Homemade Battery Packs
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
my Lifepo4-Polymer battery pack.
1-5 photos - 9ah
6 - 11ah
1-5 photos - 9ah
6 - 11ah
Sorry, bad english!
- DrkAngel 100 GW
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
I do have a few kWh of Sony cells.
Most impressive is that they still display 5 led, (on pack. power level, meter), after 6 months, from initial charge.
3.6V- 4.1V looks to be recommended "usable".
Compared to the "unbranded" cells, from same model pack.
3.7V ... maybe 3.6V, - 4.1V recommended "usable".Larger versions "attached" below -
Most impressive is that they still display 5 led, (on pack. power level, meter), after 6 months, from initial charge.
3.6V- 4.1V looks to be recommended "usable".
Compared to the "unbranded" cells, from same model pack.
3.7V ... maybe 3.6V, - 4.1V recommended "usable".Larger versions "attached" below -
- Attachments
-
- Sony%204320.jpg (42.79 KiB) Viewed 1787 times
-
- Smooth%20LiPo.jpg (38.88 KiB) Viewed 1787 times
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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- DrkAngel 100 GW
- Posts: 5435
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- Location: Upstate-Western-Southern Tier NY. USA
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
My recycled 4320 Dbl. recycled cells.
The "unbranded" cells have a wider, "beefier", discharge curve.
(Yes, you may be hearing "Where's the beef?", from me ... later.)
The Sony cells have a much more "even" curve, with a better "bottom end".

I have 2 kWh of the Sony cells tagged for my "44 Magnum" project.
The 2 kWh Sony packs appear to be new, never used, they came oem packaged, with nary a scratch or smudge.
8kWh of the "unbranded", set aside for my eMotorcycle, just got a genuine ETEK, as motovation.
The, reserved, 8 kWh unbranded, maintained 4 of 5 power level leds, still lit, 6 months after charging.
Also, the "unbranded" looks to have much better "limping" capability, from 3.7V and under.
Important, if you have no pedals!
The "unbranded" cells have a wider, "beefier", discharge curve.
(Yes, you may be hearing "Where's the beef?", from me ... later.)
The Sony cells have a much more "even" curve, with a better "bottom end".
I have 2 kWh of the Sony cells tagged for my "44 Magnum" project.
The 2 kWh Sony packs appear to be new, never used, they came oem packaged, with nary a scratch or smudge.
8kWh of the "unbranded", set aside for my eMotorcycle, just got a genuine ETEK, as motovation.
The, reserved, 8 kWh unbranded, maintained 4 of 5 power level leds, still lit, 6 months after charging.
Also, the "unbranded" looks to have much better "limping" capability, from 3.7V and under.
Important, if you have no pedals!
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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- DrkAngel 100 GW
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Packin' the 44 Magnum - Maybe A Pair
44 Magnum
I will test my 44.4V Lipo pack, initially as a 1kWh saddlebag configuration.
22.2V per side, straddling the top, triangle, bar.
"Saddle" will be center supported, and cut, allowing it to push forward with some cell protrusion in front of steering column.
Possibly, I will mount a headlight between this front protrusion, and turn indicators as outriggers ... camo.
Shifting the pack forward, in this manner, should allow adequate knee clearance, for pedaling.
Also, I intend this pack to be removable, and transferable.
So ... controller will be attached to saddlebag, in such a manner as to fit inside triangle, where all connections are placed.
When used as normal bike, standard, small type bag, should hide-protect wiring.
Such a setup would be ideal for a front hub conversion.
44 Magnum
Pack itself will be a 12S10P, using 120 "retasked", seemingly new, Sony LiPo cells.
(3.7V x 12) 44.4V x (2160mAh x 10) 21.6Ah = 959.04 kWh.
As verified by laptop & external charger, cells are designed to be charged to 4.1V.
I also verified this as advisable, using my mAh/100thV discharge test. - Sony 2160mAh
Providing a full charge 49.2V (4.1V) and discharging, to the optimal 43.2V. (3.6V)
48V controller has 40.5V LVC, should allow optimal discharge, even with heavy throttle voltage sag.
These cells are individually fused, a pack was tested with an initial 5C drain, that settled to a 2.5C+ drain, after several seconds, a fuse did blow.
