Lithium batteries for beginners. Step by step: balancing, assembling, capacity test. LiFePo4 DIY.

DIY busbars: • Make the best busbars ...
Tools and materials used in video:
Batteries LiFePo4 25Ah: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A58ClP
Various raw cells: www.currentconnected.com/prod...
BMS 50A for LiFePo4: www.aliexpress.com/item/32824...
Multimeter: amzn.to/3CC6vBk
Terminal connectors: amzn.to/3nZKNik
Crimper tool: amzn.to/3pDhse3
Battery capacity meter: amzn.to/38NNI79
Lab power supply: amzn.to/3jqhCCH
Wires 10 AWG silicon wires: amzn.to/38NN75p
Soldering iron 150w: amzn.to/37YrT5V
Liquid Flux Pen: amzn.to/2KPbyYe
Solder Wire: amzn.to/3o0V8dJ
3kw 48V inverter: amzn.to/3rEPEYA
M6 Thread nuts: amzn.to/3aRNKh3
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Aliexpress Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Parts used to build
01:40 - Cells unpacking
04:16 - cells balancing
16:56 - crimp BMS balancing wires
18:40 - 12/24/48V batteries configuration
21:05 - connect BMS to cells
23:54 - verify balancing leads connections
26:50 - solder BMS wires to battery
29:18 - turning BMS on
30:46 - capacity test
34:24 - capacity final result
35:10 - battery final overview
35:55 - balancing wires length
37:42 - subscribe

[@robinhughes-jones4034]

Most exellent of you for not editing out the mistake in wiring the second set of sensors. It is so helpful for us to see how you approached and managed this uncomfortable situation in a thoughtful and precise manner. I applaud your humility.

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you for the feedback, appreciate it.

[@fvanzlr]

16:40 All the cells WILL indicate the same voltage as they are connected in Parallel. Only way to measure individual voltages is to disconnect either positive or negative terminals. The end result stays the same as you were trying to get the cell voltages closer to each other which you achieved by charging in parallel. The rest is very informative for the newcomer to LiFePo4 batteries. Good video sir.

[@SolarEngineering]

yeah I missed that step, thanks for letting me know. And thank you for kind feedback.

[@lilwwwlil]

))) that is what attention to detail is ! Although the mistake was obvious once you know .... but I did not see it until I read your comment !

[@jdickson242]

Yep lol

[@daveincanada4794]

This might be the best video I have seen on DIY LiPO4 battery construction. Certainly the best explanation of the reason for balancing, differences between top and bottom balancing, etc. Very well done video!

[@axoidmax]

I agree. So many DIY videos that lack complete explanations. Also, seeing his mistakes is a good indicator of where things could go wrong, and, what to watch out for. Excellent Video. Thank you.

[@leandrofranceschi322]

The best splaning ever made. Congratulation! Very Good Work man!

[@Absfor30]

An excellent step by step breakdown for mere mortals who are interested in building their own packs, you have done exceptionally well with your presentation, taking the time to explain what is important along the way and WHY it is important as well. Thank you very much you have another subscriber.

[@SolarEngineering]

Much appreciated!

[@DStein-jn9ls]

Thank you for this video. It is (by far) one of the most helpful and informative videos on batteries I have seen! I'll be coming back to this a lot as I build my own.

[@SolarEngineering]

appreciate your feedback

[@trezzadeng5839]

Best DIY LifeP04 so far, in a similar video to this, i have to go through about 5 videos just to see to the end.

[@hadisiswantoro2777]

Your description is very good. You explain step by step what must be checked before entering the next stage.

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RandoRaf]

This was the best explanation of how to build. You explained each step vs just rushing through.

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks!

[@pewpewwithtodd8077]

This was a great video, before I was confused about building a battery and now I'm ready to try it myself and I'll probably watch this a few more times.

[@SolarEngineering]

glad it was helpful.

[@calvinflager4457]

Just came across your video showing how you build a LFP battery. EXCELLENT! Wish I'd had it before I built mine, although they are working wonderfully. thanks again.

[@SolarEngineering]

glad it was helpful!

[@ivanhoe6366]

Thanks for taking time to share your knowledge.

[@randeb1974]

Looking forward to working this out. Randy. [e-mail]

[@davekendall4698]

Very impressive & informative I liked the info in the drop down too. Links/time codes etc. Got my mind working overtime now.⚡️

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you for the feedback!

[@mfrutos]

What a Lesson professor! Cheers from Brazil!

[@SolarEngineering]

)) thanks

[@om617yota8]

Fantastic build, thank you for posting!

[@paullazo19]

Very thorough. Thank you!

