Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page, where you can find answers to the most commonly asked 
questions about our company, products/services, policies, and more

General

Batteries

LiFePO4 Cells

Charging & Discharging

BMS

System Monitoring

1. General Questions

How did we choose the Diypow name?

Diypow was founded in 2020, and since its inception, has been working hard to bring stable and robust lithium iron phosphate batteries to market. 

Committed to creating safe, durable, and sustainable batteries using lithium technology. Our mission is to bring you efficient and affordable new energy solutions while ensuring you have a great experience. 

Distribute high-quality LiFepo4 cells, LiFePO4 batteries, powerwall battery and energy storage systems for DIYers, installers, homeowners, business owners, and consumers all over the world.

Are lithium batteries safe? Will they blow up?

Our lithium-ion batteries are very safe and reliable. “lithium-ion battery” is the name for a type of battery with many variations, and each of those variations has its levels of risk. In addition, each Diypow Lithium battery is protected from overheating, overcharging, and short-circuiting, by a battery management system (BMS) microchip.

Why are lithium-ion batteries so expensive?

There are two reasons. First, we use only the best high-power lithium-ion cells and these come with a cost, usually about 3~4 times higher than lead acid for the same capacity. Second, the battery management system contributes much to the cost depending on its complexity. This system checks for high voltage, low voltage, over current, short circuit, or over temperature. If these conditions exist the battery management system will protect the battery from harm.

How do I choose the correct lithium deep-cycle battery for my application?

In most standard 12, 24, or 48-volt systems the best choice of lithium battery is LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate). The voltage of this type of battery is very similar to an AGM and will work great with readily available system components for your RV, boat, or off-grid power system.

How do I size a li-ion battery bank for my system?

Sizing a battery pack for an off-grid or mobile power system can become complicated if you don't have all the information you need to do the calculations correctly. You will need some basic information to get started.

You will need the maximum and continuous current - measured in amps or watts - of the device you want to power. This information can usually be found somewhere on the device, on a sticker or board that shows the amperage and voltage or power (in watts) of that device.

As an example, let's just say that our system needs to run at 10 amps at 120 volts for 3.5 hours.

10 amps x 120 volts = 1200 watts of power. 
1200 watts x 3.5 hours = 4200 watt-hours of energy.

Next, you need to convert the 4200-watt hours to direct current (DC) amp hours. In our example, we will use a 12-volt battery pack.

4200 watt-hours / 12 volts = 350 DC amp-hours of battery energy, which is what we need for our example application.

In addition, the battery needs to be able to deliver 1200 watts/12 volts = 100 amps of energy.

We will use a 100 amp-hour Diypow battery to build this system.

350 amp-hours/100 amp-hours = 3.5

We need to use four 100 amp-hour LiFePO4 Diypow cells to power this system.

What is the difference between series and parallel connection?

There are two different ways of connecting batteries together to make a larger bank.

Parallel Connections – These connections are used when you want to increase the amperage of your battery bank. Most commonly, parallel-only connections are found in 12 V systems. The connections on this type of battery bank go from positive to positive and negative to negative, when you connect this way, you double your amps (see the diagram below).

Series Connections – This type of connection is used when you need to increase the voltage of your battery bank. You will find these types of battery connections in all types of battery banks including 12 V, 24 V, 48 V systems. The connections in this type of battery bank are different than parallel. Your batteries will be connected from positive to negative, linking the batteries together to increase the voltage of your battery bank (see diagram below).

*If you plan to wire your batteries in series, please let us know when you place your order so we can make sure to match your capacity.

In some instances when you have a larger size battery bank, it is common to have both series and parallel connections in your battery bank (see diagram below).
diypow_battery_series_and_parallerl_connection

Where can I purchase your batteries?

You may purchase Diypow Batteries directly from our website on the Shop Page.

2. Batteries Questions

What does "drop-in replacement" actually mean？

Our batteries are drop-in replacements for typical lead acid batteries. This means that our batteries are designed to fit like a normal Group 27, 31, and GC2 battery in your bank.

This, however, does not mean our batteries are plug-and-play. Our batteries still may require specific components and programming to run your application.

To figure out if your components will work with our batteries, email info@diypow.com.

How long will your batteries last?

There are several factors that affect the life of a battery. Weather, temperature, charge cycle, depth of discharge (DOD), discharge current, charge current, charging method and static use time can all have a significant impact on battery life. A properly maintained lithium battery will last approximately three times longer than a lead acid battery used under similar conditions. The life expectancy is 10 years.

How to Build a 12v 200ah Lithium Ion Battery?

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have many advantages, such as being lightweight, having high capacity, and long lifespan. These features make them especially suitable for a wide range of applications, including boats that need to float for long periods at sea, golf carts, and more. One of the key advantages of LiFePO4 batteries is their low weight. Today introduce Diypow trolling motor battery, please see the blog.

How do you prolong the life of a LiFePO4 battery?

For optimum performance and life, Lifepo4 batteries should be charged and discharged within the appropriate voltage range and not overcharged or deeply discharged. Overcharging or deep discharging may result in damage to the battery and shorten its life.

How should I store my battery?

Store Diypow Lithium batteries in a cool dry place, and be sure to fully charge them before storage. If storing it for an extended period of time, we advise charging them up at regular intervals–typically “topping off” every month or every other month.

Are your batteries waterproof?

Our batteries are IP67 waterproof grade and will protect liFePO4 batteries from moisture even in the harsh marine environment.

