LiFePO4 battery build
I got my new cells in today and I am going to start putting them together after I sort out whether I am getting a new cell or not, as one has some slight damage. It is probably fine to use but betwee...
Forum Discussion
Tom_M wrote:
You will have to add a BMS to the build.
Just wanted to discuss this point also. no you don't need a BMS, but for the way we use them in a rv I would agree and highly recommend that you use one. Before there were quality BMS or BMS that would handle a large number of cells, you used other things to control your shutoffs and didn't have things like low temp cut off unless you used a thermometer with an alarm.
The major difference is how you balance them though, with a BMS you top balance so you can get the maximum charge into the pack. If you're just running raw cells you bottom balance, so all the cells reach their lowest state at the same time, without one cell going too low giving you a more predictable power floor. With a BMS this is controlled as it will shut down the batterie if any cell drops below the min setting so you don't need to top balance. Also, without a BMS you are normaly manually charging so you would be monitoring the cell voltage with a multimeter to get them to the point you want them.
So, it is not necessary and lots of people don't use them, but they are a good send for automation all the stuff you would have to do manually. I don't see not having one as a good fit for a rv type situation theough.
