Make Your Power Station Last Longer! Power Queen 200AH LiFePO4 - DIY Expansion Battery!

Make your own DIY expansion battery to get longer run times on your power stations! This will work for any power station that accepts up to 40volts charging input. The larger Bluetti and EcoFlow power stations will work with this mod. DO NOT do this will your smaller power stations, they can't accept 36volts charging input (most of them).
In this video I took Power Queen's 200ah LFP battery and charged up my Bluetti AC200p and extended the runtime from 18 hours running my full sized fridge to 36 hours. I would call that a success!
Check out iPowerQueen LFP Batteries HERE:
ipowerqueen.com/?ref=cFdv00c1
Don't forget about the additional 3% OFF Discount Code: LLC3
Service email: [e-mail]
Technical support email: [e-mail]
PARTS LIST I used in this Project:
DC to DC Converter (X2) 12v to 36v: amzn.to/3azLzBi
DC to DC Converter 12v to 24v (Small Power Stations): amzn.to/3aD0KcR
120mm DC PC fan for cooling: amzn.to/3uMW6zN
8 AWG 60 Amp Fuse Holders: amzn.to/3wLCyw4
XT90 Pigtails for Bluetti Power Stations: amzn.to/3B6w5zB
XT60 Pigtails for EcoFlow Power Stations: amzn.to/3AQskxV
BATTERY CHARGERS that I have used with great results:
60 Amp Adjustable Power Supply (CC/CV): www.circuitspecialists.com/cs...
10 Amp Adjustable Power Supply (CC/CV): amzn.to/3o38VlD
ProLogix 20 Amp Automotive Battery Charger: amzn.to/3AJLgym
Kisae Abso DMT1250 - Dual DC to DC / MPPT Solar Charger: amzn.to/3RJQ398
Powerwerx 300 watt MPPT Solar Charge Controller: amzn.to/3RxwrEY
Powerwerx 150 watt MPPT Solar Charge Controller: amzn.to/3z7P2jX
Epever 20amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller: amzn.to/3c9ZRZE
The use of affiliate links provide a small commission for me when you use them. Thanks for supporting my channel content and allowing me to do future comparison videos! More videos coming soon!
#jasonoid #diy #PowerStations

[@todd.parker]

This is a great idea! I bought a similar boost converter a while back to do this but your setup is really slick. Good call on the fans - those get hot!

[@livingitup9647]

I'm just finding this video in early Dec. 2022 and I'm inspired to find there are options for creating one's own auxiliary battery supply for these large power stations! I just ordered a Bluetti AC200P and started digging around to see if I could expand its capacity without having to spend $1,300 or more for one of Bluetti's auxiliary batteries, i.e. the B230 or the B300. I'm so glad to find this explanation showing there are many options for making this happen, at a lower price, IF you have the skills to do all those calculations. I don't have the skills, but I could find someone to help, now that I know it's possible. I also want to say I think you do excellent presentations, Jasonoid! I've watched a couple of your videos so far, and I don't know why you don't have a larger Subscriber base by now. You are clear, articulate and know how to present information in a methodical, step by step process, with great demos and videography. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with all of us who need it! I hope your Subscriber base continues to grow, and that it will help compensate you for all your efforts. Cheers!

[@Jasonoid]

Thanks Living It Up, one of the easiest ways to charge the AC200p faster is by getting either a 24v LiFePO4 battery, or a 48v battery (51.2v). By just connecting a 24v battery up to the charging input, you can charge the AC200p at around 240 watts, maybe a little higher. You could also purchase a 48v LiFePO4 battery and charge near 600 watts when connected up. Power Queen makes some excellent budget batteries. For example this battery has 4600wh, it would charge the AC200p at around 550-600 watts when connected, and only costs $1200: ipowerqueen.com/products/power-queen-51-2v-90ah-lifepo4-battery-built-in-90a-bms Probably even cheaper with my discount code: LLC3

[@livingitup9647]

​@@Jasonoid Thanks Jason! Well, I have limited funds, so $1,200 for an extra battery for charging my new AC200P is not possible. BUT, you added some valuable info, reminding me about choosing a 24V or 48V configuration to speed the charging with a battery. I'll keep weighing all the options (incl. a propane-powered generator), for my emergency backup system, and budget for the next phase of investment. Just trying to prepare for the electrical grid outages that we keep being warned about. I'm in Portland, OR and our electricity providers have had at least 3 short-term outages just in the past 6 weeks....and today it's snowing, with 3" expected, which often brings power outages due to tree breakage and downed wires. We all have to be better prepared these days for more weather and grid-related emergencies. So, your thorough and clear videos are very appreciated in this education process. Thanks again for what you're doing! 🙏👍☮😉

[@Chegooutdoors]

Could i run 2 12v batteries in series to make 24v and plug into the solar port?

[@Jasonoid]

@@Chegooutdoors yes, that will work just fine!

[@ripdinecola4755]

Awesome been waiting all week for this video! Nice job! I think I my be able to get away with just hooking the battery up through the 10 cigarette plug for my specific application. But I'm glad to see another option for fast charging!

