Can I charge LifePo Battery Bank with this 12V Li-Ion charger?

st4rgut
st4rgut Registered Users Posts: 36 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Hi all, I'm switching from Flooded Lead Acid to LifePo and I just received some 3.2V LifePo4 cells in the mail from Aliexpress that are 3V on average. I'm following Youtuber Will Prowse's guide on how to top balance the cells, and he recommends fast charging undercharged cells using a 12V charger before balancing the pack (mine will consist of 16 cells in series for 48V bank) to speed up the process. I have a Li-Ion Battery Charger lying around and was wondering whether it would do the trick? I've read Lifepo4 is a type of Li-Ion, but I just want to be sure. I included a picture of the charger below . Much appreciate any help.
  
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    When top ballancing all the cells are connected in parallel, then charged with a 3.65V charger, this is a long process which some try to speed up by series connecting and using a higher voltage charger, however when  speeding up the process, there is the risk that a single cell could go over voltage causing damage, this can happen rapidly, faster than one can monitor with a single meter.

    Usually the cells are shipped at the same state of charge, my recommendation is to be patient, this will  reduce the possibility of causing damage, a single cell charger is cheap insurance as it is specifically designed for the task, one like this 

    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32873459297.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.6cf434922qad9X&browser_id=90e59b5c648e4700a42b374cf480c00b&aff_trace_key=49e67c2ec657419d8a9afb2ad6391a7b-1615790202680-09108-UneMJZVf&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=wdxnex4lo0ecaqeu178962debc14cecad1ca8843f4&gclid=&_imgsrc_=ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB12MrHdjfguuRjSspaq6yXVXXae.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.webp

    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • st4rgut
    st4rgut Registered Users Posts: 36 ✭✭
    #3
    Thank you, I ordered a variable power supply
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  • st4rgut
    st4rgut Registered Users Posts: 36 ✭✭
    #4
    I only have enough bus bars to parallel charge 4 cells at a time. Would top balancing still work the same if I parallel charge packs of 4 and then connect them together in 16S configuration?
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Having all in parrallel would be the better method to achieve ballance between all cells, because the current involved with ballance charging is low, #10 gauge  copper wire could be used in place of bus bars, connect the charger diagonally at opposite ends of the string.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
    · Share on Twitter

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