To get the paper, click on the orange
at the top of this page.
This is a tutorial with detailed steps on how I top-balance my LiFePO4 Cells using a low-cost benchtop power supply. To get the tutorial, click on the orange "Download" button.
Reviews for accuracy, completeness and clarity are requested.
Notes:
* I understand that this is a highly debated topic. I am just trying to share what works for me.
* This procedure is in line with the @Will Prowse Top Balancing video:
Video included for reference. Overview only. See PDF for important details and step-by-step instructions.
The following are edits I have made since I published the original document.
This is a tutorial with detailed steps on how I top-balance my LiFePO4 Cells using a low-cost benchtop power supply. To get the tutorial, click on the orange "Download" button.
Reviews for accuracy, completeness and clarity are requested.
Notes:
* I understand that this is a highly debated topic. I am just trying to share what works for me.
* This procedure is in line with the @Will Prowse Top Balancing video:
Video included for reference. Overview only. See PDF for important details and step-by-step instructions.
The following are edits I have made since I published the original document.
- Appendix F: Edits from original version.(Most recent change listed first)
- Throughout: Minor formatting and typo updates.
- Section 4: Added Link to @Will Prowse’s top balance Video
- Section 3: Added and then updated note about starting with cells that have significantly different SOC.
- Section 5: Added the “Other Opinions” section.
- Section 4: Added note about voltage drift after top balancing.
- Section 1: Added link to @Will Prowse’s tools page for his power supply recommendation.
- Section 5: Added reviewers concern about letting the current go to zero at the end of top balancing.
- Added appendix that notes some people top balance by charging individual cells.
- Section 2: Added comment that if you assemble new cells and a capacity test indicates full capacity, the cells came balanced and further balancing may not be necessary.
- Section 3: Added note about getting cells close in voltage before putting them in parallel.
- Appendix D: Added appendix about DIY power supply leads.
- Section 4: Added image and text about hooking up the power supply to diagonal posts on the cells.
- Introduction: Added warning to be careful of cell terminal threads.
- 5/29/21 - Appendix D: Added comments about wire size and type.
- 5/29/21 - Section 4: Added note about target top-balance voltages.
- 5/29/21 - Section 1: Added note about Power Supply Amps
- 5/29/21 - Section 1: Added note that a higher voltage supply would be needed for pre-charging cells for 48V systems.
- 5/30/21 - Section 4: Added note about being patient with the process and about leaving the cells unattended.
- 5/30/21 – Section 3: Added note about power supplies for pre-charging.
- 12/29/21 - Section 3: Added note about checking cell voltages at the end of the pre-charge to determine if top balancing is necessary.
- 12/29/21 - Section 4: Added note about not letting the cells sit at the balance voltage longer than necessary.
- 12/29/21 – Corrected grammar and spelling throughout.
- 9/3/23 – Added appendix on using an active balancer.