Hi - I would really appreciate feedback. I’m a high school senior and have limited experience with electronics (i.e., I took AP Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism last semester). Due to Covid-19 we did not do many labs so I am hoping this project will take the place of the labs and more.
My relative has a remotely located camper and intends to build a shed/cabin. He was going to buy a generator but said he would provide me “funds” to put together a solar system for him to use. I have been lurking on this thread for months and watched many of Will’s posts and purchased an All-in-One 24 volt MPP system and will mount on a handtruck. I just received 8 3.2 volt Xuba batteries (280Ah). Looking back I probably should have ordered 1 or 2 spare fuel cells but too late for that.
Could someone read through my list and fill in any holes or add any steps I missed on the batteries? Thanks so much!!
1-I will first equalize all cells to the same charge then top balance them before I do a capacity test and recharge them. They arrived at 3.31 volts each and I have them all connected in parallel to begin to equalize; I’ve ordered a DC Power Supply which will arrive this week. Should I ensure each fuel cell is under pressure before I top balance it to avoid bulging?
2-I plan to use the double busbars and screws that were shipped with the package. I will also be sure to include copper washers and coat with no corrosion spray. How much torque should I use when I tighten the screws?
3-It looks like the Electrodacus BMS is the best/easiest? So I will wait and get one of those when available.
4-I read that I need to put the fuel cells in a box (with adequate ventilation) that is somewhat tight or under pressure so that the cells do not expand while charging. I will also buy a heater to ensure the cells do not get damaged if temp drops below freezing.
Does this fully cover the process? I will re-read some of the posts and re-watch some of the videos before I attempt but I believe these are the main things to keep in mind.
Thanks so much!
My relative has a remotely located camper and intends to build a shed/cabin. He was going to buy a generator but said he would provide me “funds” to put together a solar system for him to use. I have been lurking on this thread for months and watched many of Will’s posts and purchased an All-in-One 24 volt MPP system and will mount on a handtruck. I just received 8 3.2 volt Xuba batteries (280Ah). Looking back I probably should have ordered 1 or 2 spare fuel cells but too late for that.
Could someone read through my list and fill in any holes or add any steps I missed on the batteries? Thanks so much!!
1-I will first equalize all cells to the same charge then top balance them before I do a capacity test and recharge them. They arrived at 3.31 volts each and I have them all connected in parallel to begin to equalize; I’ve ordered a DC Power Supply which will arrive this week. Should I ensure each fuel cell is under pressure before I top balance it to avoid bulging?
2-I plan to use the double busbars and screws that were shipped with the package. I will also be sure to include copper washers and coat with no corrosion spray. How much torque should I use when I tighten the screws?
3-It looks like the Electrodacus BMS is the best/easiest? So I will wait and get one of those when available.
4-I read that I need to put the fuel cells in a box (with adequate ventilation) that is somewhat tight or under pressure so that the cells do not expand while charging. I will also buy a heater to ensure the cells do not get damaged if temp drops below freezing.
Does this fully cover the process? I will re-read some of the posts and re-watch some of the videos before I attempt but I believe these are the main things to keep in mind.
Thanks so much!