ML-COVER-LFP, LiFePO4 charger for solar powered data loggers

The ML-COVER-LFP is a power provision cover fitting our ML-417 off-grid LTE-m & NB-IoT data logger. An ML-417 can be powered from 1 to 4 LiFePO4 18650 3.2V cells, which can be charged by connecting an external solar panel.

This power provision might be a convenient alternative, if your application needs a bit more energy than an ML-COVER-PV with integrated 1Wp solar panel can yield and store, but you want to avoid using an external 12V battery.

LiFePO4 is a stable and safe battery chemistry with an excellent cycle life (over 1000 cycles at 100% DOD and thousands at 80% DOD). The energy round trip efficiency is much better than that of NiMH or Lead Acid batteries, so you can yield more energy from a same sized solar panel.

Please use our online Data logger power consumption calculator to estimate the battery life of your application.

Specifications

• Batteries (not included)
  › Chemistry: LiFePO4 (LFP)
  › Cell voltage: 3.2V Nominal
  › State of Charge (3.1V<5%, 3.2V<20%, 3.25V<50%, 3.3V<90%, 3.4V<100%)
  › Cell type: 18650
  › Holders: 4, up to 7200mAh (23Wh)
  
  
• Charge controller
  › Cell over charge protection
  › Cell charge temperature protection
  › Cell low voltage protection (auto output switch-off at 2.5V)
  
  
• Solar input (X1)
  › Number of cells: 36
  › Nominal voltage: 12V
  › Open circuit voltage: 21V recommended (18V..28V)
  
  
• Outputs (X2):
  › 3.2V to power the data logger.¹⁾
  
  
• Enclosure part
  › IP68 (30min@2m) waterproof enclosure.
  › UV stabilized polycarbonate.
  › 130x120x40mm, 215g.
  › Silicone gasket
  › 4x stainless steel (A2/W4/304) M4 bolt (25mm)
  
  

1) You have to set the "Battery (protection & lifespan)" property in the ML-417 to "Rechargeable LFP" to prevent the data logger to fall into a continuous deep sleep (NiMH battery protection mode)!