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diy solar

How to test used batteries

Argosy

New Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2020
Messages
38
Got a lead on some A123 LifePo4 24V (similar to the ones on bigbattery.com)- theyre showing 22.3V
Are 8 years old or less, coming off a low-mileage EV.
Killer deal (about $125 per module).
dont want to waste my money on bad cells...theyre about an hour away, so I dont want to drive multiple times.
How should I look at testing/etc?
Is it worth the risk to just take them as is?
What is needed to get started charging/etc -- are these something that will wake up after use?
Have been sitting for at least 6 months.
THANK YOU
 
you charge the battery and leave it at rest for a while, then check voltage.
it should be close to nominal voltage for 100% SOC.
if it is not, you have to check each cell to see if one or two are not dead.

then you load it with a medium load (c/10) and check how long it runs.
at C/10 it should run 10 hours.
if it goes up to the the end of the 10 hours, you check the remaining voltage left.
 
If you're looking at a way of quickly testing them prior to purchase, the only thing you can do is check individual cell voltages.

If their origin is as you state, they are likely good provided they sustained no damage.
 
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