Charging a Chevy Volt battery pack

[Physics Guy]

Does anyone make a battery charger that can safely charge a 12s battery pack from a Chevy Volt? Seemingly it should charge to 4.2V per cell or 50.4 volts. I'd be happy with 4.1 / 49.2V. But everything I can find that says it will charge Li Ion batteries seems to be set up for 13s battery packs.

For various reasons I would like an off the shelf system.

 

[Harold in CR]

I use adjustable voltage Meanwells. They will stop charging at whatever voltage you set to.

 

[Physics Guy]

How do you find an adjustable version? All I seem to find is fixed battery chargers such as the Meanwell PB-600 (http://www.meanwell.com/productPdf.aspx?i=26).

 

[Harold in CR]

Possibly a clone. Located in Ca. I believe ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC110-220V-to-DC-48V-3-10A-Voltage-Transformer-Switch-Power-Supply-Converter-/351961632182?var=&hash=item51f28c4db6:m:mUczrofGvg7rZCeUglCLKDQ

 

[Physics Guy]

I've seen those and have a similar model (looks basically the same but I am unsure of it's current ability as it isn't nearby to check). It was my initial plan but there is a greater likelihood that students will get involved now. Thus I would prefer something that actually is meant as a battery charger and has features such as automatic shutoff when charged.

To go back to the Meanwell chargers, do you have a link to one that can have it's voltage adjusted?

 

[Harold in CR]

The link I sent is an adjustable. I bought my first 3 from member teslanv ?? on this forum. He might have 1 laying around. Check for his correct handle. My brain doesn't function well all the time. :lol:

The meanwells are adjustable power supplies. I have 3-24V ones stacked and adjusted for 83V for my Volt pack in my e-motorcycle. When the battery voltage reaches 83V the meanwell shuts off the fan and goes into idle mode. I am always around when charging, so, simply shut the stack off and put it away. I would never trust a charger to shut off completely on it's own.

 

[Hillhater]

It depends what charge rate you want .
Grin's Cycle Satiator, universal charger , https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=60169 will reliably handle the voltage, but it may not be fast enough at 6-7 A for a big capacity pack.

 

[haulincolin]

I use a Cycle Satiator to charge my 18s Chevy Volt pack and it works great. Totally adjustable. As Hillhater says, it takes a while at 7 amps.

 

[amberwolf]

Off the shelf? Cycle Satiator from http://ebikes.ca You can use it for whatever size pack you're after, within the limits of the version you buy. Can setup multiple pack profiles if you like.


DIY? Meanwell HLG-xxx-xxA versions are waterproof fanless (but heavy) adjustable voltage and current. Am using the HLG-600-54A myself, two in parallel for 24A charge on a 14s NMC pack charging to 58v.

Has no auto shutoff but this
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=87562
would do that for you.

 

[Physics Guy]

The link I sent is an adjustable. I bought my first 3 from member teslanv ?? on this forum. He might have 1 laying around. Check for his correct handle. My brain doesn't function well all the time. :lol:

The meanwells are adjustable power supplies.

Interesting. the Meanwells I can find and the ebay link you sent to not mention being adjustable in their descriptions. They might be adjustable but its very hard to tell from this end. It is good to know and probably means I've found my solution (although I know that I'm replying to this without having read a few messages farther down in the thread).

Really I want the auto shutoff to do what you are saying. Basically stop actively trying to charge and give me some indication that it is done. I'll be around when charging but I don't want to be standing right over it all the time.

 

[Physics Guy]

Off the shelf? Cycle Satiator from http://ebikes.ca You can use it for whatever size pack you're after, within the limits of the version you buy. Can setup multiple pack profiles if you like.

That looks like it might be the best option. As an off the shelf product it will make some of the school admin happier as student work with it. I don't love the cost, and will probably investigate a lost cost option also as mentioned in my reply earlier this morning, but my school approved budget can stretch that far.