Lipo Bulk Charging

[dimpirate]

Im building Lipo pack with 16x turnigy 6S 5Ah batterries http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._5000mAh_6S_20C_Lipo_Pack_USA_Warehouse_.html
for a 24S 4P 88V 20Ah
I want to charge my whole pack at once here is the charging method I would like to use.

4 x HVC + LVC + Parallel Boards (Cell Level Protection) from meth-tek.com http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=32460&hilit=methods+methtek
1200W Battery charger http://www.bmsbattery.com/alloy-she...ifepo4li-ionlead-acid-battery-ev-charger.html
and a cheap balancer for periodic balancing http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__5606__Genuine_IMAX_B8_Charger_Discharger_1_8_Cells.html
This also would make charging out of the house easier (lighter) which is a big plus.

Is this safe, will it work?will i need any connectors (to connect to charger) besides what is provided by methods parallel boards?
Is this a good alternative to buying an expensive charger/balancer (hypernion, icharge) or meanwell power supply?
I plan on using Methods parallel boards which ever charging solution I end up using.

Ive looked thru many lipo,and lipo charging threads, the information is all over and definately hard for a noob like me to keep up with, specially when it comes to bulk charging. Id appreciate any info, tips, links to threads you guys might have. It would also be nice to have a thread dedicated to bulk charging(I assume there is havent found it yet :? ) where the best most reliable charging methods and where to buy are listed.

Thanks for any help
Fred

 

[ohzee]

My recommendation is to have icecube make you a harness - that is a beast of a pack you are putting together.
The last harness Ice made for me would fit the bill nicely for what you plan on doing.

Good luck please share with whatever way you go.

 

[dimpirate]

My recommendation is to have icecube make you a harness - that is a beast of a pack you are putting together.
The last harness Ice made for me would fit the bill nicely for what you plan on doing.
Good luck please share with whatever way you go.

Thanks ohzee I just read dogmans review on icecube's harness http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=32096&p=464740&hilit=icecube+harness#p464740
Looks perfect for my use. It seems just like it does the same thing as methods parallel boards minus LVC/HVC protection.
someone please correct me if im wrong.

 

[miuan]

The balancer URL is wrong, you may want to provide the correct one. The charger should be OK, I have the 900W version.
I strongly suggest you cycle each pack with a bulb or some other load to verify it's OK and cells balance well at 4.2V and 3.65V alike.
Make sure to fabricate a strong enclosure for the cells. They are fragile.
Also while you shop at ecity, purchase a small 240 or 400W charger for occasional longer errands.

 

[dimpirate]

The balancer URL is wrong, you may want to provide the correct one. The charger should be OK, I have the 900W version.
I strongly suggest you cycle each pack with a bulb or some other load to verify it's OK and cells balance well at 4.2V and 3.65V alike.
Make sure to fabricate a strong enclosure for the cells. They are fragile.
Also while you shop at ecity, purchase a small 240 or 400W charger for occasional longer errands.

Just put on right balaner link, thanks miuan. Miuan i as wonering if you could tell me if all u use is the 900W charger plugged to batteries or you hook up to something to provide LVC/HVC protection? And thanks for the advice i will be housing the batterries securely and will be using balancer to discharge, charge cells and check them a few times when i originally receive them. Is it enough to just discharge/charge each 6s 5Ah once or would you recommend doing a few times before applying to bike? I know i should be cheacking them at least till 7th cycle or so.
Why do you sugest i purchase, a smaller battery as well, just for taking with me? I didnt think the 1500W i chose was that heavy didnt say, how much does the 900W charger you have weigh?

Thanks Fred

 

[miuan]

The 900W is already a beast. I never take it anywhere as it is as big as my lipo pack and weighs just a little less, maybe 3-4kg.
The 400W, on the other hand, is just over 1kg and still has plenty of power to recharge most packs within 2-3hrs. It's also adjustable for voltage and current if you ever need it.
I don't use HVC or LVC, and balance with battery medics. I've had good luck with medics from ebay seller tomtop_digital, they are very precise. If you charge your pack to 99V and run 4 of them at discharge mode to 4.1V, you get a very well balanced pack.
You can "apply" the cells to your bike even when they are only 1 cycle old, but keep an eye on them until you get a feeling for them and see that they balance well. Also look for swelling, heating and other damage, and keep them in fire safe place during charging and storage.