12v Lithium Leisure Battery Box 138Ah 1766Wh -- How I Done It --

[Blitz]

@Dellmassive
Got my panels connected to the Ctek with the BM2 monitor on the leisure battery. Is there a simple cheap monitor I can put inline on the solar panels to see what they are actually outputting ?

 

[Dellmassive]

Hi @Blitz

yes there is £12, but you will need to crimp some MC4 conectors on it (or whatever your panel connection is)

ARCELI 150A Watt Meter Power Analyzer High Precision RC with Digital LCD Screen for voltage (V) current (A) Power (W) Charge(Ah) and Energy (Wh) Measurement : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop at Amazon.co.uk for ARCELI 150A Watt Meter Power Analyzer High Precision RC with Digital LCD Screen for voltage (V) current (A) Power (W) Charge(Ah) and Energy (Wh) Measurement : DIY & Tools.

amzn.to

it will show you all you need.

volts, watts, amps, wh, etc etc etc . . .


*******


I've got about 5x of them with different connections on so i can use them for various:

50A Anderson.
MC4 for PV solar,
Victron quick disconnect,
CTEK quick disconnect,
chock block terminal strip.


*******

here is mine,

.


more info:

Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --

Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It -- Part #1 Battery monitoring is a very important part of your 12v system . . . . whether its just the vans starter battery or your leisure setup keeping an eye on the power in your battery bank will keep you from breaking down and make sure your weekends...

www.t6forum.com

.

and heres a link to the MC4 kit you can use:

Proster Solar Connector Crimping Tools for 2.5/4.0/6.0mm² Solar Panel PV Cable + 20pcs Male Female Solar Panel Cable Connector + 1 Pair Solar Connector Assembly Tool Spanner Wrench Tool Kit: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders. Shop Proster Solar Connector Crimping Tools for 2.5/4.0/6.0mm² Solar Panel PV Cable + 20pcs Male Female Solar Panel Cable Connector + 1 Pair Solar Connector Assembly Tool Spanner Wrench Tool Kit.

amzn.to

.

 

[Dellmassive]

@Brennanpj

Hi @Dellmassive , sorry I wasn’t very clear . I meant the battery negative . I’m not going to connect Anything to The van. Just have the battery box freestanding within the van or outside if needed .

I will use a mains battery charger too top it up before I travel . And potentially from a mains extension cable . So I can leave the box in the van .
dose it need grounding while charging from mains ?

gotcha.

no. if the box is freestanding and not electrically connected to the van then no grounding is needed from the battery negative terminal to the vans chassis. . .

so im assuming that the box will have USB sockets only? . . and maybe a 12v socket?

 

[Dellmassive]

@BigDean said:


Hi @Dellmassive. Thanks again for a great “How To”.

As I have had no interest in my Lithium battery that I was trying to sell, I am thinking of building a battery box like yours. The portability would work as I have the T6 and a motorhome. The motorhome has an all in one controller for the electrics that I don’t want to play around with, but what I would like the option of doing is to charge up the AGM battery in the MoHo from my Lithium battery box. Would a Victron Orion be the right addition for this? Looking at the settings, it seems it can do this. What this would mean is that when on hook up we can charge both batteries, then when off grid, if the built in AGM battery is low, I can top up from the battery box. Is the output from the Lithium battery with no alternator enough to drive the Orion to charge the AGM?

More efficient than inverting from the lithium to 230v to run through a mains charger?

Thanks

 

[Dellmassive]

@BigDean

so follow this thread.

mount your Lithium battery in a battery box.

get some fuses, cable, connectors and Anderson connectors etc etc.

you can use the Victron Orion (DC-DC / b2b charger) to charge the AGM from the Lithium.

or any other DC-DC charger.

 

[BigDean]

@BigDean

so follow this thread.

mount your Lithium battery in a battery box.

get some fuses, cable, connectors and Anderson connectors etc etc.

you can use the Victron Orion (DC-DC / b2b charger) to charge the AGM from the Lithium.

or any other DC-DC charger.

thank you kind sir. What’s what I will be doing.

 

[Dellmassive]

Ding Ding Round #2


Here we go again . . with another @Dellmassive Lifepo4 battery box.

The Disco Tent has out grown the previous battery setup, so its time to upgrade to a new second battery box.

This time we are going to use a POWEROAD 100Ah Lifepo4 battery.

this battery has a fully integrated BMS that deals with temp and voltages which will make this box much simpler.

all we are going to need is:

carry box,
battery,
fuse boxes,
connectors.

ill be adding a BM2 battery monitor - obviously =] ( for long term voltage monitoring)

and a Victron Smart Battery Monitor Shunt ( for power & SOC monitoring )

ill leave the Solar charge controller separate from the box, but add a nice Anderson connector for incoming power fron the external Solar controller.