[@jakeliujakeliu]

This is great I being looking for this video for past 6 months. I think you are the first one! Make sure you have good SEO tag, so lots people will discover this! Thank you

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

Good idea. I like videos like this because they make me think of how I am going to keep my small system going at night. The simplest probably is a cheap modified sine wave inverter that's over 500 watts. For the PV input at night, you can have a setup like this on a two-way battery switch and just switch off your panels and switch on your battery. For one battery you could run a 10 or 20 amp charge controller and one or two panels and just slowly charge it up during the day.

[@Jasonoid]

I agree, small 500 watt inverter would work well for this.

[@ziggy29]

I've seen yours and some other videos on these Power Queens and if I were in the market to add capacity to my systems right now, I'd consider picking up a couple of these for extra capacity. Right now the 190 Ah models (over 2400 Wh) are just over $600 or about a quarter per watt-hour. That's getting pretty insane, in a good way.

[@shawnthomas6460]

Great Video. Thank you for talking about charging. Most of the other sites don't explain different options for charging.

[@Jasonoid]

Once the battery is dead, gotta get power into it :)

[@RenegadeBastard]

Smart man! I love the solution you came up with. Keep up the good work, buddy.

[@ackattacker]

I use a similar voltage booster to charge my power station from a running vehicle. However for this application, I would recommend using 2 100AH batteries in series for 25.6V instead of one 200AH 12.8V battery. You are losing efficiency with the boost converter, and adding expense. And, as you've noted, when you pull 40Amps things tend to get warm unless you are careful.

[@Jasonoid]

The best setup would be to have a 48v LFP battery so you could get quite a bit of power without any loss. EG4 makes a 5kwh 48v LFP battery for $1500. They can't keep up with the demand! The 24v battery is a decent option too. Thanks for commenting :)

[@raspillade6027]

The EG4 48v 5kw battery is what I’ve been looking at to expand my AC200Max, as I think Bluetti 2kw expansion batteries are too expensive. Since the EG4 and AC200 Max are 48v, is it a simple direct connection or is more involved? ​@@Jasonoid

[@Jasonoid]

@@raspillade6027 you can use a 48v EG4 battery to dump power into the Bluetti power station to charge it. You'll want to plug the output of that 48v battery into the solar input of the power station (and make sure it's set to solar input on the screen so it allows the higher voltage input). It won't be "officially" supported as an expansion battery for the Max since it won't use the Bluetti expansion cable with the communication connections.

[@charlesneff2642]

@@Jasonoid Could you theoretically plug a solar charger into the 48v battery so solar panels could charge the expansion pack too?

[@macdonaldpeebles8782]

@@raspillade6027 If you connect to the standard solar input port, it is a simple direct connection. That input current limits to 15 amps on my AC200MAX. For the other input port, the one that is used for the AC power brick, you have to use a Bluetti DC Charging Enhancer (D050S) ($200) which limits input to 10 amps. So, I can input 700W+ through the solar input port and 450W+ using the (D050S). Have fun!

[@lesliehunter1823]

Im finding you a very good resource to help me understand! The comment section of this video is outstanding!

[@Jasonoid]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@toejamr1]

Man… I was looking for a video like this and you nailed every question I had. I really appreciate it.

[@Jasonoid]

You may like to see how to charge with better DC to DC converter, here's another video you'll like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2ibg6ugh72HpJYsi=hdiSpMWjhnlSPHZD This is another video about using 12v 24v and 48v batteries instead: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnyXe36jm9OXnposi=LRawOdlofkvzUZYu

[@theinnocent714]

Just go buy an invertor n you’ll extend ur bluetties battery life

[@Jasonoid]

@@theinnocent714 using an inverter to charge your power station would do the same thing that's in the video, except it would be less efficient. DC to DC Charging is always more efficient.

[@johntate5284]

This is really a great and timely idea! Might as well add the 12/24 VDC converter as well. Then this battery system can pretty much be used to charge up any of the current solar generators from small to large, plus you get the ability to charge more than one solar generator at a time. Put all the electronics in a case or box, with some good 4 gauge wire with some alligator clips and you can use any 12 volt battery as a source. Definitely my next project:)

[@Jasonoid]

A couple other ideas that would also work: -Add a 500 watt inverter to your battery to charge your power stations using the inverter -Get a 24v or 48v battery instead of a 12v battery, and just plug in your power stations.... for best conversion efficiencies. There are so many options to do this so just chose what works best for you :)

[@johntate5284]

@@Jasonoid This is good too. Just looking at the conversion losses, the fewer steps, the better. The best would be to use a 48 volt battery, which can go directly into the PV input of most large solar generators. This method involves only the conversion losses of the internal MPPT solar controller in the generator, and of course, the charging loss of charging the internal LiFePO4 battery, which is about 8.6% (from the original MIT patent) and translates to 916 watts of the 1000 watts being available to run loads. Introducing a DC to DC converter (typically 80% for the cheaper units to 90% or better for the really good ones). That one step means for every 1000 watts going from one battery to another, only about 733 watts will be available for use to run a load. A good quality AC inverter typically starts at 88% conversion efficiency and can reach as high as 97%, but they are going to be pricey when compared to a DC to DC converter. For a comparison with lead acid, you typically get only 60 watts back for every 100 watts you put in if you discharge at the 25 hour rate. If you run the starter until the starter won't turn the car over, and then recharge it, that drops to 9 watts for the same 100 watt input! I'm really glad to see these real world applications that anyone can do, as lots of us don't think of them ourselves!