Implying that spikes, near 80amps, can be handled and that a "drain", nearing 40amps, might be safely tolerated.
I will test this thoroughly, before pack assembly.
The only thing worse than bypassing 120 fuses, is having to disassemble a pack, then bypassing 120 fuses.
On the bright side, max surge draw should be less then 40amps and max sustained, near 20amps.
On the other hand, the "tasked" controller is a 48V 50A ... ?
Hmmm ....
Might go straight to a 43.2Ah pack ... ?
I will test my 44.4V Lipo pack, initially as a 1kWh saddlebag configuration.
22.2V per side, straddling the top, triangle, bar.
"Saddle" will be center supported, and cut, allowing it to push forward with some cell protrusion in front of steering column.
Possibly, I will mount a headlight between this front protrusion, and turn indicators as outriggers ... camo.
Shifting the pack forward, in this manner, should allow adequate knee clearance, for pedaling.
Also, I intend this pack to be removable, and transferable.
So ... controller will be attached to saddlebag, in such a manner as to fit inside triangle, where all connections are placed.
When used as normal bike, standard, small type bag, should hide-protect wiring.
Such a setup would be ideal for a front hub conversion.
44 Magnum
Pack itself will be a 12S10P, using 120 "retasked", seemingly new, Sony LiPo cells.
(3.7V x 12) 44.4V x (2160mAh x 10) 21.6Ah = 959.04 kWh.
As verified by laptop & external charger, cells are designed to be charged to 4.1V.
I also verified this as advisable, using my mAh/100thV discharge test. - Sony 2160mAh
Providing a full charge 49.2V (4.1V) and discharging, to the optimal 43.2V. (3.6V)
48V controller has 40.5V LVC, should allow optimal discharge, even with heavy throttle voltage sag.
These cells are individually fused, a pack was tested with an initial 5C drain, that settled to a 2.5C+ drain, after several seconds, a fuse did blow.
Implying that spikes, near 80amps, can be handled and that a "drain", nearing 40amps, might be safely tolerated.
I will test this thoroughly, before pack assembly.
The only thing worse than bypassing 120 fuses, is having to disassemble a pack, then bypassing 120 fuses.
On the bright side, max surge draw should be less then 40amps and max sustained, near 20amps.
On the other hand, the "tasked" controller is a 48V 50A ... ?
Hmmm ....
Might go straight to a 43.2Ah pack ... ?
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
What can I say, very informative and as eZip Trailz owner very helpful. Thanks a lot for putting that all together 

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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
On a side note anybody here had experience with 2.6Ah green sony US18650GR. I just got a batch of laptop batteries that are 5200 mah 10.8V 6 cell pack. My main concern with these cells is the discharge rate I have not tested them but pretty much all of them are 3.8V with only a few pairs damaged. Also I got LG red cells 2.6Ah from some of the packs. Anybody know about specs of these types of cells. The sony's seem newer and do not have the ENERGYTEC label on them (like the old designs)
- DrkAngel 100 GW
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
Just dug up a couple dozen old "ENERGYTEC" SONY cells.
Almost 3 years ago, I pulled these out of old packs and cut off the tabs, for use in flashlights n stuff.
Surprisingly, all cells, after sitting 3 years, still showed about 3.8V, with no corrosion where I ground off the spotweld residue.
Similar cells showed rust ... not stainless, magnet picks them up, must be some type alloy?
Will have to test them up, don't even remember the mAh. (Somewhere between 1800-2400mAh?)
As always ... will post results ...
Almost 3 years ago, I pulled these out of old packs and cut off the tabs, for use in flashlights n stuff.
Surprisingly, all cells, after sitting 3 years, still showed about 3.8V, with no corrosion where I ground off the spotweld residue.
Similar cells showed rust ... not stainless, magnet picks them up, must be some type alloy?
Will have to test them up, don't even remember the mAh. (Somewhere between 1800-2400mAh?)
As always ... will post results ...
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
- DrkAngel 100 GW
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
iMax B6 - $19.95 w/shipping
Requires 11-18V power supply.
Fortunately, I have a pile of Ibm 16V 4.5A notebook chargers.
