - that'd be last mile closure awesomeness.

YMMV.

Going fwd, pls post comments / replies to new thread forks started. good luck

Your updates made me pull the on two systems from jack. I’ll be picking them up Saturday. Keep us updated on your progress.

 

[codius]

I found this guy on Facebook. He's saying it works.

 

[ejglicks]

I have 8 of the batteries hooked up in a 2S4P to a EG4 12000xp as lead acid. I'm new to this and getting a bit worried about the lack of BMS or even cell balancing (since I don't have them hooked up to the Kohler BMS or a 24V source). Is there a string monitor setup that I could attach to the modules themselves to notify me or would hook up to the EG4 over the battery communication line to detect module-level balancing or voltage issues? Or should I just be checking every cell voltage in every pack manually every 6 months?

 

[wpns]

Is there a string monitor setup that I could attach to the modules themselves to notify me

There is a purpose made device to do exactly this. It’s called a battery management system, or BMS.

 

[Hedges]

I have 8 of the batteries hooked up in a 2S4P to a EG4 12000xp as lead acid. I'm new to this and getting a bit worried about the lack of BMS or even cell balancing (since I don't have them hooked up to the Kohler BMS or a 24V source).

If you were talking about loose cells, you should be worried.
If you are talking about 8s Kohler modules (which I think you are), same is true.

(If you had 8s "Batteries" with BMS, not 8s "modules" without functional BMS, then you could be OK so long as the batteries contain a BMS that tolerates the 48V series connected configuration.)

Is there a string monitor setup that I could attach to the modules themselves to notify me or would hook up to the EG4 over the battery communication line to detect module-level balancing or voltage issues? Or should I just be checking every cell voltage in every pack manually every 6 months?

It should be checked continuously (with analog circuits) or by polling every few milliseconds (by uP or state machine.)

There are some obscure chemistries (I think) and some special use cases (bottom balanced cells for racing drones etc.) that can at least be discharged without BMS.

But any ESS application, you absolutely need BMS for typical LiFePO4 or Lithium-polymer cells. Otherwise, best case you turn your investment into scrap. Worst case goes to the "Up in Smoke!" section.

To use these Kohler 8s modules, you either need on-board modular BMS operating together with an extra BMS box that provides disconnect, or else unplug the modular 8s BMS and splice in a 16s BMS.

Some people have the full Kohler system working with BMS and inverter, high voltage. I don't think anyone has that hardware working in a 48V system yet but are reverse-engineering the CAN protocol.

Splicing in a 16s BMS, e.g. from JK or others, seems like the known good path for now.