[@joatmofa0405]

VERY GOOD VIDEO - everything is carefully planned for easy explaining! A near perfect explainer video. I suspect your channel is very underrated - as an electrical engineer myself, I have a feeling that it won't take long for your channel to grow exponentially! Subbed & Liked!

[@SolarEngineering]

haha, I wish your words become a reality :) Thanks for the feedback.

[@MrRalph301]

Thank!, you very well explained,it claered many questions I had.

[@meganote]

Very good explanation of balancing! Thanks.

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you

[@peshawarzulmi6451]

Very professionally explained! Thanks you.

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks for the feedback.

[@PeterHelenefors]

Thank you! Appreciate you really explaining each and every step so thouroughly.

[@Base612]

"OK. I don't see smoke." LOL This was an *excellent* video. I learned a lot. Thanks so much.

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad to read that! Thanks.

[@701theboop5]

Excelland job showing how it all works !!

[@TK-123]

Top shelf instructions. Thank you for your clear, and concise directions..

[@SolarEngineering]

your feedback is much appreciated.

[@safewilliamp.assist.tec.8203]

Thank you very much!!! The best explanation that Ive ever seen!

[@SolarEngineering]

appreciate your feedback.

[@AsailingDIYlifechannel]

Lovely - thank you so much for this very in-dept description

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks!

[@sxmplx5356]

Wow I'm learning more from this! May you live longer SIr!

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you for the feedback!

[@MadStylesGooffy]

Nice build! Very informative!

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks

[@luckydogfarms]

Always learn more when I watch your videos! Thanks, J

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks!

[@jonathanneethling]

Best video I’ve seen so far

[@SolarEngineering]

Thank you.

[@AandABlackmoore]

I would like to say thank you very much I thought your video was very good I found that you explained everything very well from start to finish Cheers Anthony

[@SolarEngineering]

Thanks Anthony.

[@leandersmith6184]

Very good and clearly explained. Thanks you got yourself a new subscriber.

[@johanwagho5257]

Got to give the credit were it is due... and sure its due to you, best teach skills I've seen by MILES (and I've watched not hours but weeks on tuts) best aproach...viewers know nutn 🙂and you did nicely xplained point after point no MORE or LESS info and a clear and good view on the task at hand, I know when reading these three lines it dnt look like a big deal but its a fact that the most cant cant get that tutorial vid just right... soooo, not the teacher but THE MASTER 🙂 🙂

[@geeuk]

Brother excellent detailed video you have answered all the questions in my head on how to start off lifepo4.. Many Many Thanks for your videos! Happy New Year. Gokhan from London

[@SolarEngineering]

appreciate your feedback

[@whazzat8015]

Good video. helps with troubleshooting too. Importance of balancing was well discussed, as was BMS and care in installation. Good to make an error and demonstrate recovery. I would add 1) mention how you were careful with box cutter, 2) verify that the brass/silver = -/+ was true polarity in ALL cells, 3) I work in an area where a fire could be easily controlled, or at least reacted to. 4) drop your deep socket and watch out! short city 5) wiring for charger on the inside of terminals? asking for trouble.loose wire ,ditto. 6) "I don't see smoke. Good" Strong work

[@SolarEngineering]

really good points, thanks

[@dharmasagarpatil8485]

Thank and very nice demonstration about BMS!! Thanks

[@MrMastercc]

brilliant step by step video tutorial. well done

[@omaha42000]

Excellent. Thank you. You are a scholar and a gentleman.

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks :) appreciate ffedback

[@hafeexius]

I'm in the process of converting my scooter to electric using the existing CVT (modified to reduce power losses). The mechanical part is a piece of cake for me but building the battery turned out to be a major headache. Thank you for explaining it in an easy to understand manner.

[@SolarEngineering]

nice, glad that video helped!

[@johanwagho5257]

I'm on exact that same path with the same findings

[@TeoCorrales]

Thanks for the video, it's very educational for a person like me without any experience.

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks for the feedback.

[@engrevergreenifeanyiohaegb4188]

@@SolarEngineering good work

[@mar1video]

Very nice video. I like your soothing voice and good explanations. Subscribed !

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks

[@toolate6971]

I am just getting started and this was a great video for me.

[@mohsinrazaengr]

Excellent demonstration.

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you

[@chukslis3486]

This is a wonderful explanation. It is most interesting the mistake you made in connecting the balancing cables. This has been my worry though I wire correctly but I imagine what would happen if such error occurs. Thanks greatly for sharing the video.

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you for the feedback!

[@gaetangagnon5913]

Thank you very much for your videos. I happen to have to do mine with 8 batteries and this video will be very helpful. Thanks again.