[@LarryRichelli]

@@Jasonoid Great information,, how about a video on the least expensive 48v battery for this purpose

[@0055ford]

Be avered of BLUETTI !!! Therevis no service for there product. There is thousand of as filing class action against Bluetti company.

[@nafoibot]

@@Jasonoid ever just used the victron DC to DC charger with xt60 ends or the renogy dc to dc 12 volt chargers?

[@kpboix99]

What a cost efficient way to extend battery capacity. I like the idea of this, thank you for sharing.

[@Jasonoid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jmm20001]

This is great, thank you. It is always good to have options!

[@reginaldjones9924]

Great idea,very intelligently thought out. And will save $ versus their expansion batteries.

[@m.o.f8720]

Awesome! Exactly what I was looking for

[@jonphanspromotions]

Thanks Jason. Awesome video. I learned a lot from this.

[@gwashburn39]

NIce!!! I have been waiting for this video! Good Stuff! I Have 2 Power Queen 300Ah now Wired in parallel :) FYI, I have some 48dc 5amp power supplies. I have taken the ouput of them and put it into the solar input of a MPPT controller. I get almost 300 watts out to charge. anyways, Keep up the great videos I look forward to new ones all the time :). 😎

[@huysworld701]

Cool stuff , just picked up the Ecoflow Delta mini + 110W EF panel on Primeday for $600 total.... their 1400W inverter is enough for my need and you gave me some idea on extend capacity... thank you!

[@robertlueke3238]

I have a Bluetti AC200P connected to a 6 circuit transfer switch. I run a few circuits every day to take advantage of the unit rather than have it sit waiting to be used during a power outage. I decided I needed more capacity so I bought two of the Power Queen 12V LFP batteries and hooked them up in series. I was using the Bluetti D050S enhancer to connect the batteries to the AC200P and this setup was supplying 250W. I saw this video and decided to try a DC to DC converter like yours. Since the AC200P requires at least 36V input, I actually purchased a 24V to 48V converter and just got it hooked up and running this morning. It is supplying 322W input to the AC200P, drawing 13.2A from the battery and outputting 7.1A to the AC200P which means it is outputting around 45V. The converter was getting a bit hot so I will need to attach a fan. Wires were barely warm. Overall I am very pleased with the setup. Thanks for the video. I always look forward to watching your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Jasonoid]

Good boost of wattage! Great news, Robert!

[@jeromebachel7336]

Hi from France🇫🇷 , good tip to get cheap battery extensions for my AC200MAX👌👍💪

[@jacksherman7445]

Nice video. I put a 100 ah LiFePo battery enclosed in a Plano tool box with a AiLi shunt to measure SOC and use a XTAR solar panel coupled with a Powerwerx MPPT solar controller-both products you reviewed awhile back to recharge the battery when boon docking. Together with a few pigtails it works great at charging my EcoFlow River Pro but I typically use it to power my ICECO JP40, another product you reviewed. Thanks for all your videos!

[@Jasonoid]

You got all the things! Excellent setup Jack!

[@sirramblinrose]

Which size tool box did you get?

[@jacksherman7445]

@@sirramblinrose Approximately 22” x 10.5” x 12.5” (L x W x H).

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

Thanks for sharing! I've been looking to do this on a smaller scale with my 100AH LiFePO4 battery and a Bluetti EB70S for those longer trips. Also useful in the event of a power outage to run a fridge like you did here. I definitely need to pick up the 12-24V converter for those faster charge times.

[@Jasonoid]

200 watts is a decent charging amount on the smaller power stations! That would work well on the 100ah battery.

[@garrison_herbert]

I have this set up for power outage and camping, ebike, I got the "Newport Vessels Box" for the 100ah battery

[@sirramblinrose]

@@garrison_herbert which size newport box are you using?

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

@@garrison_herbert I have the same box. What do you use to connect it to the Bluetti? Just the cigarette plug to the barrel connector? I believe that connection is 10A max, so wondering if it's better to connect it via the terminals.

[@garrison_herbert]

@@sirramblinrose I think they only make one size; "for sizes 24 and 27"

[@sidjones-randomstuff2058]

This is a great idea. Thank you for this.

[@gsp49]

Yes, I've been using LiFePO4 batteries to refill my little Bluetti EB3A, cheapest way to be happy.

[@Jasonoid]

Glad to hear it! One of the cheapest "expansion" batteries you can get.

[@OUFan2]

I have a couple of 200 ah Ampere Time batteries that I use the same way with the 12 volt method you were showing. It trickle charges my Bluetti AC200 when running a refrigerator. The 130 watts keeps up with the wattage used by the refrigerator. When I need to charge the Bluetti faster from the battery, I just use a cheap Bestek 1000 watt pure sine wave 110 volt inverter and use the Bluetti AC 200 charging brick and it charges at a little over 400 watts. Using the inverter method you can charge any of your power stations by using their AC charging brick or the AC charging method that your Power Station uses. If you try to charge a large EcoFlow power station or any other power station that pulls over 800 watts, you will need a larger DC to AC inverter. I built a charging station that has another brand of 200 ah LIPO battery with a 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter that I charge all my larger power stations. This way I can charge the larger power stations with solar and AC at the same time.. Jasonoid, I really liked the dc to dc booster you built.

