LiitoKala 100Ah

[Kerry downunder]

I just received the battries I ordered via AliExpress. I ordered 4 X 3.2V 100Ah LiitoKala and received 8 X 3.2V. The packing was good and when I unpacked I tested the cell voltage, 2 cells were at 3.00V and the remainder were at 2.99V. The BMS has not arrived as yet so the question is, Do I connect them in parallel to equalise the voltage and than charge them before receiving the BMS?

 

[snoobler]

Paralleling them without passing a current does absolutely nothing useful.

Series charging them is a great way to destroy one or more cells if a BMS is not present to protect the cells.

If you want to charge them in parallel, go for it.

Top balancing guide on the Resources page.

 

[Kerry downunder]

Paralleling them without passing a current does absolutely nothing useful.

Series charging them is a great way to destroy one or more cells if a BMS is not present to protect the cells.

If you want to charge them in parallel, go for it.

Top balancing guide on the Resources page.

Thank you. I’ll have to wait for the BMS to arrive.

 

[Aphers]

I ordered 4 X 3.2V 100Ah LiitoKala and received 8 X 3.2V.

Well that's nice! And did you get charged for 4, or 8?

 

[Kerry downunder]

Well that's nice! And did you get charged for 4, or 8?

I only got charged for 4. AU$386.85 including shipping. AU$48.36 each or US$35.93.

 

[Keni]

Let me know how you get on with them please... One just ordered 18!

 

[Kerry downunder]

Let me know how you get on with them please... One just ordered 18!

I have been running the top balance for 9 days and they are still only at 3.39V. By my calculations, it will be another 5 to 7 days before they get to 3.56V. The amperage is down to 2.9A on the desktop power supply.

The BMS arrived today so once the cells get to 3.56V I will be able to connect the BMS and test the build.

 

[Tasemu]

Jesus I didn't realise it would take 2 weeks to charge them. This is gonna be awkward on a boat...

 

[Kerry downunder]

Jesus I didn't realise it would take 2 weeks to charge them. This is gonna be awkward on a boat...

I have just come in from the workshop and they are now at 3.65V. It seem to really speed up for the last 0.26V only took 5 hours. Just check on what voltage your cells are when they arrive. I used a 200A solar blanket to bring the battery’s configured as 12V to 12.5 volts (3.19V each cell) and than connected all 8 into parallel, than connected the desktop charger first set at 3.4V than 3.65V.
Best for your build.

 

[upnorthandpersonal]

than connected the desktop charger first set at 3.4V than 3.65V.

Just to make sure, since quite a few people have made this mistake: set the voltage on the power supply before connecting to the battery! Do not adjust while connected.

 

[Kerry downunder]

Just to make sure, since quite a few people have made this mistake: set the voltage on the power supply before connecting to the battery! Do not adjust while connected.

Yes. I disconnect, measure the voltage on my multi meter and than connect. Do you concur.

 

[upnorthandpersonal]

Do you concur.

Yes - I wasn't really directing this at you, just others that might read threads like this one.

 

[Kerry downunder]

Jesus I didn't realise it would take 2 weeks to charge them. This is gonna be awkward on a boat...

Look at this Video from Will.
(97) Advanced LiFePO4 Cell Balancing Discussion (and how people are getting ripped off) - YouTube

 

[Tasemu]

Look at this Video from Will.
(97) Advanced LiFePO4 Cell Balancing Discussion (and how people are getting ripped off) - YouTube

So he puts them in 4s blocks and charges to 95%, then puts them in parallel and finishes the charge.

Two questions if I may:

1: How does he know 95% state of charge in a 4s block that hasn't yet been balanced?
2: Is there not a risk of overcharging a cell while in 4s configuration?

Thanks!

 

[BenCos18]

So he puts them in 4s blocks and charges to 95%, then puts them in parallel and finishes the charge.

Two questions if I may:

1: How does he know 95% state of charge in a 4s block that hasn't yet been balanced?
2: Is there not a risk of overcharging a cell while in 4s configuration?

Thanks!

the bms should cut off the charger if any cell gets above 3.65 volts

 

[Kerry downunder]

So he puts them in 4s blocks and charges to 95%, then puts them in parallel and finishes the charge.

Two questions if I may:

1: How does he know 95% state of charge in a 4s block that hasn't yet been balanced?
2: Is there not a risk of overcharging a cell while in 4s configuration?

Thanks!

He charges with a 12V charger to 13.5V and this takes the cells to approx 3.37V each. He than puts the cells in parallel and charges up to 3.65V.

 

[Klaymen]

I only got charged for 4. AU$386.85 including shipping. AU$48.36 each or US$35.93.

Your math is a little off

 

[Mike Jordan]

I just received the battries I ordered via AliExpress. I ordered 4 X 3.2V 100Ah LiitoKala and received 8 X 3.2V. The packing was good and when I unpacked I tested the cell voltage, 2 cells were at 3.00V and the remainder were at 2.99V. The BMS has not arrived as yet so the question is, Do I connect them in parallel to equalise the voltage and than charge them before receiving the BMS?
View attachment 29262

DAYUM

Looks sweet. I ordered these cells on Jan 15th. I searched all over the forum for someone that had them before I ordered. But I didn't find your post.