Best Battery Packs? Your personal opinion please.

Power 2 Spare

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Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry
 
Hi Texas Terry,

Just off hand, I think I see many of the same type of batteries from your medical packs as from my laptop packs. I think Panasonic brand had some nice ones.

But I will let you know later, as I start focusing on the laptop brands that provide the best cells.

Paul
 
How do u get a hold of the medical battery packs?
 
So far, for me, more than manufacturer brand or the computer brand they are used in, I find that color of the sheathing has more influence on the quality of the cell more than manufacturer or anything else. Weird huh?

I have different shades of Grey (no pun intended) cells from at least 3 manufacturers with vastly different numbers on them, and they are all the highest of my cells on resistance, capacity, power curve, all. Similarily, all my cells of a certain shade of green are within a couple hundred mah capacity of each other.

What I'm wondering, is there some type ofsheathing color code that is unwritten and none of us know about yet???
:huh:



But regardless, you don't know til you at least open them. Unless of course you have a bunch of identical packs manufactured at the same time, Like Pete is trying to get rid of.
 
Hi,

Yes, the grey (with black writing on them) are #1, also purple sheathed cells seem to come out well.
Paul
 
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


image_ebhmrz.jpg
 
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)
 
I'm not looking for the best CELLS, I'm looking for the best laptop PACKS that generally produce the best cells.

Thanks.
 
JustJim said:
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


Where are these gray cells used, do you know if they have a particular reference number for buying new or just something generic?








daromer said:
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)


I'm very keen to use new Cells in DIY Powerwall.

Have made a lot of inquires for quotes, but limited knowledge of suitable types and part numbers!

Happy to chat if you would like to discuss New Battery options, part numbers and costs
 
Gazza said:
JustJim said:
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


Where are these gray cells used, do you know if they have a particular reference number for buying new or just something generic?








daromer said:
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)


I'm very keen to use new Cells in DIY Powerwall.

Have made a lot of inquires for quotes, but limited knowledge of suitable types and part numbers!

Happy to chat if you would like to discuss New Battery options, part numbers and costs



My project has been 100% Free. I've sold some packs to cover my costs on other items, but paying for packs now is out of the question.
 
TerryTexas said:
Gazza said:
JustJim said:
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


Where are these gray cells used, do you know if they have a particular reference number for buying new or just something generic?








daromer said:
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)


I'm very keen to use new Cells in DIY Powerwall.

Have made a lot of inquires for quotes, but limited knowledge of suitable types and part numbers!

Happy to chat if you would like to discuss New Battery options, part numbers and costs



My project has been 100% Free. I've sold some packs to cover my costs on other items, but paying for packs now is out of the question.


The reason those cells are the best is because they are nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide battery chemistry. It has superior lifespan and capacity retention over time compared to the lithium-cobalt chemistry. In general energy density is not as good as cobalt, but NMC does win out in lifespan.

If you can get your hands on medical battery packs, they will be your best cells. These medical battery packs are typically designed to handle daily constant cycling, so the cells inside are usually very good.

On the other hand, the medical pack could be worn out to bits and the cells inside completely dead, it is a gamble to take.
 
CUDAcores89 said:
TerryTexas said:
Gazza said:
JustJim said:
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


Where are these gray cells used, do you know if they have a particular reference number for buying new or just something generic?








daromer said:
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)


I'm very keen to use new Cells in DIY Powerwall.

Have made a lot of inquires for quotes, but limited knowledge of suitable types and part numbers!

Happy to chat if you would like to discuss New Battery options, part numbers and costs



My project has been 100% Free. I've sold some packs to cover my costs on other items, but paying for packs now is out of the question.


The reason those cells are the best is because they are nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide battery chemistry. It has superior lifespan and capacity retention over time compared to the lithium-cobalt chemistry. In general energy density is not as good as cobalt, but NMC does win out in lifespan.

If you can get your hands on medical battery packs, they will be your best cells. These medical battery packs are typically designed to handle daily constant cycling, so the cells inside are usually very good.

On the other hand, the medical pack could be worn out to bits and the cells inside completely dead, it is a gamble to take.


99% of my cells have come from Medical packs. I was asking about laptop packs because I have a ton of them too that I have yet to tear into, and I would rather not waste my time on packs that generally don't produce good cells.


