Building a 24V 72Ah Ammo Cannister Battery Pack

I constructed a 24V 72Ah battery pack in this used military ammo cannister out of 182 Samsung 2800mAh 18650 cells. The cells I used were removed from laptop batteries, so I did not expect them to test brand new, but they did test a bit lower than expected. Still, this was a great build and a lot of fun to work on.
WARNING: Lithium batteries are dangerous and can result in fire! This video is NOT intended to be instructional or a "how-to" lesson. I am not a professional. Do not attempt anything you see here without first contacting a certified and/or licensed professional.
Featured Products: (affiliate links)
Batteries... batteryhookup.... (5% Discount Code "BATTERY")
Ammo Cannister... batteryhookup.... (10% Discount Code "BATTERY")
Fused Nickel Strip... batteryhookup.... (10% Discount Code "BATTERY")
Pack Heat Shrink... batteryhookup.... (10% Discount Code "BATTERY")
Daly 40A BMS (Amazon)... amzn.to/2HvCxqb
Daly 40A BMS (AliExpress)... s.click.aliexp...
Silicone Wire 10 AWG... amzn.to/3m4EHw1
Cell Holders 4x5... amzn.to/2V09U7E
Cell Holders 3x5... amzn.to/3fCLcUA
Cell Insulators... amzn.to/3pZoASH
Cell Heatshrink... ebay.us/AhTLYw
Kapton Tape... amzn.to/3776qG6
PET Tape... ebay.us/ysV0pS
ABS Plastic Spacers... amzn.to/3lXlKLL
XT90 Connectors... amzn.to/2UX1Nc5
Rubber Gromit... www.mouser.com...
Recommended Stores: (Using these links helps support this channel)
Current Connected... store.currentc...
Signature Solar... signaturesolar... ($50 Discount Code "LITHIUMSOLAR50")
Best LFP Source... www.18650batte...
SanTan Solar... www.santansola...
Battery Hookup... batteryhookup....
Batrium BMS... www.batrium.com/
Contact Info:
My business email is [e-mail]. You may contact me for sponsorships, product reviews, business-related questions, or any similar reason. I am not available for personal project questions or consultation. I will not respond to these emails.
NEW Twitter Page... / lithiumsolaryt
Disclaimers and Statements:
► I receive a small commission on purchases made using my affiliated links shared the video description and comments section. The views and opinions expressed here are my own, unbiased, and not influenced by this commission in any way.
► My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.

[@stefi300972]

built 11 of these so far, 4 to go, 10 have been running for 10 months without problem :)

[@fisherus]

Amazing how your subscribership has grown this past year. Love to watch your and David Poz's fun and interesting videos like this one as I continue my journey of becoming more affluent in battery capacity and composition. I owe it all to you two and Will Prosser. Thanks again!

[@sseventyturbovolvo8562]

To add a lot more safety here, you add a main fuse into the pack, and additionally for each balance lead a small fuse. If in any case the BMS fails, no fire will start. This is a serious flaw! Do not underestimate the amount of current if a short is taking place. -- Otherwise, its a nice built :-)

[@robpaultog]

What fuse would you recommend for the balance leads?, most balance at no more than an amp am I right? Thx

[@sseventyturbovolvo8562]

@@robpaultog a 5 amp quick fuse is more than enough, glass or ceramic 5mm diameter...works up to 50V without problems...if you can, use the ones with sandfilling...

[@robpaultog]

@@sseventyturbovolvo8562 thx m8 👍🏻

[@jamesprocter102]

Clean compact easy carry and a wonderful well informed build. Great job much thanks.

[@НикаСаградян]

I'm glad that you don't "hunt" for views, and are more focused on your own projects. Loved the box, easy to carry and looks neat

[@michaelkeller5008]

I came here looking for ways to build my own battery; and i have to say: Sir, your video and build is the most safety-aware approach I found on YT so far. Thank god there are still people who remember to isolate the poles to avoid a short circuit!

