House Batteries - Revision history

Bob Crisler at 21:07, 4 February 2022

2022-02-04T21:07:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 4 February 2022
Line 9:		Line 9:

	===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====		===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====
	[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]		[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure, with amber Kapton tape.]]
	One benefit of the DIY approach to assembling LifePo4 cells is that the configuration can be anything you want it to be. Cells are typically 3.2 volts each, and arranged in a series of 4 become a 12.8 volt battery, perfectly compatible with your house electric system. Importantly, they do not need to be arranged in a particular way, though they should be sandwiched in some way so that any internal pressure is vented through their engineered vents rather than expansion and contraction of their aluminum shell. Typical 280ah cells are 175mm (~6 7/8") wide by 72mm (2 7/8") thick by 205 mm (8 1/16") high. And they can be assembled in any orientation or arrangements, as freely as a set of building blocks. That means, for instance, that you can arrange them in a 'briefcase' configuration of 14" wide by 6" thick and make a battery that fits well in that little afterthought of a closet door under the electrical space in many GMCs. You want to house LifePo4 batteries inside, by the way, because they're more sensitive to temperature than vintage lead-acid tech. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.		One benefit of the DIY approach to assembling LifePo4 cells is that the configuration can be anything you want it to be. Cells are typically 3.2 volts each, and arranged in a series of 4 become a 12.8 volt battery, perfectly compatible with your house electric system. Importantly, they do not need to be arranged in a particular way, though they should be sandwiched in some way so that any internal pressure is vented through their engineered vents rather than expansion and contraction of their aluminum shell. Typical 280ah cells are 175mm (~6 7/8") wide by 72mm (2 7/8") thick by 205 mm (8 1/16") high. And they can be assembled in any orientation or arrangements, as freely as a set of building blocks. That means, for instance, that you can arrange them in a 'briefcase' configuration of 14" wide by 6" thick and make a battery that fits well in that little afterthought of a closet door under the electrical space in many GMCs. You want to house LifePo4 batteries inside, by the way, because they're more sensitive to temperature than vintage lead-acid tech. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.

Bob Crisler: /* Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? */

2022-02-04T21:05:34Z

Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself?

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:05, 4 February 2022
Line 12:		Line 12:
	One benefit of the DIY approach to assembling LifePo4 cells is that the configuration can be anything you want it to be. Cells are typically 3.2 volts each, and arranged in a series of 4 become a 12.8 volt battery, perfectly compatible with your house electric system. Importantly, they do not need to be arranged in a particular way, though they should be sandwiched in some way so that any internal pressure is vented through their engineered vents rather than expansion and contraction of their aluminum shell. Typical 280ah cells are 175mm (~6 7/8") wide by 72mm (2 7/8") thick by 205 mm (8 1/16") high. And they can be assembled in any orientation or arrangements, as freely as a set of building blocks. That means, for instance, that you can arrange them in a 'briefcase' configuration of 14" wide by 6" thick and make a battery that fits well in that little afterthought of a closet door under the electrical space in many GMCs. You want to house LifePo4 batteries inside, by the way, because they're more sensitive to temperature than vintage lead-acid tech. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.		One benefit of the DIY approach to assembling LifePo4 cells is that the configuration can be anything you want it to be. Cells are typically 3.2 volts each, and arranged in a series of 4 become a 12.8 volt battery, perfectly compatible with your house electric system. Importantly, they do not need to be arranged in a particular way, though they should be sandwiched in some way so that any internal pressure is vented through their engineered vents rather than expansion and contraction of their aluminum shell. Typical 280ah cells are 175mm (~6 7/8") wide by 72mm (2 7/8") thick by 205 mm (8 1/16") high. And they can be assembled in any orientation or arrangements, as freely as a set of building blocks. That means, for instance, that you can arrange them in a 'briefcase' configuration of 14" wide by 6" thick and make a battery that fits well in that little afterthought of a closet door under the electrical space in many GMCs. You want to house LifePo4 batteries inside, by the way, because they're more sensitive to temperature than vintage lead-acid tech. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.

	NOTE: LiFePO4 batteries cannot be recharged when they are below freezing. Be sure your battery's Battery Monitoring System (BMS) has a cold battery charging disconnect. Some batteries are rated for cold weather charging. They have an internal heater which will use the available charging current to warm the battery to above freezing before applying the charge current to the cells.		NOTE: LiFePO4 batteries cannot be recharged when they are below freezing temperature. Be sure your battery's Battery Monitoring System (BMS) has a cold battery charging disconnect. Some batteries are rated for cold weather charging. They have an internal heater which will use the available charging current to warm the battery to above freezing before applying the charge current to the cells.

	So, for the sake of comparison, let's look at various decision factors for 280 amp hours of storage.		So, for the sake of comparison, let's look at various decision factors for 280 amp hours of storage.

Bob Crisler: /* Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? */

2022-02-04T21:04:34Z

Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself?

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 4 February 2022
Line 9:		Line 9:

