What type of maintenance do Corvus batteries need?

None - ever.

What is the chemistry used in the batteries?

The Corvus Energy lithium ion batteries are based on a patented NMC chemistry. This allows for up to 4 times higher energy density compared to lead acid batteries. The lithium chemistry used by Corvus Energy is considered one of the safest available.

How safe is the lithium ion battery from Corvus Energy and what are the safety issues?

The NMC chemistry is considered one of the safest lithium batteries available. Additionally Corvus Energy has integrated a unique Battery Management System (BMS) that manages voltage, current and temperature in order to keep the battery in a safe working mode at all times. The battery is equipped with a CorvusBus communication port (CAN based), controlling external system components to create an inherently safe system.

Do the batteries need cell balancing?

Corvus Energy has integrated cell balancing in the battery as a standard. This provides peak performance of the battery system and maximizes it's life cycle.

How does the cell balancing from Corvus Energy work?

The Battery Management System (BMS) of Corvus Energy is a proprietary system which works automatically to equalize all cells in a pack. Electronics transfer any excess of energy from above specification cell to the below specifications cells in the battery pack. With the BMS system not only is the battery kept safe but more usable capacity is provided.

Does the Corvus Energy lithium ion battery require any special handling?

No, the battery itself does not require any special handling. With each system Corvus Energy will approve external user connections.

What is the voltage and capacity?

The Corvus Energy lithium ion battery can be configured in a number of voltage specifications up to 96 volts nominal as required by the customer. Standard capacity is rated at 6.2 kW-hr nominal.

Can the lithium ion be paralleled to create bigger battery banks?

Yes, due to the integrated BMS system, there are no restrictions in paralleling the batteries.

Can the lithium ion be connected in series to create a high voltage pack?

Yes, due to the integrated BMS system it is possible to connect multiple battery modules in series, to create a high voltage pack. Please contact Corvus Energy for applications in the range of 260 to 600V.

What is meant by a 1C discharge or charge rate?

The C rate for charge or discharge is simply the amp-hour rating of the battery normalized to a value quoted at 1C. For example, a 200 amp-hour rated 12V battery, being charge at a 1C rate, would require a charger capable of delivering 200 amps at 12 volts and would charge the battery in one hour. A 2C charge rate would be 400 amps and would charge the battery in 0.5 hour. One of the significant advantages of the lithium batteries over lead acid is their inherently high C rate for charging.

Will the batteries support high discharge rates?

The specification of the Corvus Energy batteries is a maximum discharge rate of 2C. Higher discharge rates are possible with consultation to the particular application with Corvus Energy.

Will the batteries accept high charge rates?

The recommended maximum charge rate is 1.0 C but 2C is allowed, depending on the available charging system. All charge functions will be controlled and supervised by the BMS.