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I love that ABS board you used

[@LithiumSolar]

Thanks!

[@theprepperfrog167]

I'm using pieces of those old ''crazy carpet'' i bought for nothing.

[@zainudindin3876]

@@LithiumSolar ³³³³²

[@traviswilson5410]

@@LithiumSolar can I hire you to build me 2 battery boxes...just like these...except 12 volt

[@anonymous175]

^^^ That makes two of us

[@AD6DMDennis]

This is great! I like the way you worked the XT60 connector to the battery and BMS instead of directly soldering the the BMS ports to the battery. It provides convenient way to disconnect the BMS if needed.

[@tedz74]

I built a very similar set up. However I assembled 2 groups of cells as 7s12p, each with a 20A bms. My reasoning was that if there was an issue, I'd only have to tear down half of the total battery, and the (2) 20A bms's cost less than a 40A. I'd discharge the pack and see if you have a weak string limiting your overall capacity.

[@georgepene6097]

Hello, its something that i did not understand. How do you choose the bms for your pack?

[@georgepene6097]

Did you use a 20A bms for 7s12p or just 7s6p?

[@askostadinov]

Glue the BMS with silicone to the cover of the ammo case. This will improve heat transfer to ambient. Put another sheet of foam on top of the pack. Good luck and keep the good work.

[@TRICHOMETRIST]

The braided wire can be tinned before attachment , for minimal heat transfer when attaching , couldn't see if you tinned it before!! Nice build , neat job!! Maybe a better BMS? 😎🤙

[@daudamuhammed957]

The construction is fantastic

[@Feloblod11]

I've been subbed ever since your Solar Gen episode. I know a lot of people have dropped off since then. But just some user feed back, these are the type of episodes i enjoy. Do what you want with your own channel. But I LOVED this episode. Cheers!

[@gregb1714]

If the BMS is getting hot, I would have attached it to the metal lid (heatsink) and put a layer of plastic over the top part of the battery pack to isolate/insulate it from the lid/BMS.

[@fubarlife7776]

Agreed. But I don't think he cares. Also that battery pack is going to have problems in temperatures over 100° with my personal experience.

[@PFab]

I'm just curious to see how this would compare to a used lithium battery pack from a reputable manufacturer. Cost vs efficiency.

[@1ssac1]

Perfect build, but there's always a "BUT" - glue BMS onto the battery heatshink with some duble sided tape.

[@piconano]

I'll take 2 of these for a 48V SLA replacement. Please send ASAP. Thanks. 🤪

[@krakenking1597]

A very enjoyable video as always.

[@Megames2012]

It appears to be a 50 caliber ammo can; the 30 caliber ammo can is significantly narrower.

[@LithiumSolar]

Good to know, thanks! The site just said "medium' LOL

[@PFab]

Yeah I agree. 50 cal box. They make many sizes. But this is the 50 cal. Used boxes are great as long as the seal is still soft.

[@Megames2012]

@@PFab And if you're worried about the seal, brand new, they're only 15 bucks.

[@Megames2012]

@@LithiumSolar Maybe do a larger version using the 30mm, 40mm, 60mm, 81mm, or 120mm mortar cans? www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-m592-30mm-ammo-can-used?a=868496 www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-pa120-40mm-ammo-can-used?a=1586611 www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-pa70-60mm-ammo-can-used?a=2073641 www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-pa156-81mm-mortar-ammo-can-used?a=1952438 www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-pa154-120mm-mortar-ammo-can-used?a=1935509

[@sam_wyt9879]

Neat and simple back up power box 👍

[@MrSGL21]

great build. i think i'm going to build this same pack but as 13s14p rather than 7s 26p. i'm going to use it to extend the range of my 48v ebike. i have 150 samsung 26hs on the way

[@Nitecrow314]

7S is only 24v(nominal).

