Best way to monitor 8× 12V LiFePO4 batteries individually in 2S4P configuration?

Q&A and troubleshooting
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1

I’m building a 24V off-grid system with 8× 12V 300Ah LiFePO4 batteries in 2S4P configuration (no built-in CAN communication). I need to monitor each battery individually for voltage, current, and temperature - especially to identify weak batteries in the parallel strings and monitor temperature in winter conditions. I’m using a Victron Cerbo GX and want to see individual battery data, preferably in VRM.

I’m considering Batrium WatchMon CORE + 8× CellMate K9 (~$1,250 CAD), but the detailed battery data only shows in Batrium Live portal, not VRM. Is there a Victron-native solution or better alternative that displays individual battery monitoring in VRM? Or is using two portals (VRM for system, Batrium for batteries) the standard approach for parallel battery configurations?

2

I’m also considering setting up 8 of the Victron SmartShunt 500A instead of the Batrium/CellMate solution but I will need to expand the ports on the CerboGX as a result so also need recommendations on that solution please.

3

See Battery Compatibility [Victron Energy] for batteries that can communicate with the Cerbo. Some other manufacturers can also, but they mention this isn their documentation. Those on the list have been tested by Victron. I would not use batteries that don’t communicate as this is essential for proper balancing.
Expanding the ports on the Cerbo: A VE-Direct-USB lead can also be plugged into the USB ports of a cerbo if you run out of VE-direct ports.

2 Likes
4

If not purchased already, then first suggestion is buy bigger correct voltage batteries & go 48v.

To have 8 shunts & 8 batteriers simply adds connections / costs / communication issues to begin with.

Why have you decided on such a complicated system?

There are many cheaper alternatives than what you suggest.

Use batteries with bms that already can communicate, look on victrons web site for this or there are many that can be configured with 3rd party software such as GitHub - mr-manuel/venus-os_dbus-serialbattery: Battery Monitor driver for serial battery in VenusOS GX systems

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If you really want to have so many devices this may be of use to expand on ve direct portshttps://www.duppa.net/product-category/usb-uart-converters/