Unfortunately, I'm never satisfied ... started playing with one of the Server PS I had laying around.
Now ... I have to find a use for 55A of nice, clean, reliable, 12V ... ?
Requires 11-18V power supply.
Fortunately, I have a pile of Ibm 16V 4.5A notebook chargers.
Unfortunately, I'm never satisfied ... started playing with one of the Server PS I had laying around.
Now ... I have to find a use for 55A of nice, clean, reliable, 12V ... ?
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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- DrkAngel 100 GW
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- Location: Upstate-Western-Southern Tier NY. USA
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
Got a 12.47V, 40Amp, power supply ... had to test it ... decided to push my repaired iMax B8, back up to 5Amps @ 29.4V.DrkAngel wrote:
If you are getting the iMax B6 balance charger, be aware that various reports, find full 5amp charging to be "iffy". Recommend 2-3amp charging initially. Personally, my B8, blew a Mosfet at 5amps, 12v input - 29.4v output. Mosfet replaced, will test with higher input voltage, lower output voltage etc. Will post results. - May 2011
Amperage spooled up and settled at 5 Amps then died ... PS (server PS) showed red led. Reset allowed iMax power up, but dies after charge hits .2Amp.
Gotta open 'er up again ...
Guess I can't recommend past 3-3.5 Amps ... ?
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
I have one of these nd an icharger 3010b. I love the size and options for the price of the imax. Mine has been very reliable and its more accurate than what people say on the bad reviews.DrkAngel wrote:iMax B6 - $19.95 w/shipping
Requires 11-18V power supply.
Fortunately, I have a pile of Ibm 16V 4.5A notebook chargers.
Unfortunately, I'm never satisfied ... started playing with one of the Server PS I had laying around.
Now ... I have to find a use for 55A of nice, clean, reliable, 12V ... ?
- DrkAngel 100 GW
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- Joined: Dec 15 2010 11:14am
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
iMax B6 - $19.95 w/shipping, arrived.
21 days shipping time.
Came with all cables and manual - no box.
Start-up, proudly proclaims SKYRC.
Ran a single bank, then a balance charge, seems to be working well ...
1 Problem! - button beep, sounds like a sick little bird ...
21 days shipping time.
Came with all cables and manual - no box.
Start-up, proudly proclaims SKYRC.
Ran a single bank, then a balance charge, seems to be working well ...
1 Problem! - button beep, sounds like a sick little bird ...
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
I have just ordered one of these with a built in 5a ac adapter for the price of a couple of Big Mac meals
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220910513791? ... 1439.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220910513791? ... 1439.l2649
- DrkAngel 100 GW
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
I've been recommending a cheap non-balancing Li-ion charger.
7S 25.9V - charges to 29.4V.
It charges to, an average, ~4.2V, no adjustment.
Discharge testing of various Lithium "types", indicates that lower full charge voltages, might be advisable.
Rather than attempting any form of internal modification, I put a 3amp "blocking diode" inline, on the positive wire.
Worked nicely! Dropped the Voltage nicely .3V, supplying an average of ~4.16V per cell.
Added, is the benefit of, no danger of electrical "backwash", plugging the battery, into an unpowered charger.
Quality-voltage reduction of blocking\rectifier\bypass diode, varies widely, by manufacturer. ~.2V to 1V+.
I received a .3V drop, from a unknown brand diode, nice "fit" for my purpose.
Larger-large capacity, blocking diodes, require an electrically isolated heatsink!
7S 25.9V - charges to 29.4V.
It charges to, an average, ~4.2V, no adjustment.
Discharge testing of various Lithium "types", indicates that lower full charge voltages, might be advisable.
Rather than attempting any form of internal modification, I put a 3amp "blocking diode" inline, on the positive wire.
Worked nicely! Dropped the Voltage nicely .3V, supplying an average of ~4.16V per cell.
Added, is the benefit of, no danger of electrical "backwash", plugging the battery, into an unpowered charger.
Quality-voltage reduction of blocking\rectifier\bypass diode, varies widely, by manufacturer. ~.2V to 1V+.
I received a .3V drop, from a unknown brand diode, nice "fit" for my purpose.
Larger-large capacity, blocking diodes, require an electrically isolated heatsink!