[@adamtedder1012]

I need this. Badly. I have a crap ton of 18650 but dont know how to make a battery. Lol

[@IRONMANMETALBILLDANKANIS]

Awesome video. Next time you move the batteries to place on top of the other ones put the ABS on the top pack and hold it firmly to lower it.

[@mishpatim123]

20:35 That's The Dude speaking

[@5400bowen]

I'd say if there was any doubt those nickel strips were adequate to carry the 20 amps, it would be simple the lay another layer of the strip on top of the first one and spot welled it down to the first one. Remember, two wires can carry double what one can when wired together at each end.

[@MmeHyraelle]

Im certain you figured it out but for the final heat shrink wrap, a slit that does not go to the edge may produce better results. In any case thanks for the content im learning a lot.

[@edbjr8]

Really awesome video. Could you make a future video on how to integrate a capacity monitoring meter and a voltage buck or boost converter to use with these packs?

[@richpalmisano1740]

He has a diy solar generator video...check it

[@offgridwanabe]

Good stuff the capacity is likely low due to the bms single cell cut off but who knows I would be happy with that much juice.

[@LithiumSolar]

It's possible. That's one thing I don't like about these smaller BMS. The Batrium has me so spoiled with being able to see stats all the time 24/7 lol.

[@offgridwanabe]

@@LithiumSolar Next time maybe you could show us the voltage and use a cell checker on the 7s connector after shutoff to see the single cell voltage. Thanks for all your sharing and good information i always learn something each video

[@fisherus]

Nice clean build. I imagine that you could string and parallel them into a temporary battery bank, if necessary?

[@justinlacapria2898]

Nice clean build, well done.

[@theprepperfrog167]

Thank you, sir.

[@richjackson860]

I would REALLY like to see an appropriately sized breaker or fuse somewhere between BMS and the connector. I understand that the BMS provides SOME protection, but with the potential excitement factor of the 18650's dumping a huge amount of power in a short period of time should the BMS fail, I'd lean heavily on the side of caution.

[@jimbob172]

Impressive video. You explained several small details that were left out on other similar videos done by the juggernauts on youtube

[@ima6leaker]

Very cool design

[@gamingexpress2549]

Your videos are awesome

[@fenderstratguy]

You do really beautiful work. At 23:17 I think I would have put at least a few dots of hot glue to hold that BMS in place, and a piece of yoga mat foam on top the BMS, but that's me. I always like my electrical connections to be under no mechanical loading.

[@huckfin1100]

Perfect for a trolling motor on a kayak

[@miscbits6399]

If you want to know how much starpping to use, run the current you want through one strip and see what the voltage drop is (better still, use a milliohm meter to directly read the resistance) - the current test will also tell you how much heating there is at rated current. I would run a second test at twice or more the current to test for gross heating effects (a fuse is rated to blow instantly at double current but will take 6 hours at 150% - you don't want your strip to burn out before the fuse!)

[@johnq8792]

very nice install,

[@carholic-sz3qv]

The build is clean asf 👌 i would to do the same type of project

[@eyeswideshut2800]

Got the same heat gun, guess I'll try the fused strips I got. I've still got annoying battery harvesting to do..thanks BH

[@ErCanEverything]

Nice work👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂🤝🤝🤝

[@kennoman5593]

I think I would have doubled up on the layers of those strips going down the sides

[@Boemel]

i want 2 in series for 48v trike. the size is perfect. just plonk them under the seat plug in and done.

[@JK360noscope]

Well damn, I didn't know I was gonna get to see the MVP today but there he is! Subb'd

[@brianvandy4002]

Maybe attach the BMS to the lid of the can. Then the can will act as a heat sink.

[@rklauco]

Nice build - I would opt for 6 cells and more room for heat (putting something heat-isolating between the BMS and battery). Otherwise very nice job!

[@fgbhrl4907]

You might have just got unlucky with a bad string of cells in terms of capacities. I would try discharging the pack, and seeing which string has the lowest voltage -- you might find replacing a couple of cells will get you back the capacity.

