Renogy Core Series 12.8V 300Ah Mini Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

High-Capacity Lithium Power in a Compact Design

The Renogy Core Series 12.8V 300Ah Mini Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery is designed as a drop-in replacement for deep-cycle lead-acid batteries using a standard Battery Council International (BCI) group size. Offering a substantial 300Ah rated capacity at a nominal 12.8V, it provides high energy storage while maintaining a more compact form factor than comparable batteries.

The battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) prismatic cells and automotive-grade battery cells, providing a combination of high energy density, deep discharge capability, high round-trip efficiency and faster charging performance. Renogy states that the battery weighs approximately half as much as comparable lead-acid batteries and can safely be discharged to 100% depth of discharge (DOD), allowing it to deliver twice the energy of a comparable lead-acid counterpart according to the manufacturer's manual.

With a 5000-cycle lifespan at 80% DOD, the battery is designed for long-term deep-cycle applications where dependable energy storage and repeated charging and discharging are required.

300Ah Capacity with High Charge and Discharge Performance

The 300Ah capacity provides substantial stored energy for 12V applications and can be scaled into larger battery banks when additional capacity or system voltage is required. The battery has a maximum continuous charge current of 150A and a maximum continuous discharge current of 200A, making it suitable for systems requiring significant charging and power delivery capability.

The standard charging process uses a constant current of 150A until the battery reaches 14.4V, followed by constant-voltage charging at 14.4V while the current gradually reduces. Renogy states that the standard charging process typically takes approximately 2.5 hours under the specified conditions.

The battery can be charged using compatible lithium battery charging equipment, including MPPT charge controllers, AC chargers and DC-DC chargers. The recommended charge, boost or bulk voltage setting is 14.4V ±0.2V. Charging should not exceed the battery's maximum continuous charge current of 150A.

For discharge applications, the battery has a maximum continuous discharge current of 200A and a peak discharge current of 380A for 10 seconds. Renogy recommends pairing the battery with discharge equipment featuring a low-voltage disconnect (LVD) function for safe and optimal operation.

Integrated Battery Management System for Protection

The Renogy Core Series battery incorporates an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) designed to monitor the battery and provide multiple levels of protection during charging and discharging.

The BMS provides protection against battery cell overvoltage, cell undervoltage, charging overcurrent, discharge overcurrent, short circuit, high temperature and low temperature conditions. This helps protect the battery and connected equipment from potentially damaging operating conditions.

The battery also incorporates cell balancing through an internal bypass circuit. During charging, when the voltage difference between cell groups reaches the specified balancing conditions, the system can divert charging current around the highest-voltage cell group until the voltage difference is reduced. This balancing function operates during the charging process.

Temperature protection is also built into the battery. Charging is protected at temperatures at or below 0°C, while discharge low-temperature protection activates at or below -20°C. High-temperature protection is also provided during both charging and discharging.

Flexible Series and Parallel Expansion

The 12.8V 300Ah battery can be expanded to create larger energy storage systems. Up to four batteries can be connected in parallel or up to four batteries can be connected in series, with series and parallel combinations allowing configurations up to 4S4P.

A four-battery parallel configuration produces a 12.8V 1200Ah system with 15,360Wh of energy. A four-battery series configuration produces a 48V (51.2V) 300Ah system with 15,360Wh of energy.

For a maximum 4P4S configuration, the system can reach 48V (51.2V), 1200Ah and 61,440Wh of energy. Other combinations are also possible, including 2P2S, 2P4S and 4P2S configurations.

When connecting multiple batteries, the batteries should be of the same chemistry, rated capacity, nominal voltage, brand and model. Renogy also recommends balancing batteries before connecting them. Each battery should first be fully charged individually, with the voltage difference kept below 0.1V, followed by a 12–24 hour period connected in parallel before establishing the final battery system.

Compact Construction and Installation

The battery measures 384 × 194 × 253mm and weighs 25.0kg. It features M8 positive and negative terminals and is supplied with standard terminal bolts as well as longer terminal bolts for applications where multiple cable lugs are connected to a terminal.

For installation, Renogy recommends positioning the battery in a clean, cool and dry location away from accumulated water, oil and dirt. Sufficient airflow should be provided to prevent excessive heat build-up and to minimise temperature differences between connected batteries. When installing multiple batteries, the manual illustrates spacing of approximately 5–10cm between batteries and at least 20cm where indicated.

The battery can be mounted on its bottom or on its sides, but the top side containing the terminals should not be used as a mounting surface. A battery tray, tie-down strap and mounting screws can be used to secure the battery and help prevent movement caused by loose cables or impacts.

Appropriately sized circuit breakers, fuses or disconnects should be installed to protect electrical equipment, with sizing carried out by a certified electrician, licensed installer or according to applicable regional electrical requirements.