Last edited by DrkAngel on Mar 04 2012 7:12pm, edited 1 time in total.
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
- DrkAngel 100 GW
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
Nice! Neat little package.iperov wrote:24v 5ah x 2
in QQ sports mini frame bags
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
- DrkAngel 100 GW
- Posts: 5435
- Joined: Dec 15 2010 11:14am
- Location: Upstate-Western-Southern Tier NY. USA
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
I built my (recycled 18650) 25.9V 31.2Ah Last Spring.
I thought it to be a good time to give it a capacity test, it has survived 100+ charge - discharge cycles.
1st step was to do a balance charge, to 29.4V (4.2V per cell), I used my new iMax B8.
Then I discharged to 25.2V (3.6V per cell).
I rated 3.6V as optimal minimum usable voltage, based on the discharge test, graphed below.
Cell variance at max discharge was within 2-3 100ths volt of 3.6V, excellent, IMO, for used cells.
(Different cell types have different discharge profiles!)

So test voltages were:
4.2V - full
3.6V - empty
The pack is a 7S12P, 3.7V 2600mah per cell.
With a 31.2Ah rating.
My iMax B8 balance re-charge, metered a 30.87Ah input.
Charging rate was 3A = .1C, for maximum efficiency.
Giving a 98.9% , of rated, capacity!
Not bad for old recycled cells!!!
Typically I do not charge this "fully" or discharge this deeply.
4.16V - full
3.7V - empty
are the voltages I use during "bulk" charging, and typical "lowest discharge voltage".
I, variously, use a modified Meanwell clone (7.3A) and a 29.4V (2A) Li-ion charger (trimmed with a blocking diode.)
I attribute the quality and survivability of this pack to the extra care I took in testing and matching cells!
I am presently performing the same testing procedure on the recycled Lipo build of similar age and more severe usage, (150+ cycles & and Winter usage)
I thought it to be a good time to give it a capacity test, it has survived 100+ charge - discharge cycles.
1st step was to do a balance charge, to 29.4V (4.2V per cell), I used my new iMax B8.
Then I discharged to 25.2V (3.6V per cell).
I rated 3.6V as optimal minimum usable voltage, based on the discharge test, graphed below.
Cell variance at max discharge was within 2-3 100ths volt of 3.6V, excellent, IMO, for used cells.
(Different cell types have different discharge profiles!)
So test voltages were:
4.2V - full
3.6V - empty
The pack is a 7S12P, 3.7V 2600mah per cell.
With a 31.2Ah rating.
My iMax B8 balance re-charge, metered a 30.87Ah input.
Charging rate was 3A = .1C, for maximum efficiency.
Giving a 98.9% , of rated, capacity!
Not bad for old recycled cells!!!
Typically I do not charge this "fully" or discharge this deeply.
4.16V - full
3.7V - empty
are the voltages I use during "bulk" charging, and typical "lowest discharge voltage".
I, variously, use a modified Meanwell clone (7.3A) and a 29.4V (2A) Li-ion charger (trimmed with a blocking diode.)
I attribute the quality and survivability of this pack to the extra care I took in testing and matching cells!
I am presently performing the same testing procedure on the recycled Lipo build of similar age and more severe usage, (150+ cycles & and Winter usage)
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
That helps but honestly the quality of 18650 cells from the big manufacturers is what makes them so reliable.I attribute the quality and survivability of this pack to the extra care I took in testing and matching cells!
out of interest what measures did you use to prevent the nickle strips cutting through the thin shrink on the pack you just showed and shorting cells?
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Re: Homemade Battery Packs
All the "nickle strips" are spot welded oem.chilledoutuk wrote:That helps but honestly the quality of 18650 cells from the big manufacturers is what makes them so reliable.I attribute the quality and survivability of this pack to the extra care I took in testing and matching cells!
out of interest what measures did you use to prevent the nickle strips cutting through the thin shrink on the pack you just showed and shorting cells?
I added the angled tinned copper braid.
These cells have a blue plastic disc that covers the negative edge of the positive end, under the shrinkwrap.
The only place that I felt warranted extra protection, was on the positive edge, (upper, in picture), the tabs are folded over.