[@stevedutcher3875]

Nice idea!

[@joaoncr]

I don't know how many amps you are planning to draw from it, but those four nickel strips can not safely handle more than 5 amps each, totalling 20amps.

[@briangroene7756]

Great build. Could you do an 8 x 6 battery also?

[@catgynt9148]

Quite an interesting battery build here. That appears to be a 50 caliber (1/2 inch or ~13mm) ammunition can, each bullet would be about as big around as one of your batteries. Considering that you calculated 7 cells in a series, wouldn’t it have been better to orient the 7 batteries as 2 groups of (+ - + - + - + ) with 2 cell wide nickel strips 12 34 56 on one side and 23 45 67 on the other instead of 1 group with the center fold (+ + - - + + - fold - + + - - + +)? Granted that you would have to commit some “skull sweat” into wiring the two blocks together but if you used 2 20A BMS units, each block of 91 batteries could provide 20A independent of the other, be shrink wrapped individually and in case of needing a repair, an individual block could be removed without shutting the entire system down. Redundant circuits for security. Did you test the batteries before adding them into your arrays? Because of the heat buildup you ought to mount the BMS module to the inside of the lid using the thermal gel that PC CPUs use to connect to their cooling device. Thanks for sharing this insightful video. Wishing you a great week. Cheers

[@gerardjachymiak5822]

Thank you for making this video, I'm halfway building a battery but I'm going to start again and use an ammo can as I need slight rain resistant, unless is there something better you could recommend

[@LithiumSolar]

With the gasket in, the can is fairly rain resistant. I wouldn't call it water proof though obviously. If you leave the gasket in, make sure you have a hole drilled somewhere for ventilation (on the bottom is fine so water doesn't get in). You don't want it pressurizing if something goes wrong.

[@jadu79]

the things i thought of when i saw your video were why you did not solder both the plus and negative cable and also the balance wires and then weld so you do not risk heating unnecessarily and then not having to worry about damage and I think myself would solder the balance cables to a long nickel strip and then cut it down so you can put 4 welds on it. Then I do not know what those plastics cost that you insulate with but compare the price with IKEA thin cutting board "Finfördela" because it may be worth comparing with but it can not withstand high temperatures

[@stefi300972]

the Heat Shrink link takes me to battery hook up but to the menu of sizes but no mention as to what size you used in this project

[@LithiumSolar]

Sorry. I used the 340mm heat shrink.

[@IRONMANMETALBILLDANKANIS]

You should do personal consultations. Charge $60- $90 an hour over the phone.

[@Luckie337]

All that work and hundreds of connections!! Just go buy a 280ah prismatic battery and your far better off ! Less than $100

[@LithiumSolar]

Yep, not a bad idea!

[@ExilesGate]

@@LithiumSolar You would need 7 of them at $190 each. Thats allot of money.

[@LithiumSolar]

@@ExilesGate 2 years later, fully agree with the above comment. I would not do this again for a variety of reasons and just grab the LiFePO4 batteires.

[@itisno1]

i'd like to see a build with the 8 & 6 wide cell holders

[@infected7258]

Great work, I had a question, I’m not that good on lithium batteries and such but would you be willing to sell a better hock like this one

[@LithiumSolar]

No, I don't sell batteries. I would suggest buying a LiFePO4 battery vs trying to build one. This was just something I did as a hobby for fun. LiFePO4 is a much better choice for most applications if interested in lithium batteries.

[@pip5461]

It would be nice to know what the price difference is between the kit and the complete unit.

[@marcoandreknottjung3418]

What is the price of one, for a community building project, what we can place, with such batteries for the energysolution also for campers and tiny houses?

[@Overclockedegg]

Looking at all of the components with the biggest ticket items being the battery cells $100-200) and inverter (~$200) I would say this is $500-600 total. Plus you will need a spot welder and a heat gun if you don't already have.

