by flboy » Tue Jan 26, 2021 10:20 am
Cindy, I ordered the "DALY Smart 4S 12V Lifepo4 Lithium Battery Protection Board Balance BMS 150A High Current with Bluetooth APP". It is 150A continuous (1,875W) and costs about $113 from AliExpress. The 150A model is much smaller than the 200A and 250A version, so It will be easier to mount with battery pack. It has Bluetooth so all charge parameters can be monitored and adjusted if desired. According to the specifications is has a Charge Temperature control, but I do not see a thermocouple. It must be on the BMS board and is assumed it will be mounted on the battery pack... not sure if that is ideal, so I will need to watch that. I cannot see ever needing 1,875 watts continuous at any time. My Air Conditioner choice (5000 btu window unit) will only take 450W running and fridge is 60W. After that it is just lighting... maybe a 900W microwave if I decide I need one later.
I am going with only 400W of solar panels due to real estate on the rooftop.. but also, the LifeP04 batteries will charge faster and at full current when sun is available.. unlike the FLA batteries that are very slow after 80% charge regardless of available power..
In any case... a lot of choices out there for the BMS and it can be confusing. I am definitely in a learning mode on these. For me in is not as much about saving the $$ as it is learning new things and building myself. I enjoy that most of all... just like I am going to enjoy doing and documenting this build.
Yes... the 6x12 and maneuverability is what I am going for. My 7*18 is very nice... but terrible in tight places which limits me and causes a lot of stress when I get into tight spots. The 6x12 should help tremendously in that department,