[@Jasonoid]

Excellent ideas here in this post, thanks for sharing your setup Arman!

[@brucebugbee6604]

I've done something similar to connect a LiFePo4 battery to the Titan Solar Generator (24V battery) using an ISDT P20 DC-DC smart charger. Works well for extending the discharge time of the Titan.

[@piconano]

You can also parallel 2 batteries and charge them using a high amps 12V charger on the AC output. Or better yet use a 24V charger and keep the batteries in series. When the batteries are full, switch them to series configuration if not a 24V setup, and use them to charge the Bluetti when the Sun or whatever is not available. You are losing a lot of power using a boost converter and are limited in the 100 Wattish charging limit without a boost converter. I bought the new EB3A. I love it and that's one way I found I can extend the capacity, short of opening it up and paralleling the internal 24V battery with an external one.

[@martinotalotti8986]

That is super interesting. Have you take some photos of that connections or have you a scheme? Is there a limit to capacity of external battery? At 300 € plus external battery it would probably cheap and super efficient

[@andrewr05]

Thank you for upgrading your truck and opting to make it run CORRECTLY and not making it "roll coal". 👌

[@citizengkar7824]

Great presentation, thanks. Good add-on, with your charging devices' comparison, at the end. Re. your intended mods, to your custom charging converter, you could replace the fuse, with a resetable circuit breaker. Would be a lot more compatible with your applied loading. And, obviously, your increased cable sizing. I built a DIY power station, utilising 18650 Li-Ion cells, to produce ~151AH, @12VDC battery, which = ~1600WH. Really like your concept on multiplying the charge voltage, to reduce time. As I'm in the process of building 2x portable batteries (again, Li-Ion, @~90AH each), which can be run in parallel, to charge the main station. Looks like I have another project: modifying it to allow for a greater charge voltage. At present, it has an XT60 solar input connector, for my solar system, & couple of other alterations required. PS. You have another sub.

[@lamartravis1]

Why use the Bluetti and not just run off of the inverter?? Seems to be a waste to me to charge that thing up.

[@beemrdon52]

Great topic. I just bought a Bluetti ac180 so I'm looking at what my options are for more storage. I'm just now starting to learn about solar (van) power.

[@MattLesak]

If I was going to do it, I would just get the 24v battery they have listed and simply the entire setup. I realize they sent you the 12V and you had to work with what they sent. Great video!

[@Jasonoid]

Buying a 48v battery would be even better! Like one of those EG4 5kw ones :) :) :)

[@darring2634]

@@Jasonoid Hi and great video. I am pretty new to this and have two questions - can I charge a 48v battery from my DeltaPro by using one of the chargers you showed ? Second one is - do i need to drop the voltage down when charging my DeltaPro from the 48v battery? Thanks!

[@Jasonoid]

The Delta Pro can handle the 48v just fine, no need to drop the voltage. When choosing a charger for a 48v lifepo4 battery you won't be able to use the chargers I have in the video, those are for 12v options. You'll find 48v options online listed as "58.4v 10 amp Lifepo4 48v 16s battery charger". Pick one with good reviews and you should be able to run the charger off the inverter of your Delta Pro.

[@TheTrinitygroup]

Is it possible to charge a 48v battery with solar panels? I have 570w panels short circuit current 14.31amps and open circuit voltage 50.74v would they work ok? Thank you

[@Theedgecrusher93]

I have the Power Queen 50 Ah battery, and have used it to expand the capacity of EB55 once the sun goes down. I just connect them straight up at 12v. I haven't tried boosting the voltage. I'm not usually running large loads on the EB55, so 12v charging has been fine.

[@Jasonoid]

Dumping power at 100 watts is fine for small loads, if you wanted to get double the speed without going over the charging voltage input, just use a 12v to 24v converter and you'll see around 200 watts charging instead of 100 watts.

[@michaelm.9947]

Hi Jason, can you do a video of charging a 48v 200ah stand alone battery with pv and charge controller? I'm sure many beginners like me would like to see for expanding storage for their power station. Your videos are so clear to understand. Thank you!!

[@albes83]

Thanks for this video! But how we can set up a solar panel? I had a panel directly connected to the power station

[@gluntz1]

Great video! I’ve been eyeing some second life 102v dc nominal lifepo4 batteries available locally that I can use for storage much like this concept.

[@Jasonoid]

Should work out pretty well! Local deals are always sweet!

[@Vanrchy]

Fantastic thank you!

[@stedyone1090]

Outstanding 😮

[@archstone4622]

I would be interested in seeing how long the Power Queen would run the fridge for without the mod, just hooked up to the Bluetti as a backup battery.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Very cool video. You're basically using the 12v battery and boost converters to feed "solar" into the power station, correct? It's also worth noting that Power Queen sells an identical battery, in a 100AH, 24v configuration, that would probably allow you to go directly into a power station with roughly 250 watts of input, and you wouldn't need the boost converters. (You could still get a 24 to 36 volt converter, if you wanted more input?)

[@Jasonoid]

Correct, trying to simulate solar with a higher input voltage than the battery. If you got the 24v battery you could just charge at 24v, or I'd recommend a 24v to 48v converter to get even more power.