[@aaronzabala1290]

Sir, Good Day! it's my pleasure! if you make a diagram connection of your BMS, connected in 24 v setup. your creation is amazing. just now, I copied your creation. thank you

[@dodgeme1986truck]

that is an ammo can for an m2 version a3... AKA ma deuce .50cal machine gun

[@Tom-jd1rm]

Noticed this build was 3 years ago. I wonder what the updates are on this one? Still working? Battery life?

[@LithiumSolar]

I never actually used it and moved to LFP instead.

[@AndyMcBlane]

Great video!

[@AndyMcBlane]

Forgot I watched it, watched it again and was going to say great video!

[@markbrock9020]

Love the build. Great job on the video too! I am curious what MPPT controller you used (specs). And could you build two of those batteries and hook to the controller in parallel? Seems like a good small home backup solution. And easy to grab one and take camping. :)

[@ExilesGate]

It might be worth routing the BMS outside the enclosure....place it on plastic or ceramic standoffs and slap a massive heatsink to it. I've purchased most of the items you have here from battery hookup:) I'm just testing the modem batteries to get their capacity & internal resistance. I used your promo code BATTERY & got a sweet 10% discount so thanks man. I was wondering what Atrium Shunt your using? Im new to this...does it just monitor the battery? Is that how your getting the data on your ipad? *Would love to see a video on how to connect up the BMS wires? I saw one guy wired it up wrong & it completely drained his battery. (I have a 20amp mppt & a 485w Canadian Solar Panel & a 24v inverter.) Thanks ..love your videos man.

[@JJ21lives4ever]

I live your projects and have been using batteryhookup thanks to your recommendations, with great results. I was wondering, with the cell level fusing, a single cell failure to dead short should "blow" the fuse for the cell and the only negative result should be a drop in capacity for each series cell pack correct?

[@Bubbz2024]

Beautifully executed compact beast of a battery pack. Aside from charging it through a solar array, what amperage DC to DC would you recommend using to charge it ? Amazon has plenty of 29.4v 1-2 amp chargers but that would essentially be a super slow trickle charger for this battery.

[@geecee7216]

What can run that system and for how long

[@brookerobertson2951]

I think you got less capacity than expected because the batteries hadn't been balanced.. I think after you do a few cycles and the BMS give them a top balance you may get an extra few percent. Also I'm not sure about this but I don't know if the BMS has as a metal heatsink plate the bottom. ? If so then some conductive glue and stick it to the lid of the ammo can as an extra heat sink. Anyway I like the way you made it. Nice compact and clean. I think it'd be good take camping. If it had a a type c charging module. So you can charge a phone and even a laptop off grid and for about a week.. good job.. 👍

[@hectorvillarreal519]

What electronics do you use for measuring amps hour to battery; very nice diy battery.

[@flojotube]

@Lithium Solar - In case you wanna add it to your details, that ammo can is the standard .50 CAL ammo can. Another great vid. 👍 Can you please share your opinion on the best “budget” spot welder you’re aware of? Your unit is so efficient AND QUIET, but the price tag of $214 from China, or $250 domestic is beyond the realm of practicality for my current level of experience. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[@michaelcarman5216]

i'm a 78 yrold new to it. price?

[@Nastymedicine]

Did it ever blow up because of overheating?

[@LithiumSolar]

No...............

[@thomasnyanfore8424]

New subscriber here. Did you do a video using the lifepo4? I want to do a 24v 50A-100A battery. Will those cell holders work?

[@jamesevans938]

looks like you got a current spec 50 Cal can but if anyone you is serving or has served want to let me know if I'm correct since i can make out one the marking says M2A2

[@padreantonioraygozav.raygo9576]

Will you be able to make me two battery🔋 Packs with Li-ion BL26650 3.7v &6800mAH, as many🔋are needed x 100Amp I'll buy'em for my Power Inverter 24v systm. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@padreantonioraygozav.raygo9576]

I'm not sure if this Orange 🔋3.7v/6800mAH are it's real Capacity. But it will saveme Storage Space

[@juliauwanto]

I wonder why u are not using ur flir one

[@LithiumSolar]

I really need to pick up a second used phone that I can dedicate to the Flir One...

