AC-DC Charger for 24V/48V LiFePO4

[shorawitz]

Just bought 8x BYD 25.6V batteries. They are all over the place in voltage currently. I'd like to see about getting a charger (and other gear to monitor/test) these batteries before I attempt to put them into production in my off-grid setup. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[DThames]

I am new to this forum and also starting a similar project. I have some large used LiFePo4 24v batteries and I need to test them and start planning a charging process. I want to have AC charging and solar charging options in place. I have been watching a lot of Will's videos, which have good information. My first item is this cell monitor. The device will also balance, so I can put just any old charger on there for testing if I keep and eye on everything. My next step is adding BMS, fusing, etc. I might buy a small AC charger and them work on something DIY for a larger AC charger.

 

[KBWaldron]

I bought two of the same batteries, assuming you are talking about the Battery Hookup deal. I’m waiting on delivery of a number of items, including an All-in-One charger/inverter, a battery monitor, high watt resistors for balancing cells, and molex connectors to use the connector on each battery, suitably rewired. I have yet to order a BMS as I am still studying which I will use. I’ve put together a wiring scheme so that I would require only one BMS for the pair of batteries.

 

[DThames]

I bought two of the same batteries, assuming you are talking about the Battery Hookup deal. I’m waiting on delivery of a number of items, including an All-in-One charger/inverter, a battery monitor, high watt resistors for balancing cells, and molex connectors to use the connector on each battery, suitably rewired. I have yet to order a BMS as I am still studying which I will use. I’ve put together a wiring scheme so that I would require only one BMS for the pair of batteries.

Yes, Battery Hookup deal (sold out now). I am thinking BMS controlled relay, so somewhat small BMS like the this one to control a relay. You can connect both the battery BMS output in series so that either could turn off the relay, both need to be on for the relay to energize..

 

[KBWaldron]

As I mentioned I will only need one BMS to manage both batteries, but agree about using a relay

 

[shorawitz]

So I'm not the only one. The batteries I purchased do not have screw down terminals, so I'll need to figure that one out. My inverter/charger and Solar CC is in transit (Schneider fanboy here.) I've got 4kW of LG solar panels to install as well - so I've got time to figure this one out. Lots of digging, building and mounting to do before batteries can go into production. Was hoping though I could get them (somewhat) at least balanced before I'm done with all the other installs.

 

[DThames]

So I'm not the only one. The batteries I purchased do not have screw down terminals, so I'll need to figure that one out. My inverter/charger and Solar CC is in transit (Schneider fanboy here.) I've got 4kW of LG solar panels to install as well - so I've got time to figure this one out. Lots of digging, building and mounting to do before batteries can go into production. Was hoping though I could get them (somewhat) at least balanced before I'm done with all the other installs.

I literally unloaded them into my garage and headed out of town (yesterday) with all haste. But when I get home one of the first tasks is to make terminal connections. In the comments of David Poz video we spoke a bit about the terminals. I think he said a 14mm battery cable end would go over the terminal. David said he plans to make something from copper pipe. I am thinking the same thing. I can post when I get home and get to work on it. I think I will cut a strip of copper about 1 inch wide, hammer it around a steel bold/shaft, then cross drill it so it is sort of a clamp on the terminal post and my battery cables can go on the bolt that is in the cross drilled hole. We will see if that will work or not.

 

[KBWaldron]

I suggest in another thread slicing a section of half inch copper pipe, wrapping it around the terminal and then using a auto battery clamp. Someone tried that and it worked well. I'll be doing the same.