[@m.o.f8720]

I guess the only change if using 2 - 100ah vs the one 200ah would be to wire each 100ah individually to separate converters. The output of both would still be combined in the connector? I have 100ah in an off-grid workshop and plan to augment my Bluetti at the house with a 400 array but in the mean time this would be an immediate and inexpensive back-up? Or would there be some unforeseen issues, balancing, etc? The 200ah is just too heavy and cumbersome for me given current situation health etc. Also BTW the price of two 100ah looks to be less than one 200ah? Anyway, thanks for the video.

[@OnusBones]

I was hoping you'd show how to do this on a typical midrange unit, perhaps wiring the big external battery in place of the internal battery on perhaps a 500WH unit. Many of those charge at max rates of 65W-72W, which won't allow you to offset even a modest demand. It still had some good ideas though, like using a voltage tripler (or doubler) to get much higher charge rates out of only a 12V source.

[@Jasonoid]

The options on the small power stations are limited since they don't allow high voltages and they have such low input amperage limits. If they accept 24v input, using a 12v to 24v converter would probably be best. You could also run a small inverter on your large battery and run the stock charger off the inverter. Sometimes a DIY solution (battery, inverter, charger) can be the best since you aren't limited by cheap engineering.

[@darring2634]

Just for clarity, you charged the Bluetti by hooking up the battery via the Bluetti solar input port? Thanks for the video btw.

[@budmartin3344]

You should also factor in the conversion loss on those two inveretrs since they are not 100% efficient, basically power in is not the same as power out due to conversion loss. You should provide the measured current draws on input and output.

[@Jasonoid]

Good point, sure is some loss through heat. I'm sure it's similar to what an inverter would be using.

[@rchapoteau]

I wish you used the same shunt on the 36v test to see if you could figure out if there was a capacity deficiency when you did the step up.

[@SebasSebas-ht4uc]

Hola , una pregunta porfavor: es posible cargar PowerQueen directamente con corriente continua (DC) desde la salida de 12v de una EcoFlow Delta2 por ejemplo?? Sin usar un inversor de 220v( 120v)?? Es posible? Muchas Gracias por todo tu trabajo, desde España

[@Forevertrue]

Great video, very practical. Just what I was looking for. I saw a 12v to 48V, 8 amp would that work as well instead of two 12v to 36v? Just checking? Thanks again for this.

[@Jasonoid]

Yes, that 12v to 48v adapter would also work, just plan on large wires to reduce the heat and voltage drop.

[@poepybrown2151]

Well, if you have a fully charged Bluetti and a fully charged 12v LiFePO4, you can just keep trickle charging using the 12v system, you save a bit of losses and the lower discharge rate of the 12v battery may give you extra total runtime. When the compressor is running, you only pull 50W from te Bluetti, and when it's not running, you charge with 120W.

[@bruceblair1265]

My thoughts exactly.

[@davidahn4130]

I too see real value in simply using the external battery as an expansion to increase total runtime rather than trying to charge the power station's battery really fast.

[@toyotacruiser7729]

What is the advantage of the charging device you built over using the power inverter you used to drain the 200ah battery with the lamps, to recharge the power generated?

[@michael_the_chef]

If you put 2 or more boost converter in parallel, i would use a diode, and make sure your boost converter has an adjustable battery under voltage protection

[@tjona001943]

Jasoniod, Thanks for your excellent video. As I am a novice, perhaps you can clarify some of the results I don't fully understand. Assumptions: Bluetti input current is limited to 10 Amps, power in = power out. Power = Volts x Amps. Looking at the Bluetti display at 5:39 in the video the input current assumption proved to be incorrect (36.3 V, 11.9 Amps, and 431 Watts). Here I have three questions. 1) If a specification is a numeric value and does not represent a limit, how are we to interpret the meaning of the value presented? 2) For Bluetti, what is the real limit for input current?, and finally, 3) How does the controller protect the circuit when it reaches the max input? Also, the clamp meter registered output of 38 Amps. 38 Amps x 12.8 Volts = 486 Watts. If power in is equal to power out shouldn't the bluetti have input of 486 Watts divided by 36 Volts which is 13.5 Amps? From a novice Thanks in advance.

[@senseidadproductions]

thanks for the detailed video - very useful and informative. I've found a ton of MPPT Solar controllers for Lifepo batteries, but not many that I can use a sa trickle charger for my Flooded Lead acid battery on my 3rd gen Tacoma which - I think - needs 13.8 volts to charge. Do you have a recommendation for an inexpensive mppt charger for that? thanks again for the video!

[@Jasonoid]

Both the Kisae and Epever are completely programmable for all batteries, you can use the Epever for both lead acid battery types and programmable lithium batteries. Pretty cool!

[@Roland-Lewis]

Hey @Jasonoid, excellent video as always. I think it would be really helpful if someone could guide the community on how to setup solar+alternator charging to solar generator till 100% full, then dump excess into a secondary battery like this. Icing on the cake would be that the secondary battery could then automatically charge the solar generator when the sun isn't shining. I have searched, and I have not found any resources for this. Would be awesome.

[@MrTypepatrick]

I am hoping to learn this as well!

[@Substancejdno]

Great video as always Jason. Can you share a link to the shunt you were using? Thanks

[@Jasonoid]

I believe I used this one for the discharge test: amzn.to/3ofmu1H

[@glugo04]

Hi, are you able to set this up as a battery expansion? How would you do that. Would like to keep it connected to my bluetti and treat it as an expansion.

