Lifepo4 haul

[Wattsup]

Hello powerwallers,

I picked up a few unused CALB Lifepo4 batteries, including all busbars, charger, BMS, bolts, washers powder coatedbattery cases.

16 x 100 ah

28 x 60 ah.

I just missed out on 8 x 400 ah. Oh well, I'm happy with what I have.


I bought them from a solar company who decided not to use them, they were imported approx 3 years ago and are all sitting at 3.25 - 3.28.

My question is now what do I do with these cells. I have already wired one 60 ah batteryfor 12 volts and will make a fantastic camper battery!

The charger and BMS came with no instructions, I would employ and electrician (brother in law) anyway when it comes to that.

Doesn't seem like enough storage for ahouse solar setup. I need to do more research.

What would youdo with them??

 

[daromer]

Ship them to me nah build ur self a decent 48v system

 

[skyfridge]

Sweet!

 

[Wattsup]

Ship them to me

I was waiting for that

Thanks Daromer. Can you see any issues in mixing capacities ie. 60 & 100 ah in a solar setup with these cells?

I will have my brother in law look at the charger and bms I have and try to find some info on the web from the manufacturer as all the documentation was lost for it

 

[Wattsup]

Can anyone tell me whether mixing capacities with these cells is an issue?

I know its not a good idea with lead acid

 

[daromer]

Lead acid works differently so on those you may get issues because you rely on bulk/floating to max out a lead acid and the lower cap cells will get a lot longer high voltage exposure. And that's one of the reasons you should not mix them.

I have no issue if you mix those in a bank as long as they are the same chemistry and i would do every one of them in their own string. I cannot help you with the BMS though but the manufacturer might have some documents you can use for it.


Damn that haul is impressing.

 

[Wattsup]

Lead acid works differently so on those you may get issues because you rely on bulk/floating to max out a lead acid and the lower cap cells will get a lot longer high voltage exposure. And that's one of the reasons you should not mix them.

I have no issue if you mix those in a bank as long as they are the same chemistry and i would do every one of them in their own string. I cannot help you with the BMS though but the manufacturer might have some documents you can use for it.
T distracted

Damn that haul is impressing.

Thanks mate.

These batteries are going to teach me a lot, that's for sure!

Lesson no1. Don't tighten bolts on busbars and get distracted when your wife comes out and asks a question. There will be sparks :s

Lesson no.2 Do use a spanner covered in insulation tape while tightening connectors

I will share some of my journey with these cells for if anyone is interested.

I've decided to keep one 12v 60 ah battery aside for camping etc.

After doing a bit of YouTube/ internet schooling I have learned that these cells should be bottom balanced as a 12v battery.
The battery started at 13v as SOC from factory appears to be 3.25 per cell.

The process:
1.Discharge the pack down to 12v.
2. Individually discharge the cells to 2.5v. (I'm using imax b6 on nimh setting as that's all iI have at this stage)
3. Cells will bounce back to around 2.75v, once all settled at this voltage charge all cellstogether to top voltage
I've also connected balance leads and mounted the cells in one of the cases.

Feel free to comment or offer advice as this is a steep learning curve for me.









Anyone know how to rotate the images??

 

[Korishan]

Excellent Number One Lesson!!!

keep us posted! The more set ups that are logged, the better everyone learns, and the less mistakes (lesson #1) the next one makes

 

[Wattsup]

I have discharged battery to 12v and individual cells to 2.75, have charged it back up to about 13.5 volts with imax and 2 x100 solar panels but don't think it's enough to fully charge the 60 ah.

Think I'm going to need an alternative charger.

I know of the icharger and lab pro 8 but wondering if there are any cheaper option?

Do you guys have any suggestions?

 

[daromer]

Why dont you think its enough? If im not mistaken you need to bring the cells up to 3.65V per cell. (Dont take my word on it since i havent checked the datasheet)

You can use a normal DC/DC inverter hooked up to battery or grid and charge with as long as you keep an eye on it.

Example: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...0.TRC0.H0.XDPS5015.TRS0&_nkw=DPS5015&_sacat=0

There are others of course. But i would not charge multiple in series. Only 1 cell at a time or multiple in paralell.

 

[Wattsup]

Why dont you think its enough? If im not mistaken you need to bring the cells up to 3.65V per cell. (Dont take my word on it since i havent checked the datasheet)

You can use a normal DC/DC inverter hooked up to battery or grid and charge with as long as you keep an eye on it.

Example: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...0.TRC0.H0.XDPS5015.TRS0&_nkw=DPS5015&_sacat=0

There are others of course. But i would not charge multiple in series. Only 1 cell at a time or multiple in paralell.

You're right, it is 3.65 per cell fully charged.

The balancing process I have been doing called for the battery to be charged together.(all cells ie 12v).

Sorry rookie error on my part I was only outputing 3 amp on the imax, when i increased amps to 6, I got full charge.

I don't really think the imax is up to balance charging these batteries. I'm sure the charger/bms that came with the cells would do a great job but needs some further wiring, has a different plug etc.

Thanks for your responseand the link ,

 

[Wattsup]

Hi all,

Hope you all have a good easter!

A bit of an update on these batteries.

I have connected 3 x60 ah pack in parallel (180 ah @12v) and have been cycling these. I picked up a 800w victron inverter to create some loads.

I've been checking out the BMS I got with the cells, it's a Ligoo EK-FT-51. While Ihaven't been able to find much online on this specific model, I have found user manual and quick start guide for a very similar model.

Initially I was thinking I would sell the BMS and charger but am now thinking I might use the BMS, most of the cables and wires are eitther connected or labelled.

As it appears to be designed for a 48 volt system, this is what I will probably go with. Thinking i will use the 16 x 100 ah cells for this and maybe add the 60 ah cells later.

I will have some questions when I get to setting it up and would really appreciate any help/ advice any of you guys may be able to offer.

I'm thinking i might start a youtube channel to share my journey and seek advice guidance from the wider community.

I still only have 140 watts of 12 volt PV but am hoping to have at least 1 kw of panels soon.

Feel free to comment, any advice welcomed.

Some photos below

 

[Wattsup]

Hi powerwallers,

Just sharing two shortvideo updates I made today on the CALB LiFePO4 cells, now that I'm a big shot youtuber and a bit of an update on my solar setup

 

[Wattsup]

Update coming