CUDAcores89 said:
TerryTexas said:
Gazza said:
JustJim said:
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


Where are these gray cells used, do you know if they have a particular reference number for buying new or just something generic?








daromer said:
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)


I'm very keen to use new Cells in DIY Powerwall.

Have made a lot of inquires for quotes, but limited knowledge of suitable types and part numbers!

Happy to chat if you would like to discuss New Battery options, part numbers and costs



My project has been 100% Free. I've sold some packs to cover my costs on other items, but paying for packs now is out of the question.


The reason those cells are the best is because they are nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide battery chemistry. It has superior lifespan and capacity retention over time compared to the lithium-cobalt chemistry. In general energy density is not as good as cobalt, but NMC does win out in lifespan.

If you can get your hands on medical battery packs, they will be your best cells. These medical battery packs are typically designed to handle daily constant cycling, so the cells inside are usually very good.

On the other hand, the medical pack could be worn out to bits and the cells inside completely dead, it is a gamble to take.


99% of my cells have come from Medical packs. I was asking about laptop packs because I have a ton of them too that I have yet to tear into, and I would rather not waste my time on packs that generally don't produce good cells.
 
Gazza said:
JustJim said:
TerryTexas said:
Since I have been focused exclusively on the medical packs I get in, I've pretty much ignored the laptop packs I get in, and the stack is growing. My question to you is:

What packs produce the best cells?

I like to trade stuff for stuff, and if I can identify the best packs then when I trade with other DIY Powerwallers that need batteries, I would like to be sure that they get a good allotment of packs for what ever it is they are trading for.

So if you could help me out here, andif we ever do business together, then it will help you too!

Thanks,

Terry

These are the ones you want...


Where are these gray cells used, do you know if they have a particular reference number for buying new or just something generic?








daromer said:
New not used packs are the best ones :)


If not new its hard to tell since it depends on the haul :)


I'm very keen to use new Cells in DIY Powerwall.

Have made a lot of inquires for quotes, but limited knowledge of suitable types and part numbers!

Happy to chat if you would like to discuss New Battery options, part numbers and costs



Good Call Gazza!!

I like to run the numbers on things before I invest. Maybe it is the Geologist in me? The difference between an Ore Resource and a rock, is a question of cost / yield.

Has anyone got any data on bust down / testing times on second hand batteries? Recovery ratios ?

I am hearing that in my town the pickings are thin generally but Local Government have a dedicated disposal scheme that can potentially be tapped.

I am only chasing one Powerwall. Initially at least. Would I be better to just spend six hundred bucks that F*** around for a cuppla weeks? If there is a margin in it I would probably train someone else to do it and have a favor I can call in later on.

Just Askin?
 
What are those medical packs for? I've never seen them until now. I only got laptop batteries and ebike batteries.

What capacities do you usually get? Is your average capacity as high as Peter's? I mainly get 1800-2100
 
Hey Terry, the problem I have found is that I will line up 10 packs of 1 brand and they all have different cells in them.

I think the best bet is compare the Wh available in a pack. The higher the Wh from a 6/9 cell pack the better the cells.

Hopefully this helps.
 
As a simple answer, grab up all the Dells you can find. I find those packs produce the best cells. HPs have a high Sanyo ratio, but they're usually stamped as Sanyos on the casing too, if you're trying to avoid those.

Also, if you're not sure cell quality, you can do some quick math to estimate the cells in the pack before opening it. For example, if a pack is rated for 11.1v 54wh, you can take 54000/11.1/2 (2 because it's most likely a 6 cell pack, 2 parallel of 3 series) and you'll get 2432mah per cell. If it's 14.4v, it's going to be either 4 cell (crappy/netbooks) or an 8 cell. You can judge based on the pack size. After you calculate a few by hand, you'll start recognizing patterns so when you're picking through a box of packs, a quick glance will tell you "oh 11.1v 54wh 6 cell good" or "11.1v 40wh 6 cell junker".

Hopefully this helps :)
 
I basically have the same question. I started for real today and I can pick from a mountain of packs with e-bike packs, power tools, laptop packs, macbook packs. Some I can see have been leaking, but then I wonder maybe its just one cell and the rest is good? The powertool packs seem to have a lot of different sized cells. I have not opened the e-bike ones yet.
 
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