[@SolarEngineering]

glad it was helpful!

[@juergwyser6520]

Very professionally explained! Thanks you. One question: what resistor do you use to avoid the spark at the convertor and where do you connect it to discharge the spark?

[@SolarEngineering]

for 12v use 12+Ohms 24v - 24+Ohms 48v - 48+Ohms this type of resistance will allow only 1 amp to flow. You just need to do it once when connecting wires to inverter terminals.

[@princeeze9414]

How can I get this product

[@spammebabe]

Solid info my friend thank you very much for that!

[@lucianpopescu1786]

Very nice build. Very organized. I like it. Big thanks for the information

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks for the feedback!

[@fatauntie]

Thank you for your video. Great information that is easily understood. Well done! Looking forward to your other videos.

[@miguelatambucho748]

Great info. I really like the easy way you explained it. You have a new subscriber. You have teaching kills. Thanks again!

[@SolarEngineering]

I appreciate your feedback.

[@hansdybka1331]

I have learned so much from your presentation, thank you. Excellent presentation of data with the discharge rate chart...helped me understand the issue exactly, also pointing out the different battery configurations possible...you covered alot and helped me immensly.

[@lmorchard]

You probably didn't plan it, but making a mistake with one of the BMS wires at first was a nice demonstration of what and why you're testing the connections :)

[@SolarEngineering]

totally unplanned, glad that I didn't burn BMS

[@whazzat8015]

@@SolarEngineering You showed why it's important. Bravo!

[@TheBluebird65]

This also shows that any one even an electronics guru can overlook a detail that could cost and shut down a project. Great demo of double checking your work. The signs of a good teacher that is unafraid of admitting he is human. Thank You. I now feel obligated to subscribe.

[@harrydavis6461]

Looks great. Thanks for the video.

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks!

[@tarekabighanem3125]

Excellent work and explaining

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad you liked it

[@kevinandersson4882]

Thank you for The good explaining and moore, it's easy to think that you maybe are a University teacher or something... Greatings from SWEDEN for a very PRO Channel! 😀

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you for the feedback!

[@michaeldodson879]

Excellent battery build video.

[@SolarEngineering]

Thanks 👍

[@usurpinesusanti3149]

Thank You for this very good video, its exactly what i am planning to do, already have ordered cells from China an BMS which looks almost exactly the one in your video. Very good explanation and very helpful indeed. I feel now much better prepared to do it right and i am not a professional at all. You did a very good job with this video.

[@SolarEngineering]

appreciate your feedback.

[@ionutcatalin525]

Nice explaning, whery good video!

[@hampusjalkling2462]

Great video, got the info I was looking for. Thanks a lot!

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrGarda42]

OMG I LOVE that accent!!! 🍻 Great video mate ✌️✌️

[@SolarEngineering]

appreciate your feedback!

[@belspace]

The best explanation in youtube on DIY battery pack ! 👍

[@SolarEngineering]

appreciate your feedback

[@jamesmatthew1815]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@SolarEngineering]

Thanks!

[@mbu745]

Good video. I learned a lot. Thank you very much.

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mark_osborne]

Fantastic job !

[@giottodiotto1]

Very good explained and filmed

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks!

[@The.2.Minute-Man]

Hi from Australia Very Very much enjoyed you video , Great information and easy to listen to. And professionally presented ............. Extremely helpful A big thank you ( Liked and Subscribed )

[@Jimdandy1958]

Very well explained and done! I made sure and gave it a LIKE!...

[@SolarEngineering]

thank you

[@cesarsantia5809]

Thanks for a clear and good explanation it helps a lot and GOd bless

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks

[@londel1767]

great video, very helpful

[@erdenertorer]

I might be missing something. @16:22 you are measuring the individual cell voltages but they are all parallel connected. Isn’t that the reason all the voltages are pretty much the same? Wouldn’t that be better if you remove the wire and measure them individually? Thanks!

[@SolarEngineering]

that's correct, missed this step, busbars should be disconnected.

[@leoclarkin5944]

Thank you very helpful and educational!

[@SolarEngineering]

you are welcome!

[@izemanevobike]

30:00: "I don't see smoke ...". Sounds so familiar to me :)

[@arashdbet]

Good Job Man, Thanks

[@sygad1]

very detailed, thank you

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bellofiore894]

👍👍Exellent explanation !

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it helped!

[@lawrencebrewer8769]

Excellent!

[@cvdheyden]

Fantastic Video! Very informative and educating! Only small suggestion I have: It helps the batteries to last longer if you compress, but I think you know that already.

[@ludlow7369]

compress? He might know but we might not... Compress what? The cells to each other? My butt cheeks?? ?