If you look carefully, you should be able to see the black duct tape, between the "strips" and the corners of the cells.
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
- DrkAngel 100 GW
- Posts: 5435
- Joined: Dec 15 2010 11:14am
- Location: Upstate-Western-Southern Tier NY. USA
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
I just capacity tested my 1 year old 25.9V 25.92Ah, homemade recycled Lipo pack.
(150+ cycles & and Winter usage)
1st step was to do a balance charge, to 29.4V (4.2V per cell), I used my new iMax B8.
Then I discharged to ~25.9V (3.7V per cell).
I rated 3.7V as optimal minimum usable voltage, based on the discharge test, graphed below.
Cell variance at max discharge was within ~2 100ths volt of 3.7V, excellent, IMO, for used cells.
(1 bank "patched" by adding 1 - 18650 cell)
(Different cell types have different discharge profiles!) So test voltages were:
4.2V - full
3.7V - empty
The pack is a 7S12P, 3.7V 2160mah per cell.
With a 25.92Ah rating.
My iMax B8 balance re-charge, metered a 20.8Ah input.
Charging rate was 3A = .125-.15C, for maximum efficiency.
Giving a 80.2% , of rated, capacity!
Acceptable for old recycled cells! ... ?
(Maximum capacity input measured 24Ah, deeper discharge, (last year))
Please note!
This pack was built from the reject Lipo packs.
These recycled cells were pulled from the laptop packs that failed to recharge in the oem charger.
I still have 8kWh's of these packs that do charge properly - designated eMotorcycle "fodder".
Typically I do not charge this "fully" or discharge this deeply.
4.16V - full
3.75V - empty
are the voltages I use during "bulk" charging, and typical "lowest discharge voltage".
I, variously, use a modified Meanwell clone (1V-56V adjustable 7.3A) and a 29.4V (2A) Li-ion charger (trimmed with a blocking diode.)
(150+ cycles & and Winter usage)
1st step was to do a balance charge, to 29.4V (4.2V per cell), I used my new iMax B8.
Then I discharged to ~25.9V (3.7V per cell).
I rated 3.7V as optimal minimum usable voltage, based on the discharge test, graphed below.
Cell variance at max discharge was within ~2 100ths volt of 3.7V, excellent, IMO, for used cells.
(1 bank "patched" by adding 1 - 18650 cell)
(Different cell types have different discharge profiles!) So test voltages were:
4.2V - full
3.7V - empty
The pack is a 7S12P, 3.7V 2160mah per cell.
With a 25.92Ah rating.
My iMax B8 balance re-charge, metered a 20.8Ah input.
Charging rate was 3A = .125-.15C, for maximum efficiency.
Giving a 80.2% , of rated, capacity!
Acceptable for old recycled cells! ... ?
(Maximum capacity input measured 24Ah, deeper discharge, (last year))
Please note!
This pack was built from the reject Lipo packs.
These recycled cells were pulled from the laptop packs that failed to recharge in the oem charger.
I still have 8kWh's of these packs that do charge properly - designated eMotorcycle "fodder".
Typically I do not charge this "fully" or discharge this deeply.
4.16V - full
3.75V - empty
are the voltages I use during "bulk" charging, and typical "lowest discharge voltage".
I, variously, use a modified Meanwell clone (1V-56V adjustable 7.3A) and a 29.4V (2A) Li-ion charger (trimmed with a blocking diode.)
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
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Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
DrkAngel: I'm confused. Sounds like your capacity is measured by the amount of energy going INTO the battery during charging. Is that correct? If so, why do it that way?DrkAngel wrote: The pack is a 7S12P, 3.7V 2160mah per cell.
With a 25.92Ah rating.
My iMax B8 balance re-charge, metered a 20.8Ah input.
Charging rate was 3A = .125-.15C, for maximum efficiency.
Giving a 80.2% , of rated, capacity!
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
this entire thread is a trainwreck........ it reeks of " safe " ..
- DrkAngel 100 GW
- Posts: 5435
- Joined: Dec 15 2010 11:14am
- Location: Upstate-Western-Southern Tier NY. USA
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
Lithium Cobalt charging, at moderate rate, is 98-99% efficient, a good measure of capacity.SamTexas wrote:DrkAngel: I'm confused. Sounds like your capacity is measured by the amount of energy going INTO the battery during charging. Is that correct? If so, why do it that way?DrkAngel wrote: The pack is a 7S12P, 3.7V 2160mah per cell.