	===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====		===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====
			[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]
	One benefit of the DIY approach to assembling LifePo4 cells is that the configuration can be anything you want it to be. Cells are typically 3.2 volts each, and arranged in a series of 4 become a 12.8 volt battery, perfectly compatible with your house electric system. Importantly, they do not need to be arranged in a particular way, though they should be sandwiched in some way so that any internal pressure is vented through their engineered vents rather than expansion and contraction of their aluminum shell. Typical 280ah cells are 175mm (~6 7/8") wide by 72mm (2 7/8") thick by 205 mm (8 1/16") high. And they can be assembled in any orientation or arrangements, as freely as a set of building blocks. That means, for instance, that you can arrange them in a 'briefcase' configuration of 14" wide by 6" thick and make a battery that fits well in that little afterthought of a closet door under the electrical space in many GMCs. You want to house LifePo4 batteries inside, by the way, because they're more sensitive to temperature than vintage lead-acid tech. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.		One benefit of the DIY approach to assembling LifePo4 cells is that the configuration can be anything you want it to be. Cells are typically 3.2 volts each, and arranged in a series of 4 become a 12.8 volt battery, perfectly compatible with your house electric system. Importantly, they do not need to be arranged in a particular way, though they should be sandwiched in some way so that any internal pressure is vented through their engineered vents rather than expansion and contraction of their aluminum shell. Typical 280ah cells are 175mm (~6 7/8") wide by 72mm (2 7/8") thick by 205 mm (8 1/16") high. And they can be assembled in any orientation or arrangements, as freely as a set of building blocks. That means, for instance, that you can arrange them in a 'briefcase' configuration of 14" wide by 6" thick and make a battery that fits well in that little afterthought of a closet door under the electrical space in many GMCs. You want to house LifePo4 batteries inside, by the way, because they're more sensitive to temperature than vintage lead-acid tech. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable.

Bob Crisler: /* Shoot for 280 amp-hours */

2022-02-04T21:04:18Z

Shoot for 280 amp-hours

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 4 February 2022
Line 6:		Line 6:

	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
	[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]
	Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator (control section, not a resistive load), run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for less than an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.		Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator (control section, not a resistive load), run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for less than an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.

Bob Crisler: /* Shoot for 280 amp-hours */

2022-02-04T21:03:38Z

Shoot for 280 amp-hours

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 4 February 2022
Line 7:		Line 7:
	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
	[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]		[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]
	Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator (control section, not a resistive load), run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.		Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator (control section, not a resistive load), run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for less than an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.

	===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====		===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====

Bob Crisler: added specific "not a resistive load"

2022-02-04T21:01:52Z

added specific "not a resistive load"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 4 February 2022
Line 7:		Line 7:
	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
	[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]		[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]
	Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.		Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator (control section, not a resistive load), run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.

	===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====		===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====

Bob Crisler: added image of hallway-cabinet battery

2022-02-04T20:59:53Z

added image of hallway-cabinet battery

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:59, 4 February 2022
Line 6:		Line 6:

	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
			[[File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery in hall cabinet of a GMC Motorhome\|thumb\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.]]
	Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.		Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.

Bob Crisler: /* Shoot for 280 amp-hours */

2022-02-04T20:57:36Z

Shoot for 280 amp-hours

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:57, 4 February 2022
Line 6:		Line 6:

	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
	~~<gallery>~~		Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.
	File:Index.php?title=File:Index.php?title=File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.
	File:Index.php?title=File:Index.php?title=File:IMG 0375.jpg\|Sub-assembly showing pallet strapping and plywood used for cell compression. Finished battery is a 4s configuration of 3.2 volt prismatic cells using a 120 amp battery management system and homemade copper-pipe bus bars.
	~~</gallery>~~Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.

	===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====		===== Buy it prepackaged, or package it yourself? =====

Bob Crisler at 20:57, 4 February 2022

2022-02-04T20:57:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:57, 4 February 2022
Line 6:		Line 6:

	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
	<gallery ~~mode="slideshow"~~>		<gallery>
	File:Index.php?title=File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg~~\|alt=DIY battery configured for fitment in hallway cabinet of a GMC motorhome.~~\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.		File:Index.php?title=File:Index.php?title=File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.
	File:Index.php?title=File:IMG 0375.jpg\|Sub-assembly showing pallet strapping and plywood used for cell compression. Finished battery is a 4s configuration of 3.2 volt prismatic cells using a 120 amp battery management system and homemade copper-pipe bus bars.		File:Index.php?title=File:Index.php?title=File:IMG 0375.jpg\|Sub-assembly showing pallet strapping and plywood used for cell compression. Finished battery is a 4s configuration of 3.2 volt prismatic cells using a 120 amp battery management system and homemade copper-pipe bus bars.
	</gallery>Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.		</gallery>Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.

Bob Crisler: /* Shoot for 280 amp-hours */

2022-02-04T20:55:33Z

Shoot for 280 amp-hours

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:55, 4 February 2022
Line 6:		Line 6:

	===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====		===== Shoot for 280 amp-hours =====
	<gallery>		<gallery mode="slideshow">
	File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery configured for fitment in hallway cabinet of a GMC motorhome.\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.		File:Index.php?title=File:DIY 280ah battery in hall cabinet.jpg\|alt=DIY battery configured for fitment in hallway cabinet of a GMC motorhome.\|DIY 280 amp hour LifePo4 battery configured to fit in standard hall cabinet on GMC-upfitted coaches. 1/4" cellular PVC used as enclosure.
	File:IMG 0375.jpg\|Sub-assembly showing pallet strapping and plywood used for cell compression. Finished battery is a 4s configuration of 3.2 volt prismatic cells using a 120 amp battery management system and homemade copper-pipe bus bars.		File:Index.php?title=File:IMG 0375.jpg\|Sub-assembly showing pallet strapping and plywood used for cell compression. Finished battery is a 4s configuration of 3.2 volt prismatic cells using a 120 amp battery management system and homemade copper-pipe bus bars.
	</gallery>Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.		</gallery>Capacity is, of course, dependent on your loads and your sources. Most GMC roofs can easily accommodate 450-500 watts of solar without compromise. We'll assume that air conditioning is out of the question, though experimentation (and another GMCMHWiki entry) is encouraged. And we'll assume you want to be able to run a modern 12 volt compressor refrigerator or the 12 volt section of a propane refrigerator, run lighting and entertainment devices (ideally all 12 volt), and use an inverter to power 15 amps AC (hair dryer, microwave, etc.) for an hour total each day. Given that, 280 amp hours of capacity is a good choice.