[@jaimeskiebel]

I've been using two 12-volt LifePO4 batteries connected in series to become one 24-volt battery. I plug this directly into my Ugreen 1200W PowerRoam's car/solar charging input (one XT-60 connector) and get about 380 watts charging power. No converter needed. 15 amp pull/15 amp draw. It's been working well.

[@Jasonoid]

I love the UGREEN 1200w, that device is a beast!

[@jaimeskiebel]

@@Jasonoid I first heard about it from you. Your review of it is what sold me. Thanks!

[@sirramblinrose]

O MAN, this is soooo great. I've been pulling out my hair trying to figure out how to have a simple DIY to get a longer run time on my Bluetti EB70S and YOU have covered it. So, I have a Renogy Rover 20-40V converter for either my Bouge 180W roof-mounted solar panel or my 200 W Bluetti foldable solar panel if I need the roof space for the luggage box. Would going from the Renogy controller to a LiFePOE 100AH - then to the 12-24V converter setup you built (but for smaller systems) to the 200W input on Bluetti be a good DIY system? Basically, I only run a 12V Iceco JP40 refrig and some fans. Any wiring considerations? Which Power queen would you recommend? Thanks so much!

[@Jasonoid]

It's best to send an email about questions like this: [e-mail] KZbin blocks to many links and words.

[@badaboom7279]

OK. I like this idea but got to thinking. What about connecting two batteries (or more) in parallel and then connecting that array to the Bluetti 200p? Would that extend the Bluetti even more?

[@funroach]

also you should turn off the fridge defrost timer either physically or electronically. It will run atleast once a day or every few days depending on the model. Defrost uses around 1-2k watts of a heater element that runs around 10 mins depending on how iced up it is or programmed. Just don't open the fridge doors too often that can let moisture into the fridge.

[@Jasonoid]

We live in a very dry environment, so frost isn't much of an issue since the humidity is so low. I have watched the wattage pull on this fridge it pulls 500 watts+ pretty consistently. I'll need to look into disabling that feature to save power!

[@coreyhealth8523]

So you used two to double the amps. Its still not a bad price but you can get a 12v to 48v 10a step up converter for about the same price. so a little less wiring to deal with.

[@thomasmalenich6315]

Hey Jasonoid - another great video. I have the Bluetti 200Max and it has included a DC aux cable to charge off the van when running. I want to tie it into the van battery to get the most input wattage and am wondering if I can use this exact set up. Of course it is putting a load on the alternator - can it handle it without any stress? Also, I assume I should install a split charge relay switch so that the Bluetti only pulls power when the van is running. Advice? Is there a better system you'd use in this case?

[@thomasmalenich6315]

Also what do think of using the following? : Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/24-Volt 15 amp 360-Watt DC-DC Charger, Isolated (Bluetooth)

[@robertrice4441]

Are you plugging your DIY boost device into the 12 vdc input of the generator, or into the solar input?

[@Nerd_Projects]

Great Video. I did enjoy it. However, for me, the part that was missing was charging the big battery back from the Power station. Yes, you brushed over it, but it was missing sth in my opinion. I would like to use it properly as an extension battery like the OG ones. So charging and recharging through the powerstation. I don't need a separate mppt controller if I have akk that within the powerstation already. Idk if it is possible to make an adequate replacement for the expensive original expansions. But I hoped I would find that out in this video.

[@hificat101]

Hi Jason. Interesting video. You said if you could change something with this you'd add another positive input wire to the step up, and fuse them both. If you did that would both legs get fused at 20A or 40A?

[@Jasonoid]

I would use 4 legs (2 pos, 2 neg). 10 gauge wire would be fine, fuse each positive with a 30 amp fuse.

[@shawngordhamer3978]

You should check your fridge runtime just charging with 12v. I bet it will be better.

[@RandiG63]

Interesting, beyond my power needs (for now )only have small power stations

[@terryloanofficer]

Great info. Jason will this work on the 4Patriots 1800 solar generator? Thanks.

[@Jasonoid]

What's the charging input on voltage range?

[@vickimathews1970]

Hi, thank you so much for your video, I think I finally get it...I already have the Bluetti AC200MAX which I believe can take up to 51.2V, I was looking at having my Kia Carnival 2022 smart alternator/car battery connected to the Sterling Power DC-DC Battery to Battery Charger 12V 70A in / 48V out and connect the B2B Charger to my PowerStation, would that be correct? I'm hoping I'll get more than 500W into the PowerStation, up to 800W would be nice...lol. I look forward to your response.

[@Chegooutdoors]

Could I use my existing 12v solar panels and wire it to victron mppt controller and run it to 2 190ah batteries in parallel to run 24v into the pv port on my ac200max?

[@cyberhawk99]

Would it be possible to use solar to mppt to battery and then mppt out to Bluetti? Solar panels charging external battery, external battery charging Bluetti. I don't like the idea of AC charging the external battery.

[@josephmurolo5656]

Great video as usual. I’m very interested in adding capacity to my Percron E600 using an external LiFeOP4 battery. Quick question, the DC input max is 400W at 32-95V. Can I boost to 36V as you demonstrate or will I exceed allowable input and need to stay at 24V? Thanks, love your videos and the great content! Joe

[@Jasonoid]

The 36 volt will work on the Pecrons larger input port. I'd recommend using one of the converters in this connected to a battery, they will be higher quality: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2ibg6ugh72HpJY

[@Jasonoid]

@@josephmurolo5656 it has worked well for me so far so I don't see any issues with that.