[@cvdheyden]

@@ludlow7369 Your testicles

[@princeeze9414]

Nice work ❤

[@MarkEatmon]

Thank you doing this video. Even your mistakes are good for this video

[@SolarEngineering]

yeah, I thought it's a good thing to leave in video, to see how easy is to make mistake

[@tylerb9808]

I'm glad you included that overlook. It shines a light on how important it is to double check things. Even if you fried your bms, the lesson would be long learned. And I really appreciated the texts on the screen as you moved along. I made notes! Helped me understand C ratings a lot better. Thanks!

[@himanshukanojiya5505]

Great job bro you deserve subscribe

[@SolarEngineering]

thanks!

[@BriTube007]

At 16:36 you are testing cells connected in parallel so you are not checking the voltage of an individual cell, rather you are checking the voltage across all the cells. The reading will be the exact same along the wires (baring a large current moving through a small wire causing a voltage drop). Also you initially set the power supply to 3.6V in the hopes of charging them to 3.65V which can't happen. I see later on that you increased the power supply voltage to 3.7V.

[@pieterh2058]

This is what I noticed also immediately. Just checked the comment to see if i was the only one. Does this guy know what he is doing?

[@LoekiNL]

also the testing of the 4 feet wire on the end. he does not know what copper resistance is, or at l;east does not know the voltmeter is of high resistance, so in test it does not matter. with ballancer you will have current and so will have copper resistance that is relatively more important.

[@ianworthington2324]

@@LoekiNL These were my two criticisms as well. Though in the case of the BMS sensor wires I'm guessing that the BMS current draw is not high enough to produce any significant voltage drop.

[@elwynneri1891]

thanks for this video. thanks for this. the mistake is a humble process that you did not remove. It will also help me to be careful. thanks much and God bless you.

[@SolarEngineering]

glad it was helpful!

[@ajgonzalez9926]

Hey bro how long take them to ship to you?.

[@speedy491992]

Thank you so much Your explanation helped greatly And i like hoe you say positive and negative 🥰

[@aguswijayagurumu]

Priviet. Very good explanation. Thank you

[@SolarEngineering]

You are welcome!

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

When you top balance, use #10 or larger leads from the power supply, put terminals on both ends and don’t use it the banana plugs or alligator clips. Connect the leads to the two common rail taps but at opposite ends so no path is shorter or longer than another. Not at the center as shown during balancing.

[@SolarEngineering]

good to know, thanks for the advice.

[@tonysoundbass]

perfect video

[@yangondiylab]

love it thanks

[@muharremcan2662]

merhaba . 60 & 72 v bir sistem kurasaydınız izlenme oranlarınız çok daha fazla olurdu.Bu videoda çok başarılı olmuş. çok fazla emek harcadınız.teşekkürler.

[@Milo19970]

After getting them to 12 volt would you than still be able to connect the second battery bank in parallel to the first battery bank? If they both match in Voltage and amps?

[@roliki1890]

отличная работа

[@sunnyhongkong]

Very nice and helpful 👍

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joselito7776]

Thank you. This video has just the right amount of detail that I was looking for re: how to create my own LiFePo4 battery bank. The excellent video/audio production quality is an added bonus. New subscriber here. PS: But I'm unsubscribing if I get shocked in the process! Just joking...

[@SolarEngineering]

)) thanks for the feedback

[@errolwoodhouse6605]

Thank you for video very informative

[@SolarEngineering]

glad it was helpful

[@theodosiosgouzios2918]

YOU ARE THE BEST

[@SolarEngineering]

))) thanks

[@RapidCRM]

Excellent - I have bookmarked this and deleted all the other 'popular' explanations.

[@SolarEngineering]

Glad it was helpful!

[@topfundus1093]

Hello, thank you very much for the super instructions that I am recreating. The parts are all ordered. My question: Can two such, completely identical systems of 16 x 3.2 V 25Ah LiFePO4 batteries each with a BMS 16S Lifepo4 50A be connected in parallel, so that 1 large battery with 48 volts and 2,560 Wh (= 2 x 1,280 Wh) arises? Vielen Dank und viele „greetings from Germany”!

[@just_russ4633]

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you. You have a new subscriber.

[@SolarEngineering]

Awesome, thank you!

[@djgiel4life]

Awesome video. I think you covered all bases. Really informative. A definite sub from me.

[@SolarEngineering]

Awesome, thank you!

[@huysworld701]

Great video thank you, question.. can I lay the cell side way ? Will it leak or effect performance? I’m making a power box and laying on the side give me more space

[@SolarEngineering]

short answer: yes more details in video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWa5aaGfaLebhLM

[@alem9611]

Thanks man