How to build a LiFePo4 battery bank.

time2roll wrote:
I plan on minimal compression with two zip-ties around the box. The straps are temporary to hold the cells in place to fit the bus bars. If using ratchet straps I would re-thread them to eliminate the hooks.

ok perfect, I dont think with that size of a bank your going to get anywhere near the charging rate that would require more compression anyways haha

time2roll wrote:
I decided to skip the separators. They are wrapped nicely in the standard blue vinyl. Easy to overthink everything. Have not really read any issues with skipping the separators even though some insist something is needed. Not intended to be a bulletproof off-pavement design.

ya the only reason I ask, is a lot of people have been putting something thin in that will prevent that vinal from getting scratched or worn off exposing the metal under it and a possible short, but I don't know how tough that vinal coating is and if it is nessasary

time2roll wrote:
The box wall next to the fuses is floating (movable). There will also be heat pads, one per cell, on the outside controlled with a thermostat. They are 15w silicone pads. I will run two in series for maybe 4 watts each, 64 watts for the entire block.

Member Pianotuna will be pleased to see my battery wiring will finally get balanced ;)

that looks almost exactly like mine is set up haha. so I imaging you are self powering the pads from the battery bank? I was thinking of doing some sort of heating pads but make them so I could power them directly from the solar controler (load termanals I believe, have to read up and see how that works) so as I am driving the batteries will be kept warm. I am also going to move them into the empty space under the stairs of the 5th. right now the cold air returns for the furnace are in the steps so the warmed air will always flow through there and there is room for 4 battery packs under there easy. do you have a link to the heating pads your using?

Steve