+++

Lets start . .

The battery & The Box. .




I've got one of these 4way panels to go in . .

ill wire it so that the switch powers the three units shown . . . so that they can be switched off to stop any battery drain when the Box is in storage.

i have separate 12v sockets that will be wired separate.




marking out the location with a pencil . .




cut out with a cone cutter bit on the drill . .





a quick test fit shows all is well . .




im using a ATC fuse holder, some fat cable for the 12v sockets and thinner cable for the USB chargers . .





that fuse block will be fed from the master 50A MIDI fuse Block . . . . .




next up im making two lots of Anderson leads. . .

This will enable a 50A output for say an inverter for mains. . .

while also having a second 50A connection for a solar charger . . these will both be MIDI fused @ 50A each.





the shunt takes massive ring terminals . . . . this goes direct to the battery NEG post, then feeds the 12v system NEGs.





next up its time to assemble.

i used TESSA tape to insulated the fuse block terminals





and down rated the master fuses . . .

50A each for the anderson, and 30A for the front panel fuse box.




and again tapped it all away for electrical insulations.





this time i decided to add some 10mm dense foam to the bottom of the box . . .

it will give the battery some protection and also stop it moving about as much . .







part2 next (pic limit)


.

 

[Dellmassive]

part2 . . .

fitting it all in the box,

i added a wooden board across the front. . . . to keep the front panel seperate fron the battery section.




a quick power up shows all the devices working . . .




..


next up was the BM2 unit on the second set of battery terminals / . .

with the main terminals now gaffer tapped as a attempt at some electrical insulation from the exposed terminals>

im going to look for some main battery terminal fuses as a primary master . . . but thats for later.





this is both boxes together . .








getting the monitors online . . . its time to start testing.

we have the :

BM2
Victron Shunt
Poweroad BMS APP

staked up we have them both . .




and now plugged into the 100w Renogy suitcase.

The Renogy has a PWM 20A solar controller on the back of the panel, so I'm using that for now - on Lifepo4 profile.

I've also swapped out the Renogy supplied cable and crock-clips for a set of Andersons.

I've added my own Anderson - Anderson extension cable.

now the panel is charging the battery box - up to 6A incoming charge.




next up is to see if i can add temp monitoring to the Victron shunt.

in the meantime ill be adding my own BT temp monitors . . .


These two boxes will be powering the T6F Summer camp 2021

ill be adding 400w ish solar to the 138ah box (disco tent) for recharge,

and 200w ish to the 100Ah box ( main living area)


TBC.

 

[Dellmassive]

been testing the Battery Box v2 . . .

and keep getting a issues where the Victron Smart Shunt keeps resetting its self up to 100%, even though the battery was only 49% or other.

i think the default setting were a bit out,

specifically the "charged voltage" which was set to 13.2v.

this needs to be 14.2v for the Lifepo4 battery.

I've adjusted the settings and matched the "Battle Bourne 100ah Lifepo4" setting for a re-test.

++++++++


Thank you for the support.

The setting you request are attached below.


01 Battery Capacity — 100AH *
02 Charged Voltage — 14.2v *
03 Discharge Floor 0%
03 Tail Current — 4.0%
04 Charged Detection — 03
05 Puekert Exponent — 1.05 *
06 Charge Efficiency Factor — 99% *
07 Current Threshold — 0.10A
08 Time to Go Averaging Period — 03
09 Zero Current Calibration — ZERO
10 Synchronize — SYNC
11 Relay Mode – DFLT

Once your done applying these settings under the battery tab you’ll want to go into the Relay tab. In the Relay tab you’ll select Low SOC Relay and disable that. Bring the battery to a complete state of charge and that will auto sync the BMV unit.


+++++++





edit:


further testing shows that the reseting of smart shunt values is due to the specific battery BMS.

The BMS puts the battery to SLEEP after 24hrs - which disconects the power from the terminals, which resets the BM2 and Smart Shunt on re-power.

The battery BMS has a trigger point of <1A = SLEEP after 24hrs.

Then WAKE >1A . . . then the 24hr sleep timer restarts.


more info on this battery here:

Low temperature lithium battery

New to the forum and have been looking to convert my T6 to a camper. Having decided to go down the lithium battery route and after reading all the info and threads from dellmasive's great write up I thought I would try and add maybe put some info back into the group. The way in which I want to...

www.t6forum.com

.