[@mrkevin365]

I have the AC200p. I have the b230 connected to the solar input with the panels connected to the enhancer. How would I add one of these LifePo batteries without that added converter to help keep my b230 charged overnight? No I know nothing about this so I'll try to see if I can understand your answer... Thanks

[@cmlarvick]

Would like to see you do a capacity test on the 36v output, and compare with the Wh from the original 12v so we know what the exact loss % is. While having a larger voltage battery is ideal, for this who may not be able to swing that as easily, it would be nice to compare a more expensive higher voltage battery vs knowing the loss % of this method. Could you run a capacity test on the 36v configuration and reply to me with the Wh that way?

[@tyronedeasbrailsford951]

Very informative video. Would it be possible to straight wire a 36 V lithium ion 100 amp power battery to the Bluetti? Thanks

[@Jasonoid]

Which model of Bluetti?

[@davetoms63]

so for an older jackery 500 - I just hook my 12v 54 AH dakota lithium battery directly with a 10 amp fuse in the power/positive lead

[@Jasonoid]

That would work just fine!

[@lynnbb]

🐾🐾Thanks Jason😎

[@MacAdder1965]

But how do you connect the Battery to the Bluetti so that is charges from the bluetti. That is from Solar panels to Bluetti to external battery?

[@chrisandrews7518]

Have you consider using an ebike battery to charge these stations? I have a 52v 20ah battery with the xt60 connections.

[@user-hj2yc9tf2d]

i have the 200max, i have 1000w of panels, how would i go about charging up both with my panels while theyre linked together

[@patsav6718]

Can you not recharge the spare battery from the bluetti with a large solar array?

[@philc.9280]

Wow real nice video but months before I watched this video I have already set up a system where I have two Power Queen 200 AH batteries in parallel powering my small vacation home and a 1000 AH lithium ion portable solar power station connected to a 20 amp LiFePo4 charger supplying power to the power queens. The power station has 600 watts of solar panels charging it. The LifePo4 charger was only $59 on amazon. So my system is reverse to yours. Not being an electrical engineer what advantages or disadvantages does my system have. Charging time is not an important factor to me and the system seems to works very well. Why did I do it this way? I will take out the portable power station out to use elsewhere in the RV or for portable power outside when not charging the power queens.

[@hawaiidogs9277]

Ty sir

[@mannyfragoza9652]

i purchased from ebay about 2 years ago a 600 Watt 10-60 Volt to 12 to 80 Volt Boost Converter to boost the voltage on a small 60 watts folding solar array to charge my Jackery 500 a little faster. It went very badly for the Jackery im afraid

[@russveinot5754]

Why not plug the power queen into the Buletti to begin with and the Buletti will pull from the PQ batt and discharge both together? I am doing a similar idea with my DIY power station which has a 12v 16ah battery. I am adding a Ryobi battery receptacle and a buck converter so when I plug a Ryobi One+ battery in, it will replenish the power station, even while in use. I have several videos already about doing such things with Ryobi batteries. As long as the power station has pass thru charging (like your Buetti) your idea should work. Great video. I don't always comment, but I do always watch.

[@Jasonoid]

That would work well Russ, there are many ways to accomplish the same goal. Thanks for sharing your ideas, I'm sure others will see this comment!

[@Steveteras]

In this set up, is the fan always on?

[@rinaldocatria4386]

I have a Bluetti Eb3a, a 100ah Power queen LiFePo4 battery and plan to use then to power a Iceco JP 40 (which I think draws msybe 50 watts max.. am I good just going direct without converter? I’m thinking the ~120 watt charging should stay ahead of the fridge. One other question. I know there is possible car alternator damage charging a LiFePo4 battery, but safe to charge a Bluetti Eb3A unit.. what if I plug the Bluetti into the car power socket then hook the 100ah LiFePo4 to the output from the Bluetti? Will that slowly charge the 100ah battery without overheating my car battery? (Does the Bluetti have a protection inside to prevent over draw from alternator?)

[@stevendressler]

Great video, thanks for addressing wire size. I'm just a beginner so my question out of ignorance. What is the wire gauge you are using here? In videos I have seen it seems batteries of any voltage are always connected to inverters by very thick wires, thicker than what you have here, and official extra batteries for sold for power stations use very thick wires as well. However all the videos I have seen showing how to connect an unofficial extra battery to a power station use thinner wires as well. Is this type of connection a different situation where it is ok to use thinner wires than usual (but not too thin as you discussed), compared to something that normally uses even thicker wires? I ask because all of the pre-made wires that don't require any crimping for connecting battery clamps or eyelets to other connectors that could go into a power station (like mc4 or xt60) seem all quite thin. So if it would be unsafe to use them to connect for example a 12v 100ah battery to ecoflow delta 2, then I will seek out thicker wire and learn to crimp.

[@Jasonoid]

Wire size is all based on amps. Power stations typically rely on a 'lower amperage and higher voltage' setup to get their power so they don't require large charging wires. For example, your Delta 2 will take is 15 amps max at higher voltages and only 8 amps on anything under ~30 volts. Once you know the amperage going through your wires, you can look up an ampacity wire chart to determine what size of wire you need.

