I've seen tons of videos showing people charging solar portable power stations using LiFePO4 batteries through the solar connector, and it seems to work well. However, I'm curious why I couldn't use this bike battery I found to do something similar. I think a higher voltage could allow for faster charging and recharging, but I realize that bike batteries have a shorter lifespan—about a third less than LiFePO4. The bike battery is set up to charge through similar ports and is typically designed for AC charging. Has anyone tried this, or is there any reason it wouldn't work?
3 Answers
I think it's worth exploring, especially if you're getting into solar. Just a heads up though—while setting it up DIY is fun, you gotta stay on top of the specs to avoid any mishaps. If you’re looking to use both the solar station and bike battery, testing out their compatibility is key. I’d also recommend doing due diligence on the battery and its BMS. If it's set up right, it could be a neat solution!
You can definitely use a bike battery to charge your solar power station, but keep a couple of things in mind. First, there's the safety aspect—batteries like Li-ion can be riskier since they're denser and may not last as long, especially if you push them hard. Also, make sure your power station supports the higher voltage from the bike battery, because most prefer inputs in the 24-60V range or over 100V. If you have the right setup, including a good battery management system (BMS), you should be good to go!
Great insight! Safety is definitely a priority for me too. I’m planning to make an enclosure with airflow and padding to keep everything safe.
Using bike batteries can work, and it’s pretty cool to see DIY projects like this! I've had success with my own setup using eBike batteries. Just make sure you have a solar charge controller that can handle the voltage of the battery you’re using—don't forget to check the ratings on everything! It's also essential to connect them properly to avoid risks of overcharging or discharging.
Thanks for the tip! I’m looking at some specific products that come with a BMS to help manage the charging and discharging risks.
Definitely looking to keep things safe! I'll explore doing some tests on the BMS before diving in.