 

[Dellmassive]

The new battery boxes in use at 2021 T6F Summer Camp.

Both battery boxes were used,

The Poweroad 100ah running our main tent setup - with 200w solar for charging. (with the Bestek 300w PS inverter)

and the Valence 138ah battery box running the Disco Tent with 220w solar for charging. (with the Victron 375va PS inverter)

https://www.t6forum.com/calendar/events/t6f-summer-camp-2021-16-18-july-2021.11/

.

 

[Pauly]

Any chance you can give the dimensions of your fatmax toolbox, im interested in utilising an old leisure battery to make a basic battery box to connect my fridge to but cant find the sizes of it anywhere

Im actually leaning towards this one that looks a little more compact but want to compare the size of each against my battery and intended kit

This one is listed at 44 x 32 x 31.5cm

Stanley FatMax Pro-Stack Deep Box With Organiser Top

Designed to be compatible with the PRO-STACK system enabling for multiple boxes to be connected. The toolbox provides an easy customised solution for transporting and storage of tools depending on what is required for a jobsite.The large storage capacity allows for storage of bulky items, whilst...

www.toolstation.com

Your one has no dimensions listed ?

Stanley FatMax Pro Cantilever Toolbox

• IP54 rated lid with transparent windows• Removable cups - compatible with Fatmax organisers • Large durable metal latches• Professional carry handle• Padlock eye

www.toolstation.com

 

[Dellmassive]

Any chance you can give the dimensions of your fatmax toolbox, im interested in utilising an old leisure battery to make a basic battery box to connect my fridge to but cant find the sizes of it anywhere

Im actually leaning towards this one that looks a little more compact but want to compare the size of each against my battery and intended kit

This one is listed at 44 x 32 x 31.5cm

Stanley FatMax Pro-Stack Deep Box With Organiser Top

Designed to be compatible with the PRO-STACK system enabling for multiple boxes to be connected. The toolbox provides an easy customised solution for transporting and storage of tools depending on what is required for a jobsite.The large storage capacity allows for storage of bulky items, whilst...

www.toolstation.com

Your one has no dimensions listed ?

Stanley FatMax Pro Cantilever Toolbox

• IP54 rated lid with transparent windows• Removable cups - compatible with Fatmax organisers • Large durable metal latches• Professional carry handle• Padlock eye

www.toolstation.com

Sure... External.

50cm wide.
28cm tall.
28cm deep.

 

[Pauly]

Perfect thanks mate

 

[Dellmassive]

Sure... External.

50cm wide.
28cm tall.
28cm deep.

View attachment 130881View attachment 130882View attachment 130883

Internal...

46cm wide.
20cm tall.
25cm deep.

.

 

[Dellmassive]

Here too....

• Dimensions: 51.5x30x27.5 cm

FMST1-75792 Stanley FATMAX PRO Cantilever Tool Box 20"

Tray with removable cup compartments in various sizes, long aluminium handle, cantilever sliding tray creates a two level work station, long durable metal latches which are rust-proof, durable and long lasting, padlock eye which enables secure locking of the tool box, water and dust resistant...

www.shopmancini.com

.

 

[Dellmassive]

@Dellmassive Battery Box saves Christmas. --- !!!!

Well looks like weve done it again - saved Christmas . . . its Christmas week 2021 and the Local Community Centre thing was putting on a Christmas Carol show at the local grass Park.

we had arranged to meet the Fam-alam over there for some Mulled Wine, Hot Chocky, Mice Pies and a few Carols. . . . why not right !

we was just about to leave to go up there when the "Bat-Phone" rang.

My Brother had landed onsite before me and walked into an unfolding disaster . . . apparently the Generator had decided to commit harry-carry leaving everyone in the middle of a dark park with no electric . . .

The Genny was to power the xmas lights, gazebo lights , PA speaker, ipad music setup etc etc . . Basically the whole show.

The call come in to see if i could bring a Genny . . . .

The Genny was Packed away in the garage for the last two years ( probably with bad fuel by now).


Lucky for them i had a few battery packs and inverters to hand.

...........

I Grabbed the Renogy Battery Box and BESTEK 1000w inverter and headed out like Batman with a mission.



this was the first box to hand. . . .





i threw it in the back of the motor and headed to the Park . . .





.

Arriving at the Park in the pitch black it was time to save the day . . .

plugging in the Bestek 1000w pure sine inverter . .




...



into the battery box . . .





we got the show started . . .