[@stevendressler]

@@Jasonoid Thank you for your answer, that makes sense now.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

What if I dont want to use the booster? What size fuse do I use?

[@daveyd0071]

This guy has more common-sense than most bluetti shills on youtube. He'd get more benefit if an xt-90 Y-Cable was added to the motherboard then out to a 15KWHR home made battery. Also, don't rely on that 500W ac adapter barrel plug for too long it will start burning if used 24/7 in conjunction with solar input. Instead add an external 48V solar charge controller to the 15KWHR home made battery.

[@mariokleidosty9175]

Maybe I missed it but I'd really have liked seeing an efficiency comparison between charging the power station directly and with the boost converters. Just to give a feeling for what are the losses involved.

[@Jasonoid]

Lots of loss to heat with these boosters compared to using solar panels. Solar panel charging is one of the most efficient ways to charge a battery because charge controllers can get around 95%+ efficiency. I'd say always use solar when possible, this battery expansion is a backup for night or when the sun isn't shining.

[@mariokleidosty9175]

@@Jasonoid I'm aware of the losses, that's why I'm asking for the figures. Maybe you can add it to the comments. At least the ones from the converters are easy enough to measure and calculate.

[@Jasonoid]

gotcha, I'll have to do some future calculations with some clamp meters and voltmeters to verify exact efficiency. The best option would be to take a LFP 48v battery and use no converters, but those are quite expensive.

[@jeffcornelison888]

I built the same 12-volt to 36 volt step-up converter. Thanks to your video it works great! I was putting in 353 watts into my Bluetti AC180. Quick question for you though... I found the same dc-to-dc converters that will do 12 volt to 48 volt. With that being said do I need to purchase two converters like I did with the 12-volt to 32v?

[@Jasonoid]

Usually the 12v to 48v converters are 5 amps so you'll need to parallel them to get the full power.

[@jeffcornelison888]

@Jasonoid Awesome! As always thanks for the reply and your help!!

[@LarryRichelli]

I have the Anker 767. If I did this would it hook it up to the solar inputs to charge it? Also, this battery at 2560 watt hours is more powerful than the the Anker expansion battery at 2048 watt hours. This battery is around $650 and the Anker expansion battery is $1500. It sounds like this setup on my 767 is way more economical than the Anker battery or am I missing something?

[@ThomasDoerrArchitect]

Another good video, thanks. Since I want to charge my power station with solar, could I then charge the external battery with the power station? In other words, skip buying the AC battery charger you showed and make the external battery a fully functioning expansion battery?

[@Jasonoid]

you'd still need some sort of battery charger to charge the 'expansion battery' from the power station but yes, that would work just fine.

[@ThomasDoerrArchitect]

@@Jasonoid Thanks again! Renology has some highly rated battery chargers. Would it be a mistake to get their 40A (vs 20A) since it might create too much current for the power station? Also, to charge back the power station from that external battery (extra XT60 port, 11-60V 15A, on Delta 2 Max), would a step-up converter be needed or helpful? Fuse the positive?

[@Jasonoid]

I have a whole video on using step up converters, you might find this video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2ibg6ugh72HpJY As for the AC battery charger, a 40 amp charger will only be around 500 watts, maybe a little more with efficiency losses. No challenge for the Delta 2 Max.

[@cbysrock]

Wouldn't it be easier to use an inverter and just plug it in? By the way loved the video and as always great information on much more than the topic. Appreciate your time and knowledge.

[@Jasonoid]

There are lots of ways to skin a cat haha... This one was just thinking a little outside the box. A little better efficiency than using an inverter to charge.

[@theinnocent714]

I think he meant the appliances 😂

[@kingsleyudom4010]

Does this charge the external battery while charging the power station?

[@grindychum]

Good video. I dont trust those blade fuses for anything over 20A. I run several small lifepo4 batterys that I run in parallel on the AC200P that I use a ANL fuse with.

[@Jasonoid]

Great advise! Thanks for sharing

[@e.c.8668]

question concerning using the power supplies as battery chargers. Does the internal BMS control the power coming from the power supplies to properly charge the LiFePo4 batteries? Where are the 'smarts' to properly control the current and voltage?

[@Jasonoid]

The power station charge controller does all the work. Just don't go over the voltage input limit for the power station and you're good.

[@bdmenne]

Can i use this battery to charge a small-medium Power Station EF River 2 Pro. AC charge 800 max, 220 Solar/DC max?

[@driveabout1world872]

Great video. It takes some effort putting the pieces together and making a video of it all. Is it possible to connect the outputs of the ExpertPower 12v 20A Smart Charger and the KISAE Technology DMT1250 DC-DC Solar Charger in parallel? In another words, the LIFEPO4 battery would be charged using AC power, the alternator and solar all at the same time. Thanx!

[@Jasonoid]

Yes, you can parallel different types of charging sources at the same time on one battery. You'll just want to make sure they have the same charging parameters (which most LFP charging profiles do). The battery will charge faster with multiple chargers attached.

[@christopherdawson7848]

That small fuse is not sufficient for the power source. Usually the small ATC fuses have an AIC (amp interrupting capacity) of 1000Amps, and the short circuit amp rating of that battery is certainly 3000+ amps, so you’ll need an appropriate fuse.