With the SuperPack NG, Victron is targeting owners who Switch to lithium without having to completely reconfigure the vehicle electrical system. Unlike many lithium batteries, which require special chargers, customised voltage regulators or external battery management systems, everything is already integrated in the SuperPack NG. This should make replacement as easy as with lead-acid batteries - with the advantages of higher energy density, lower weight and longer service life. Even if the battery has everything you need, you need to check whether the alternator and wiring meet the requirements when switching to lithium. Five models are available in 12.8, 25.6 and 51.2 volts with capacities of 100 or 200 ampere hours.
Protection on several levels
According to the manufacturer, the SuperPack NG continuously monitors current, voltage, cell balance and temperature. The integrated battery management system intervenes at critical values and switches off before damage can occur. A customised discharge limit can be configured via the VictronConnect app to extend the service life of the battery. Users can specify the charge level at which discharging is stopped - protection against deep discharge that can also be used as an emergency reserve. Warnings and alarms are issued via external feedback signals and can be called up live in the VictronConnect app or a home screen widget. Two integrated LEDs show the status of the lithium battery at a glance: Bluetooth connection, warnings, alarms are displayed immediately without having to open the app.
Self-heating for charging at sub-zero temperatures
A special feature is the integrated heating function, which allows the lithium battery to be charged even at temperatures below zero degrees. Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) can be discharged at sub-zero temperatures, but charging them in freezing conditions can cause irreparable damage. The self-heating feature of the SuperPack NG is designed to solve this problem and, according to the manufacturer, makes the lithium battery suitable for Winter applications in harsh conditions. An integrated on/off switch shuts down the lithium battery completely and allows it to be stored for up to six months without recharging - practical for the winter break.
Double discharging capacity and long life
With discharge currents of up to 2C, the SuperPack NG delivers twice the nominal power according to Victron - a 100 ampere-hour lithium battery can therefore deliver 200 amperes continuously. This is intended to simplify dimensioning: instead of installing several batteries for peak loads, a smaller unit is sufficient. The automatic recovery function attempts to restart several times after short-circuit or overcurrent events, which should minimise unplanned failures. The design life of the battery is specified as 15 years.
IP65 and integrated safety valve
The housing is protected against dust and water jets to IP65 and is designed to withstand salty splashes, dusty conditions and harsh environments. For closed installations in engine compartments and battery compartments, the SuperPack NG has an integrated 3/4-inch threaded safety valve that can be connected to exhaust pipes. In extreme cases, gases are discharged in a controlled manner. The 100 ampere-hour model with 12 volts costs around 650 euros. Further information on www.victronenergy.com.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Models:
- 12.8 V/100 Ah (1.28 kWh)
- 12.8 V/200 Ah (2.56 kWh)
- 25.6 V/100 Ah (2.56 kWh)
- 25.6 V/200 Ah (5.12 kWh)
- 51.2 V/100 Ah (5.12 kWh)
Properties:
- Technology: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)
- Discharge current: Up to 2C (double rated power)
- Battery management system: Integrated
- Self-heating: Integrated (for charging at sub-zero temperatures)
- On/off switch: Integrated (up to six months storage without recharging)
- Housing: IP65 (protected against dust and water jets)
- Safety valve: 3/4-inch thread for exhaust air pipes
- Automatic recovery: After short circuit/overcurrent
- Status LEDs: Two integrated (Bluetooth, warnings, alarms, updates)
- Monitoring: VictronConnect app, home screen widget
- External signals: EFS (External Feedback Signals)
- Design life: 15 years
MORE ARTICLES ON THE TOPIC:
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