Mice Pie disaster averted , , , =]




...


let the carols commence . . .




im very happy with that . . . .


.



.

Nice . . . . =]


i also got to wear my new Team Yellow Dewalt Rigger Boots.





Happy Days.

.


It amazes me how these boxes can come in handy . . . . . . . . who would have thought !!

.

 

[Dellmassive]

separate . . . but kind of related.

i was playing with these the other day . . .

building a full size mobile PA system - all powered from mobile Lithium battery packs . .


see more here : SOLAR GENERATORS -- How I done It --


Mobile PA powered from battery packs.

 

[Dellmassive]

its charge time . . .

with #TeamBlue ( Victron )

with a 30A IP22

and a 15A BSC






...


we have two boxes stacked. . .

one has the Renogy 100ah lifepo4, and the other has the Poweroad 100ah lifepo4




..


Poweroad app . .




renogy app . . .






....



and BM3 app . . .






...



charger wise . . .


IP22





and the BSC,





.

 

[Dellmassive]

Renogy Battery Box . . .

100ah Heated version for sub zero charging.

Low temperature lithium battery

mid test results added to post above . . current test results. 49 hours in . . . drawing 0.8A from the battery. 88ah @ 5v battery BMS shows battery still at 100% SOC. with no draw and standby status. +++ Vic SS shows battery at 63% SOC with the 0.8A load draw. thats 41ah @ 12v...

www.t6forum.com

 

[Dellmassive]

Its battery box time again . . .

this time im using one of the Stanley battery boxes - loaded with a Poweroad 100Ah lifepo4.

im taking it camping to backup the Bluetti monster. the AC200MAX





the idea being that the weather is still a bit pants in the UK right now ( 1st june 2022 )

and the solar yield is not great.

so . . if the 200W Renogy suitcase panel cant get any watts back into the AC200MAX, - over fourdays


ill use the 100Ah battery box at "substitute car charger"

i can use the AC200MAX 12v socket plug lead and plug that into the battery box. . . . the Bluetti puts a 8A max current limit on that lead so you dont overcook it and melt the plug or socket.




but, Bluetti also do a 30A Aviation style plug lead, this comes in the kit with various adapter leads - one of them being MC4 for 900W max of solar input.




so I've made up a lead to adapt the 30A Aviation plug to a SB50 50A Anderson plug so i can pull more than the 8A from the battery box. ( should be 15A )




+++++++++++


the AC200MAX has a setting in the menu for CAR or OTHER ( ie PV ),

the CAR setting limits the port to 8A, (11.5 - 14.5v )

the OTHER allows 15A/900w ( 10 - 145v )






.
The ODD thing is that every time i try it the Bluetti switches from OTHER to CAR and limits the port to 8A.


i dont know how its detecting that my charge voltage is not a solar panel?

or why its deciding that my 13.5v lithium is a "car"

maybe its smarter than i am?

anyway . . . no major issue as 8A is fine for a charge rate, as long as my average load draw is less than that.

which it will be as were powering compressor fridges, USB chargers and LED lighting etc.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

now for the interesting bit . .


I've dug the Poweroad 100Ah battery out of storgae from before xmas.


at the point i discharged it down to 50% SoC then let it go into SLEEP mode. - then shelved it.


so no supprise when i powered up the battery and it showeed 42% Soc. - Happy days.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


putting in to the Victron IP22 12/30/1 30A charger, to charge to 100%

via the 50A Anderson connector - i just left it running over night.







look at the data from the charger . . . .

its charged and in Storage mode - thats good.



here is the charge break down . . . .

3.38hrs Bulk charge,
2.0hrs Abs charge
10.10 Storage

total charge - 113.7 Ah




Wait . . . HOLD ON WHAT !!!!


113.7 Ah !!!!!!!!!

the battery is rated at 100Ah . . . . and it was supposed to be 42% full already.!

so i expected about 60Ah charge to 100%.


Well that did surprise me.


++++++++

so this shows us that the Poweroad use slightly over rated cells.

that we still have very good store capacity in these cells.

and most importantly. . .


that when the battery is sleeping . . . there is some internal self discharge that is not metered out by the BMS.

so . . .


once again the quick and easy fix ( as always with these battery's ) is to fully charge them to reset the BMS SoC to 100%


.
.

+++++

it seems that the Victron Smart Shunt agrees with these readings. . .

even though the shunt was down powered when the battery was sleeping, its detected the recharge amount and inferred that,


if the battery took 110Ah charge, then it must have been 110Ah discharged.


you can see that here, . . . now its back up to 100% SoC..






Nice . . .
.