With a 25.92Ah rating.
My iMax B8 balance re-charge, metered a 20.8Ah input.
Charging rate was 3A = .125-.15C, for maximum efficiency.
Giving a 80.2% , of rated, capacity!
A typical discharge, at varying discharge rates gives varied percentages of efficiency.
An iMax, 1 amp, regulated, metered discharge might be more accurate but ~30 hours ... seems excessive?
SLA, Nicd, Nimh charging might rate at 50-70% efficient, but lithiums, particularly Lithium Cobalt, at moderate charge rates, attain near 100% efficiency-accuracy!
As specifically noted, charging rates were between .1C for 18650's and .125C, of rated, for the Lipo, so as to attain maximum efficiency.
Last edited by DrkAngel on Apr 19 2012 8:30am, edited 1 time in total.
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
Those percentages sound impressive. But have you verified their accuracy?DrkAngel wrote: Lithium Cobalt charging, at moderate rate, is 98-99% efficient, a good measure of capacity.
...
, but lithiums, particularly Lithium Cobalt, at moderate charge rates, attain near 100% efficiency!
The Peukert effect is minimal on Lithium, especially at much lower discharge rate (less than 0.33C in your case I believe). But that's beside the point. Why not just use the Cycle Analyst for capacity measurement? After all, that's the only meaningful capacity as far as riding an ebike is concerned. No?DrkAngel wrote: A typical discharge, at varying discharge rates gives varied percentages of efficiency.
- DrkAngel 100 GW
- Posts: 5435
- Joined: Dec 15 2010 11:14am
- Location: Upstate-Western-Southern Tier NY. USA
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
Not personally.SamTexas wrote:Those percentages sound impressive. But have you verified their accuracy?DrkAngel wrote: Lithium Cobalt charging, at moderate rate, is 98-99% efficient, a good measure of capacity.
...
, but lithiums, particularly Lithium Cobalt, at moderate charge rates, attain near 100% efficiency!
Based on remembered ratings.
BatteryUniversity.com - I think.
Just did search - "Lithium-ion polymer battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_polymer_battery
•
Found on: Google, Yahoo! Search, Bing
"Li-Po" and "LiPo" redirect here. ... Charge/discharge efficiency, 99.8% ... LiPo batteries are usually composed of several identical secondary cells in parallel to ..."
Don't have one (Cycle Analyst).SamTexas wrote:
The Peukert effect is minimal on Lithium, especially at much lower discharge rate (less than 0.33C in your case I believe). But that's beside the point. Why not just use the Cycle Analyst for capacity measurement? After all, that's the only meaningful capacity as far as riding an ebike is concerned. No?DrkAngel wrote: A typical discharge, at varying discharge rates gives varied percentages of efficiency.
Your ... typical usable capacity could be easily determined, but output, compared to oem rated, would have to be measured at a regulated, moderate drain.
My purpose was to compare present capacity vs oem rated.
Lipo might have rated better if I discharged below 3.7V, but I rated that as minimum usable, leaving plenty of safety for unbalanced banks of cells and to help maximize usable cycles.
Last edited by DrkAngel on Apr 19 2012 8:27am, edited 1 time in total.
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There, shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely, sobers us again.
I enjoy enlightening ... and enlivening the spirit of the innovators.
New & Improved - Acronym Definitions
Index - Homemade Battery Packs - Updated - December 2019
EBike Toolbox - Bargains! $
Endless Sphere Wiki - Lost?
Re: Homemade Battery Packs
CA is just an example. Any watt meter would do the job just as well.DrkAngel wrote: Don't have one (Cycle Analyst).
That's my whole point. I don't care about the OEM rated capacity (after all, these are recycled cells). I only care about the actual usable capacity of the pack when I assembled it, and its actual usable capacity now (after xyz cycles). But that's just me.DrkAngel wrote: Your ... typical usable capacity could be easily determined, but output, compared to oem rated, would have to be measured at a regulated, moderate drain.