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16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:22 pm
by Night Train
I have apparently been (anonymously) 'gifted' sixteen new 60Ah Calb cells for my tractor.

I guess I will now need a charger to be able to charge them.

Ummm, I hadn't planned for this yet as I wasn't expecting to have any batteries for quite a while longer.

Any (cheap and affordable) suggestions most welcome.

As the batteries are only for the tractor I would like to consider charging from solar panels as another option.

Thank you.

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 6:54 pm
by littlejobselectrical
Hi. What is the system voltage?

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 4:13 pm
by skooler
TC Charger - relatively cheap but really good quality.

what a gift!

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:43 pm
by Night Train
skooler wrote:TC Charger - relatively cheap but really good quality.

what a gift!

What's a TC Charger?
I am really grateful for the gift, but I do, now, need to do something with them.

Would this charger be any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181573004144?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

littlejobselectrical wrote:Hi. What is the system voltage?

It is 48v nominal, about 52v.

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 9:34 pm
by timpootle
skooler wrote:TC Charger - relatively cheap but really good quality.

I found TC chargers here:
http://www.ev-power.eu/Welcome/

Skooler - is this where you recommend getting them, or do you hold stock? The 156v27A box looks like what I will need for mine. * edit - further research looks like I will need 192v version, not 156v

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 10:24 pm
by littlejobselectrical
This is a sensibley priced 48 volt charger.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Bat ... 20d75a8508

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 10:30 pm
by timpootle
littlejobselectrical wrote:This is a sensibley priced 48 volt charger.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Bat ... 20d75a8508


LJE- Why is this one better than the 6amp charger that NightTrain linked to? He isn't in a rush to charger up, so doesn't need the double current. Are either of these suitable for lithium? They look to be designed for lead-acid to me.

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 1:23 pm
by Night Train
timpootle wrote:
skooler wrote:TC Charger - relatively cheap but really good quality.

I found TC chargers here:
http://www.ev-power.eu/Welcome/

Skooler - is this where you recommend getting them, or do you hold stock? The 156v27A box looks like what I will need for mine. * edit - further research looks like I will need 192v version, not 156v

Those are expensive! :shock:

Tim is right, I don't need fast charge, just the correct charge for the Lithiums. The tractor will only be in use rarely, and when I swap the pack over to my truck that will only be used 2 or 3 times a week tops.
Though that may change if I get a second 72v pack for the truck.

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:59 pm
by skooler
Night Train wrote:
timpootle wrote:
skooler wrote:TC Charger - relatively cheap but really good quality.

I found TC chargers here:
http://www.ev-power.eu/Welcome/

Skooler - is this where you recommend getting them, or do you hold stock? The 156v27A box looks like what I will need for mine. * edit - further research looks like I will need 192v version, not 156v

Those are expensive! :shock:

Tim is right, I don't need fast charge, just the correct charge for the Lithiums. The tractor will only be in use rarely, and when I swap the pack over to my truck that will only be used 2 or 3 times a week tops.
Though that may change if I get a second 72v pack for the truck.


Whatever you do, make sure it has either a kite or CE mark for insurance purposes. I regularly have customers who have issues with cheaper chargers.

I have had great experience with TC Charger. 1500w will cost you <£300

http://www.tccharger.com/english/

Re: 16 x 60Ah Calb cells - Charger/charging?

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:18 pm
by skooler
timpootle wrote:Skooler - is this where you recommend getting them, or do you hold stock? The 156v27A box looks like what I will need for mine. * edit - further research looks like I will need 192v version, not 156v


Either direct from the manufacturer or from a certain UK supplier.

http://www.tccharger.com/english/

indra.co.uk doesn't stock these as they are not configurable and holding stock on something like this is just dead money.

We have just ordered in and installed a 3kw version configured to 16 cells, 3.5vpc (or 56v cutoff) works flawlessly and great quality.

Also have a 1500w version in the moped (20 cells, 3.5vpc and had a 1500w version in the RX* when running 144v lead acid.

I highly recommend bottom balancing and charging no higher than 3.5vpc

suggest a read of this for methodology:

http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/sh ... hp?t=85458

Cheers,

Mike