meetyg
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2021
- Messages
- 1,071
After a long and frustrating search for a battery box for my DIY 8s pack, I think I've found the best one (for my needs at least).
For my solar needs, I am building 2 x 24v Lifepo4 batteries that will be in parallel, each with its own BMS.
I'm using EVE LF90K cells.
I originally bought some boxes designed for 280Ah cells. It works out well with these, but they are a bit big for my needs. The place where I plan to place the inverter and batteries in the house is somewhat constrained. The 280Ah boxes were too deep (obstruct a door) at around 19cm.
Here is how the cells look in the 280Ah box:
So then I bought some other slimmer boxes, but they were too short for the 20cm height of the EVE cells (which doesn't include the terminal studs, which are around 1.0-1.5cm), so the lid doesn't close.
Frustrating...
But recently I found these on Alibaba:
Their total height (lid included) is 23.5cm, and depth is 17.2cm.
Here is how the cells look in the new box:
I had to use some force putting them in, because originally I had attached adhesive 1mm thick EVA foam to each cell (as a separator/isolator). But it helps keep the cells compressed and tight in the box, so no other compression is needed (I suppose).
As you can see the lid fits fine and there's room for a BMS alongside the cells.
The only downside to this box, in my opinion is that you need to glue it shut (no built in threads/screw holes for the lid). This is important because the strap that came with the boxes is only attached to the lid. So you need to be careful carrying it around, as these batteries are heavy. I wouldn't count on it even if glued. In my case they will be stationary (other than maintenance or re-balancing if needed) so it's not critical for me.
BTW, those marks on the inner side of the lid terminals are not burn marks, just some excess epoxy or whatever they use. Not major, I will scrape it to get a clean terminal.
I know many on the forum have been looking for a battery box for these EVE 90/105Ah cells and I think this is a good solution.
It was shipped in a few days and seller accepts PayPal. The downside to this order was the expensive shipping (to the Middle-East) without any cheaper options. But it came super fast via FedEx, so it was worth it.
Do note that they have a minimum order of 2 boxes. The boxes themselves were pretty cheap. All in all it cost more or less like the boxes I previously ordered from Aliexpress.
Beware that there are similar looking boxes available online (Amazon, Ebay, Ali, etc...) but thier total height is only around 21-22cm, but the inner dimensions of the box is only 18cm, so not suitable for these cells.
Hope this helps some of you...
Happy DIYing!
For my solar needs, I am building 2 x 24v Lifepo4 batteries that will be in parallel, each with its own BMS.
I'm using EVE LF90K cells.
I originally bought some boxes designed for 280Ah cells. It works out well with these, but they are a bit big for my needs. The place where I plan to place the inverter and batteries in the house is somewhat constrained. The 280Ah boxes were too deep (obstruct a door) at around 19cm.
Here is how the cells look in the 280Ah box:
So then I bought some other slimmer boxes, but they were too short for the 20cm height of the EVE cells (which doesn't include the terminal studs, which are around 1.0-1.5cm), so the lid doesn't close.
Frustrating...
But recently I found these on Alibaba:
Waterproof Lithium Battery Case Portable 12v 24v 48v 100ah 200ah 300ah Empty Plastic Battery Box - Buy Battery Box Case,Battery Storage Organizer Case,12v Empty Plastic Battery Box Case Product on Alibaba.com
Waterproof Lithium Battery Case Portable 12v 24v 48v 100ah 200ah 300ah Empty Plastic Battery Box - Buy Battery Box Case,Battery Storage Organizer Case,12v Empty Plastic Battery Box Case Product on Alibaba.com
m.alibaba.com
Their total height (lid included) is 23.5cm, and depth is 17.2cm.
Here is how the cells look in the new box:
I had to use some force putting them in, because originally I had attached adhesive 1mm thick EVA foam to each cell (as a separator/isolator). But it helps keep the cells compressed and tight in the box, so no other compression is needed (I suppose).
As you can see the lid fits fine and there's room for a BMS alongside the cells.
The only downside to this box, in my opinion is that you need to glue it shut (no built in threads/screw holes for the lid). This is important because the strap that came with the boxes is only attached to the lid. So you need to be careful carrying it around, as these batteries are heavy. I wouldn't count on it even if glued. In my case they will be stationary (other than maintenance or re-balancing if needed) so it's not critical for me.
BTW, those marks on the inner side of the lid terminals are not burn marks, just some excess epoxy or whatever they use. Not major, I will scrape it to get a clean terminal.
I know many on the forum have been looking for a battery box for these EVE 90/105Ah cells and I think this is a good solution.
It was shipped in a few days and seller accepts PayPal. The downside to this order was the expensive shipping (to the Middle-East) without any cheaper options. But it came super fast via FedEx, so it was worth it.
Do note that they have a minimum order of 2 boxes. The boxes themselves were pretty cheap. All in all it cost more or less like the boxes I previously ordered from Aliexpress.
Beware that there are similar looking boxes available online (Amazon, Ebay, Ali, etc...) but thier total height is only around 21-22cm, but the inner dimensions of the box is only 18cm, so not suitable for these cells.
Hope this helps some of you...
Happy DIYing!
Last edited: