Excellent project. Only drawback is that the scooter batteries are li-ion, which are quite more dangerous compared to the LFP cells the Jakiper batteries use.
Points of concern: 1. The front mount lug connector (thru-hole) is only a small air gap between case. Air gaps quickly disappear on flexible frames and tensioned lugs, not counting accidental damage to either, there should be physical isolation there. 2. PCB should not be used for anything structural beyond its own weight. You put high gauge wires on that and you will be putting torque across the PCB, over time it will flex, crack, and likely tear at some point. 3. I don't know the schematic or spec of batteries on that but I have a general dislike of direct connect systems like that. Without a BMS or monitoring like the other one, it almost certainly will not last as long.
@@jehugarcia Not the pass thru bolt isolation, the PCB face to case gap. Long story short, I can't for the life of me see how that much power, with that much exposed copper, while on that type of support structure, does not violate some sort of safety regulation.
I would like to see this build as a LiFePo4 48v with the same features. That would be a much better comparison for off the shelf vs diy. Other than that, great video.
Brilliant I'd keep any whole house or otherwise substantial energy storage out in the garage, even if had to build and heat an enclosure just to be safe. It's a lot of energy and that's always a fire problem. I've just bought a pre made Battery Queen 4.8 kwh at 25 cents a watt, and a EG4 3000 watt inverter, transfer switch, charger to play with before committing to 20kw system and probably PV to power it up (and otherwise power up low load emergency circuits in house. An emergency power system that requires no maint, no fuel, AND pays back a little every year. WOW
Working hard to understand this setup style and concept better. This would be ideal for what I dreamed up in my head. Built to add capacity more over time.
You should do a video on how to discharge batteries during peak demand hours. A big problem in Arizona is the power providers hit us with energy costs that are like 100x during "peak demand hours". We need a solution to charge during cheap hours and then offset demand during peak hours.
@@jehugarcia nice! Need something that can read the wattage being consumed so it can only discharge to offset back to zero. If you solved this problem it would solve a huge headache for us on SRP in Arizona. They are basically price gouging solar customers during certain hours when the sun is down and we can't generate enough solar to offset our usage. For example, you could have a pv system large enough to offset 110% of your energy usage and you would still have a $100+ monthly bill. That to me is legalized robbery
Very cool. Unfortuantly I have already bought my scooter batterys awhile ago when we would clip off the white connector and replace with a xt30 to wake up the bms.
Great video! I really value having a reliable backup power solution at home, especially when I'm out camping or spending quality time with my family. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like the perfect choice with its massive capacity, fast recharging, and versatile sockets. Plus, its waterproof technology gives me peace of mind during outdoor adventures. Definitely considering getting one for myself!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the video! I completely agree with you about the importance of having a reliable backup power solution, especially during outdoor adventures and quality family time. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series sounds like a fantastic choice with its massive capacity, fast recharging, and versatile sockets. The waterproof technology is definitely a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts like us. I highly recommend considering getting one for yourself!
For half the price you have to diy a battery with a difficult to use 36V, with around 1000 instead of 6000 cycle life (cut from the video) and without any warranty. That doesn't seem very attractive to me. Nevertheless I really like your inspiring ideas and creativity on these kinds of projects and builds!
Have you thought about the COST of mailing your warranty battery back for service? The shipping cost will be more than buying a replacement battery. You don't need to use scooter batteries, you can use lipo4 ones, and get the 48 volts and 6000 cycles.
That's pretty sweet, you just keep making it easier. I already did a 3kh build with the R5 batteries for my office which I made a video for. My next build will be with LiFePO4, cant wait for those to become more affordable too.
As a heads up, there are some states in the US that are currently planning on banning new installs of NMC battery systems due to the fire risk, and requiring LFP. DIY is great and I am working on my own system currently, but if you plan on being connected to the grid at all, you'll need to pass inspection!
Reply: "Wow, the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like an amazing backup power solution for outdoor enthusiasts like us! The massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof technology make it a reliable choice. Plus, the smart app control adds convenience. Thanks for sharing this recommendation, I'll definitely look into it for my next camping trip!"
Seplos Mason kits seem a better bet, at least they are lifpo4 batteries rather than lion. I have just bought 34kwh for just under $7000 delivered to the UK so about $206 per KWh. A bit more expensive but new lifepo4 cells, a quality bms and a lot less hassle.
Love the project idea.. but I am concerned about the battery pack.. it indicates they are used batteries.. most 18650 batteries have 500 to 1000 cycle rating, new. I think I read these packs you are recommending come from a brand that is rated for up to 3000 cycles.. but from the link there is no guarantee or testing done to ensure all batteries work/charge, what sort of capacity, etc. With that in mind.. how far of a stretch is to look to purchase/use NCR 18650s or even cheaper options and make your own packs for this kit? I think that would be an additional great option you might be able to share (in a separate video perhaps.. how to make a battery pack for this larger battery solution).. maybe some different 18650 battery options/prices.. and how to put each of the 18 packs needed for this battery kit to use.
You could just buy new lifepo4 cells from 18650batterystore. I did the math. It’s exactly half off if you build them yourself. Either 100ah or 280ah cells. 😊
Careful with your terminology. That's a 5 battery unit, 19" wide rack. A "Rack Unit" (or U) is a standardize size of 19" wide rack equipment that is 1.75"/44.45mm tall. Common in computer industry, audio industry, telco industry. You can find racks of 8U, 10U, 24U all the way up to 42U. Most will not have wheels on the bottom. Instead they are intended to be mounted to the floor w/lag bolts since they become quite heavy (even when empty), to distribute their weight to floor or platform, and to avoid tip over hazards. You should likely avoid going to tall with a battery rack, because it they far heavier than the typical equipment they are intended to hold.
Very nice concept. Good job. But could you please google PCB mouse bites. These huge break away tabs leave a unpleasant edge. If you do them with mouse bites, you can have the sharp edges sort of sunken in to the edge of the PCB
Both option per the total life of use they are not cheaper. LFP vs Li-on your lose the number of cycles. Then what do you do when the batteries are depleted? Come back for another DIY?
Use the DIYs with your Grid Tie Inverter to dump all the power Back onto the Grid. Problem Solved for 36 Volts or use them as Explanation Batteries for your EkoFlow / Bluetti / Anker Solar Generators.
that's awesome! Seems like a fun project. fyi, Powerupess lfp rack type systems are 5.1 kwh systems for like 250 per kw. Local in phoenix az, not across the big pond..
Wonderful project! Too bad it is difficult for EU people to start on it, as shipping your batteries to here will make the whole project not as cost-effective anymore (and some of the parts will also be unavailable from the websites you selected). But it is very inspiring to see how it can work.
U can make 16s EVE, CATL.. 280 48V 14.4kWh plus Daly BMS also for around 150Euro/kWh. There is also stock in NL for around ca. 170Euro/kWh?! Check out some German DIYlers.
I live in the states and his website is basically like a candy store for battery nerds. only problem is I'm about 2000 miles from his warehouse so shipping is still pretty high. I was able to get 10 of those packs shown in the video for $240 shipped though, so still not bad. hopefully someone in the EU does something similar with reclaim batteries soon
@@RRmelgar Actually you could hook 240v devices to it's own 240v inverter. 110v don't care if the other 110 volt socket is 180 degrees off, it only cares about the one phase. You could have them 3 degrees off, and everything will work fine no matter what socket you plug into.
Since you have mutiple battery packs, each one with its own BMS, so how can you tell if one or more of the BMS has gone into shutdown? No circuit breaker on the front panel for quick shutdown like the more expensive rack?
Great project. My problem is I have a Tesla Powerwall and I would like to have something like this for extra storage (can't run my A/C with one Powerwall) to run along side my power wall totally separate but I don't know how to do that. Also I am not comfortable with NCM batteries in my home (garage). If you could do something similar and save us money but with LiFePO4 that would be great.
What would happen to lithium batteries in your home , if a carrington Type event were to happen , I’m curious. I read it could cause thermal runaway in the battery
According to your site: These packs are reclaimed from e-scooters and are "untested" Also, is there no bms? This pack is not going to last long. That more expensive battery you have up there is going to last at minimum 10 years and probably 20 years. Lastly, what inverter do you use with your pack to power your home? 36V is such an unusual voltage to work with when doing a home backup. This whole plan is a bad idea.
