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This could be interesting

2 Euro coin is .935 inches diameter in case anyone else is wondering.

Thanks for the info and pics. I look forward to hearing how it works out.
 
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Looking forward to the data that comes out of this project and also the programmability functions of the inverter and charger. (y)
 
@ghostwriter66

1) yes, you could take the circular braid and put a lug on it. You probably have to experiment a bit selecting the correct size.

2) yes, no soldering. You take the (annealed) copper pipe, start flattening it in a (hydraulic) vise until it's 'flat' but not closed so you can slide the braid in (the full length of the pipe segment, in this case 25mm). Then compress the pipe segment with the braid. After compression you get a cold weld - internally, it will look like this:
https://diysolarforum.com/threads/this-could-be-interesting.7835/page-5#post-114359
How much pressure do you need for this weld to take place?
 
How much pressure do you need for this weld to take place?

10 (metric) tons should do, 12 perhaps slightly better. A cheap manual hydraulic press should do for best results, for example something like this:

You usually can pick them up quite cheaply from local dealers.

That said, you can get very good results with a heavy duty vise. The very fist ones I made that way years ago without getting a weld, but they are still in use to this day without issues.
 
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10 (metric) tons should do, 12 perhaps slightly better. A cheap manual hydraulic press should do for best results, for example something like this:

You usually can pick them up quite cheaply from local dealers.

That said, you can get very good results with a heavy duty vise. The very fist ones I made that way years ago without getting a weld, but they are still in use to this day without issues.
If I am going to do this, I want the cold weld. I can’t justify the purchase of a shop press for this, though (it’s not the money, is lack of space). Any other thoughts or suggestions? Anyone? I have a 12 ton hydraulic crimper. Perhaps I could fabricate a custom die?
 
I have a 12 ton hydraulic crimper. Perhaps I could fabricate a custom die?

Should be feasible. You can also repurpose a jack, something like this:

882ABE61-21D2-4B5B-8165-B9E3ED168B31-e1559156610251.jpeg
 
Yes, a big, heavy one to put a lot of pressure on it. Ideally a hydraulic vise.
Would a cheaper hydraulic vise(6-ton) do the trick? Like the one linked. I'm very interested in using braids like this for a 24v mobile system to reduce stress on the battery terminals.


I'm trying to figure out the cost of purchasing them already manufactured, if they are available in needed dimensions, versus buying everything to fabricate them myself. If anyone else would like to add the other uses for hydraulic vises that could sway me to having another tool like this, I'd be happy to hear it.

I imagine that the tinned copper braid would work just as well?
 
I'm really inspired by this whole thread. I can for the MUST inverter info. I love the idea of a low frequency all in one which they seem to offer on alibaba.

The flexible bus bars are cool but a little intimidating right now. If I adequately compress the cells so they move as a whole unit, would that similarly lower the risk to the terminal?
 
I'm really inspired by this whole thread. I can for the MUST inverter info. I love the idea of a low frequency all in one which they seem to offer on alibaba.

The flexible bus bars are cool but a little intimidating right now. If I adequately compress the cells so they move as a whole unit, would that similarly lower the risk to the terminal?

Going to say YES to the compression .... would not only help the battery life BUT also stop movement of the terminals
 
I too am very interested to see how this turns out! The only thing I've purchased from China are eight 280Ah 3V batteries. I am considering purchasing the solar panels from China, too. Any thoughts?

The rest I think I'm purchasing from elsewhere, especially the charge controller, inverter and monitor. I of course also want to spend a little money as possible, but I'm hesitant to get the more involved gadgets from china.
I have done a very similar purchase, I don't see any problems with what you have done. I went for the Yangze 550 watt panels. And Chargery BMS out of Hong Kong.
One note of caution. It is not 3 day Amazon delivery. Once you get your BOL and know the name of the ship, you can track it on the internet, and you know that saying " a slow boat from China"
Still waiting on Batteries.:)
 
I went for the Yangze 550 watt panels.

Do note that when you get solar panels in the US from China you'll be hit with import tariffs.


We don't have that in the EU, so it's much more convenient to import them.
 
Do note that when you get solar panels in the US from China you'll be hit with import tariffs.


We don't have that in the EU, so it's much more convenient to import them.
I don't live in the USA and we don't have tariffs to deal with, and the wily Chinese have figured a way around that problem. They explained to me that they do this for the US and would do the same for me even if not needed.
 

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