Building a 12V LiFePO4 Battery Pack

Building your own 12v Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery system for your campervan or RV can save you a lot of money compared to buying a pre-built system. Plus, building your own system can give you more flexibility in terms of customizing the size and capacity of your battery bank.

Here is a guide to building your own 12v LiFePO4 battery system with a 4s Battery Management System (BMS):

1. Choose Your Cells

The first step is to choose the type of lithium cells you will use. The most common type for campervan and RV use are prismatic cells. Some reputable manufacturers of prismatic cells include CALB, Winston, and Sinopoly.

2. Calculate Your Capacity

Determine how much capacity you need based on your power usage requirements. Keep in mind that LiFePO4 batteries can be safely discharged up to 80% capacity without damaging the battery life.

3. Purchase Your Cells

Purchase the number of cells you need based on your required capacity. It is recommended to purchase a few extra cells in case any of them are defective or get damaged during assembly.

4. Assemble Your Cells

Assemble the cells into your desired configuration using appropriate interconnects and cabling. This will depend on the specific cells you choose and the configuration you want. Some popular configurations include 4s1p, 4s2p, and 4s3p.

5. Install Your BMS

Install a 4s Battery Management System (BMS) to protect your battery from overcharging and over-discharging. Some popular BMS brands include Victron, Renogy, and Battle Born.

6. Test Your Battery

Once your battery system is assembled and installed, test it thoroughly before use to make sure everything is working properly.

Building your own 12v LiFePO4 battery system with a 4s BMS can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying a pre-built system. Just be sure to research and follow all safety precautions and best practices during assembly and installation.