I'm in a hurricane zone and one day of power for thousands of dollars is not a deal. I'll stick with the $350 gas generator I've used for years. I love solar but at 10.3 cents kWh from my electric company, solar is not cost-effective, either grid-tied or off the grid and don't want a hurricane blowing my panels away.
I would love to make one of these and shoot for around 40kwh. Do you have info on how to connect multiple boxes together? Do you have info on how to connect this to an inverter and connect it to your home? What inverters do you recommend? How safe are these batteries after you remove the fan? Could you just move the fan to the outside of the case?
Once this project is made, it would connect to inverters etc just like other rack-mount batteries that have tons of videos here and other channels. Only oddball part to this project is that it is at 36V, so you (probably) won't find all-in-one hybrid inverters at that voltage. But you can certainly find standalone 36V inverters!
Love these videos. What kit would you suggest for a 48v solar setup currently using 4 x 48v lifepo4 batteries. I would like to add more batteries to my setup. Thanks for sharing.
When power from the grid was a bit cheaper, individuals who had off peak metering would charge their batteries off of the grid and during peak hours they would switch to inverter power to save money. An alternative until one installs solar and wind power.
I don't see any 1U mount holes. It only accepts 4U cases, so a 5 unit rack. With the weight I wouldn't recommend using a 20u rack either. You want those solid rails.
You should probably start your video with a full disclosure statement that installing this NON-certified backup battery in your home will absolutely guarantee your home insurer will not pay out if the cause of the fire was due to your DIY battery.
Please send links to 36v inverters that can daisy chain. I can’t find anything, not even a stand alone inverter. Is there any point to a 36v battery if all inverters are 12/24/48 and above??
Hi Jehu, this is reasonably priced unfortunately the battery type is wrong for home storage. No BMS why? No Isolator why? The Fuse should be accessible too. Please consider re engineering your design, the box won't breathe, I hope you have got good COMMERCIAL INSURANCE, Please send Will Prowse a ready built battery to review?
This is not very cheap. $1700 per 5kWh pack means that this 20kWh setup cost at least $6800 + tax and shipping. By comparison, Joe over at PCEnersys on Alibaba just delivered 50kWh to my home in the Bahamas for $10400. If you bought these pcbway units, that same capacity would be a whopping $17,000 + tax and shipping. Just 8% tax would be $1360 and then $500 shipping (50kWh is HEAVY!!), so nearly $19,000 for just 50kWh. And don't kid yourself. IF you live in a location that uses air conditioning your average daily power consumption will be 60-90kWh, not 20kWh! Finally, If you want your pack to die within 2-3 years, go ahead and drain it to 100% DOD (Depth of Discharge). Your investment will be history very quickly. You simply cannot drain these things to the nubbins and expect a long life out of them. For longest life, DOD should be no more than about 60-70%. If 60% that means you get to actually use 40% of the rated capacity. So this 20kWh pack is really only good for about 5kWh before you begin to put long term damage into the batteries. Bottom line, these batteries are VERY expensive and so unless you know what you are doing, do not listen to RU-vid amateurs making it sound like it is real simple because they want to help some company make sales goals.
I had a 13s8p lithium ion BATTERY FIRE in my garage and I 100% absolutely DO NOT think saving a few thousand $ on batteries is worth losing everything I own. Lifepo4 is the only way to go with a pack this large unless you're keeping it in a shed 50+ feet away from you house. If I wasn't home when I heard the cells exploding I would have came home to a concrete slab, within 15 seconds the flames were already 24"x24"ish and I hit it with a 5lb ABC fire extinguisher which killed about 1/2 the flames because even though it didn't put the batteries out it put out everything around the batteries that were on fire. I eventually managed to push the flaming batteries out with a broom and drown it with water.
Since the scooter batteries have their own BMS system can I just leave them plugged in 100% of the time? I have a growatt infinity 1500 system and it totally has a solar power input Just trying to think of how I would keep these charged at the same time
Careful - the BMS in each 24V battery would have to be designed for connection in series. They usually put such limitations in the small print somewhere...
how clean is the power coming out of these or does that depend on the inverter? next question whats the best inverter I want to build a modular battery backup for a future server setup.
I am interested to know how many homes have burnt to the ground using this or similar DIY battery systems. Also, the cost of the inverter is 2-3 the cost of the battery.