[@zaprodk]

What's the dimensions of the ammo case you are using here? (link is dead)

[@jerryjordan677]

@Lithiumsolijer How much is This Battery ? Thanks

[@MrMuzza008]

Is that a tablet running Win10 or something else? And is that the batrium software displaying the readouts?

[@LithiumSolar]

It's an Android tablet. This is not the Batrium software. I wrote some custom code that pulls data from the Batrium, stores on a MySQL database, then renders in any web browser using Grafana.

[@girlmastergeneral]

what mppt controller/inverter is that?

[@LithiumSolar]

PIP 2424LV-MSD > ebay.to/3hbo2Vd

[@ExilesGate]

@@LithiumSolar Would a 20amp mppt be ok with a 485w panel?

[@jimmyandropoli8635]

Im into making packs but that is way above my skill level at this point. What would you charge to make me one?

[@LithiumSolar]

Sorry, but I don't sell batteries (or build them for others).

[@SteveGuzer]

If you were pulling 12v from this battery bank (through a step down converter) would the amp hour rating then double? 144AH at 12V?

[@Teknopottu]

I would think almost. Some losses on conversion.

[@gamingforlive2150]

i would love to own one altrought i can`t affor the materials like a spotwelder and dont trust soldering in this case :(

[@anthonypelchat]

There are several non-spot weld options at there. Jag35.com had the simplest that I've seen. Vruzend.com has another option that isn't as simple, but easier than spot welding and cheaper than Jag.

[@blickcocker]

.50 caliber ammo box

[@clydesdalem.8943]

I had bad luck with them Battery hookup. Never helped me out with some bad products they sold typically the too good to be true deals ARE HORRIBLE. DONT DO IT

[@balloney2175]

l am confused about your connection of batteries... this not a DIY for a non electric engineer like me

[@LithiumSolar]

I'm certainly not suggesting you (or anyone) build one. I just thought I'd film the process of building mine. There are plenty of pre-built batteries on the market that are much safer than trying to build your own.

[@balloney2175]

@@LithiumSolar But they joy of building one yourself that works is priceless!

[@gysgyhydrate5528]

He must have saw david poz video

[@LithiumSolar]

Yes, I've seen his video - and several others that have done ammo can builds :)

[@gysgyhydrate5528]

Good stuff man

[@testercwt]

Final busbar terminal on opposite site, theoretically equal to double size busbar , helped balance the battery pack

[@TimR1099]

That is a 50 cal ammo can.

[@LithiumSolar]

Why yes it is

[@TimR1099]

@@LithiumSolar And it is a very cool build!

[@glytch5]

what the heck are you going to use that pack for? A car?

[@LithiumSolar]

No idea. It was fun to build and has since been disassembled.

[@MrLethal1986]

This started off brilliant then you started hitting the pack with a hammer. Could of ended really bad.

[@bizim_eller]

👍👍🙂

[@danieldougan8550]

29.34 Volts is over charged

[@LithiumSolar]

No. The cells have a full charge voltage of 4.20V. So 7s x 4.20V = 29.40V.

[@ThyAnon]

So it isn't 72Ah, its 60Ah. Thats alot of loss

[@LithiumSolar]

It's 72Ah if the cells were new and balanced. I didn't take the time to balance them before the capacity test and I really should have.

[@robertendl9205]

This looks totally unsafe.

[@johnmirbach2338]

😁 ✌🖖👌👍😎

[@nilsfalk3873]

Utggghhh

[@V4suki]

Why are you useing xt90 if you made pack to output 40A? xt60 would be good enough.

[@LithiumSolar]

There seems to be some controversy as to whether or not the XT60 is actually designed to run at 60A continuous. It seems skimpy to me so I decided to be safe and use the larger XT90.