At Callidus Trade, we take pride in breathing new life into existing technology. Our latest project involved upgrading a three-phase hybrid generator that was originally fitted with traditional lead-acid batteries. The objective was simple: modernise the system with Pytes V5 lithium batteries to improve efficiency, reliability and overall performance.

The Challenge: Heavy, Inefficient and Outdated

The original generator system had performed well over the years, but its lead-acid battery bank had become a major limitation. Lead-acid technology is heavy, slow to charge, and requires frequent maintenance. For hybrid or mobile applications, where reliability and responsiveness are crucial, these drawbacks were significant.

The existing generator structure, control system and inverter hardware were still in good condition, so rather than replacing the entire unit, we designed a retrofit solution to give it a new lease of life.

The Upgrade: 16 Pytes V5 Lithium Batteries and a Bespoke Frame

Our engineering team removed the old battery system and built a custom steel frame designed specifically to house 16 Pytes V5 lithium modules.
This bespoke design provided:

• Excellent airflow and vibration isolation for mobile and industrial use

• Clean, efficient cable routing and easy service access

• Optimised weight distribution for safe and stable operation

The Pytes V5 batteries were chosen for their high quality, Victron compatability and vibration-tested durability. These features make them ideal for hybrid generators and portable power systems that need to perform in challenging environments.

The Results: Smarter, Lighter, Stronger

The transformation has made a huge difference.

• The system is now almost two tonnes lighter than before

• Charging and discharging are much faster and more efficient

• Maintenance requirements have been greatly reduced

• Overall system reliability and resilience have improved

• The environmental footprint is significantly smaller

Paired with Victron Energy Quattro inverter/chargers, the upgraded system delivers smooth three-phase operation with intelligent load management and support for renewable energy input.

Re-powering for the Future

This project demonstrates how older hybrid systems can be successfully repowered and modernised to meet today’s performance expectations. Instead of scrapping equipment that still has potential, a carefully designed lithium conversion can extend its life, improve performance and reduce long-term costs.