Modify "dumb" charger to do a storage charge

[Ianhill]

piece hope this helps guys.

 

[eMark]

For a cheap dumb charger id keep it simple and first adjust the pot on board to the voltage you want to storage charge to and check its resistance then adjust the pot till the charger cuts out at full charge and check what it reads again now you have the two values to set your charger to terminate at differing voltages.

My previous post was in response to amberwolf and crazyfrog's posts. Should add that the Mean Well HLG-60H-42A 42V 1.45A CC/CV Power Supply[/b] is only adjustable from 40v to 42v. The HLG-60H-36A 36v 1.71A is adjustable from 33v to 40v (Amazon lists choice of 4 vendors $32-$45). This is perfect for bulk charging my 10S5P to 40V. Then separating the three Series connections between my 10S5P battery into two 5S5P packs. Then balance charging the two 5S5P packs to 4.05-07 cell volts with each 5S5P having their own 5S balance leads and their own Deans connector to balance charge each 5S5P pack using either my two 70-80W balance chargers or my one 150W duo balance charger set at one amp (retired so no problem). Still faster than a top-end (full) BMS resistance discharge balancing.

All this assumes your packs are using a bms ?

Realize this is only good "DIY correct" protocol assuming some reading this thread may not be an experienced DIY nerd that thinks outside the conventional BMS box with the know-how, tools and will. My 10S5P pack only needs 5-amp fusing. My etriking is 8-10mph with pedal assist (for excercise 75 yrs young) with a top speed of 12mph. No hurry so take it easy along the way. AND like docware i too see the logic of Shawn McCarty's DIY balance charging vs a non-smart BMS as found in most 18650 packs. This Youtube requirement ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pljSZcEwc8Q ... MUST be a little Nerdy, which usually makes life more fun & interesting

It only makes good sense to keep track of one's DIY pack with a cell checker and two single or one duo balance charger for bottom balancing and top balancing if~when needed, especially as the 10S5P pack ages as all cells eventually get unbalanced.

Here's another little handy cell checker with multiply uses like charging my bike lights and phone when on an extended outing and camping overnight at one of my favorite secluded sites. Have a large Plano cargo container on the back of my etrike between the 24" rear wheel width with room for two 3S Lipos for plugging into the BattGo BG-8S Smart Battery Cell Checker and Balancer with Quick Charge Function. I bought it mainly as a quality cell checker for double checking cell voltages before and after balance charging my two 5S5P packs.The USB charging port for a phone or bike lights is on the right side. It's pretty neat (set me back $29 ~ Amazon) ...

 

[Ianhill]

Ive run naked packs simular to yourself and had no issues but the pack must be monitored Icharger 1010b i used from time to time to check all is well quick IR of each group will indicate any foul play going on and charge with temp probe to pick up any thermal probs during charge and had good success this way and kept them out of the house for safety, i only have single cells indoors for storage and lipos go dwn the shed as a rule.

Got a kuberg a while back and that uses a 48v 10amp charger with pot adjustment not sure on the range and a bms for extra safety it's all stock and never had any issues but it's pushing out 200amp so it can not be to Chinese as it's lasted over 2 year, buy its time for a change this summer finish my scooter build and let some kid have a bargain and a smile on his face as long as dad takes him off-road with it.

Don't the meanwells have canbus adjustment for the final voltage ?

 

[eMark]

My HTRC C240 DUO Balance Charger also has an IR function, but may not be all that accurate. It's amazing all the functions that can now be incorporated into a $78 Duo Balance Charger. However, also more to go wrong if not used properly. I only use it to top balance charge at 1A rating. Don't even trust it at 2A Duo balance charge. Me, myself and i don't really need all those other functions for my KIS use; however, the Chinese seem to think us Americans are more inclined to buy with more functions (the more the merrier) ...

https://www.amazon.com/HTRC-Charger-Balance-Discharger-Batteries/dp/B07NQ9K5V7/ref=pd_sbs_21_t_0/139-5157333-5670654?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07NQ9K5V7&pd_rd_r=e47782cf-1b32-47c7-930c-7b1f01f151d4&pd_rd_w=KCySR&pd_rd_wg=rjTV6&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=H2BBEB76WY3ZNM2VW5SN&psc=1&refRID=H2BBEB76WY3ZNM2VW5SN

 

[amberwolf]

[ the bms doesn't adjsut anything, all it does it allow or disallow charge or discharge based on the cell voltages / etc. it is only there as a last-ditch safety device, and is not intended to regulate anything. that's up to the charger (or psu) and the controller on the bike.

Not always true. There are BMS that actually regulate the charger via CANbus or other comms protocol, specifying the voltage and current desired.

that's completely irrelevant to this thread for this person or my reply to him.

it's just more stuff to clutter up the thread and confuse the issue it was started for.

it's not always a good idea to answer every question with every possible answer that question could have.

sometimes it's much better to leave out things that aren't relevant to that particular situation or person, etc.