How can I calculate how many batteries I need?

Please give us a call or send us an email. Our friendly staff is available anytime to answer your questions, no matter how technical.

Does your battery have a built-in heater for charging at low temperatures?

Yes, Diypow Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries can be charged at low temperatures, with a built-in BMS and temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery and adjusts the charging rate accordingly. So charging at low temperatures is not a problem.

How do I winterize my batteries?

Storage temperature range is -10°F to 140°F (-23°C to 60°C). We recommend charging the Battle Born battery to 100% charge and then disconnecting it completely for storage. After 6 months of storage, your battery will hold a charge of 75-80%.

Storing batteries in sub-zero weather (-15°F or higher) risks cracking the ABS plastic and more importantly may result in faster capacity loss, in some cases significantly more than the typical 2-4% loss per month.

Is it OK to leave a LiFePO4 battery on the charger?

In contrast to lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries do not suffer damage in a partially charged state, so there is no need to worry about recharging them immediately after use. In addition, they do not have the so-called memory effect, so there is no need to use the battery until it is completely empty before recharging.

Does your battery pack include BMS? Can we use it for a car?

Yes, our battery pack includes BMS, you can use our starter battery series product whose model is 12.8V 43AH and 12.8V 86AH battery.

3. LiFePO4 Cells Questions

What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B LiFePO4 cells?

The efficiency of the grade B cell is 80%~90% of that of grade A, and its battery materials, technology, energy storage, repeated charge, and discharge, etc. They have not undergone the same level of testing and quality control as Grade A batteries.

What is the QR code on LiFePO4 cells?

Simply put, the QR code on a LiFePO4 battery is its identification code, which allows you to access the battery's production information before making a purchase.

Is LiFePO4 better than lithium-ion?

The LiFePO4 battery has the edge over lithium-ion, both in terms of cycle life (it lasts 4-5x longer), and safety. This is a key advantage because lithium-ion batteries can overheat and even catch fire, while LiFePO4 does not.

How many cells are in LiFePO4?

LiFePO4 batteries are the safest lithium battery type currently available on the market today. The nominal voltage of a LiFePO4 cell is 3.2V when compared to sealed lead acid, which consists of 2V cells. A 12.8V battery therefore has 4 cells connected in series and a 51.2V battery has 16 cells connected in series.

What does the 4 mean in LiFePO4?

LiFePO4 stands for Lithium (Li) Iron (Fe) Phosphate (PO4) and is the specific type of lithium battery that we build here at Diypow.

How long do LiFePO4 cells last?

Lithium iron phosphate chemistry is one of the most robust and durable battery types available and is therefore highly sought after in a variety of applications. With proper maintenance, these batteries can last up to 10 years or more.

How do you prolong the life of a LiFePO4 battery?

For optimum performance and life, Lifepo4 batteries should be charged and discharged within the appropriate voltage range and not overcharged or deeply discharged. Overcharging or deep discharging may result in damage to the battery and shorten its life.

Can I use LiFePO4 cells without BMS?

The Battery Management System (BMS) is an essential component for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. LiFePO4 and all types of Lithium batteries are highly sensitive to over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current.

How to choose a BMS for LiFePO4 cells?

Any LifePO4 BMS should be compatible with your LiFePO4 specs. For example, if you bought a 12V battery pack, you should be using a BMS rated for 12V. Most importantly, you want a BMS rated with the correct amperage.

How to top balance LiFePO4 cells?

  • Charge your battery pack using a suitable charger until it reaches about 95% SOC. ...
  • Set your DC power supply to 3.6V and a low current limit (e.g., 1A). ...
  • Connect the positive terminal of the power supply to the positive terminal of the first cell in your pack.

4. Charging & Discharging Questions

Can I charge a LiFePO4 battery with a solar panel?

Do not connect the solar panel directly to the LiFePO4 cell. Doing so will damage the battery. Instead, connect the solar panel to the LFP battery via the solar charge controller. The charge controller regulates the voltage and current in order to safely charge the battery.

What is the best voltage to charge a LiFePO4 battery?

LiFePO4 battery requires only 2 steps, charge voltage is recommended to be set to 14.40V (3.60V per cell).

Do LiFePO4 batteries need a special charger?

Yes, LiFePO4 batteries do require a special charger designed for this type of battery chemistry. Using a charger that is not specifically designed for LiFePO4 batteries can result in overcharging or undercharging, which can damage the battery or reduce its lifespan. Therefore, it is important to use a charger that is compatible with LiFePO4 batteries to ensure their safe and efficient charging.

How do you charge a lithium-ion battery for the first time?

It is recommended to perform a full charge and discharge process 3-5 times when you use the battery for the first time, which is very beneficial to the battery life. Lithium batteries are very susceptible to environmental temperature. The charging temperature should be kept at 25-40 degrees Celsius as much as possible.

How do I charge a Lithium battery?

The lithium-ion battery should be charged with a special charger for lithium-ion battery. Select the correct charger for your lithium battery: One 12v battery works with one 12v charger. Two 12v batteries run in parallel work with one 12v charger. Two 12v batteries run in series and work with one 24v charger. Four 12v batteries run in series and work with one 48v charger.

How long does it take to charge a 100ah LiFePO4 battery?

A 100 amp-hour LiFePO4 battery can be charged for 2 hours with a 50 amp charger. The charge time may depend on the charger used for the LiFePO4 battery. For example, a 500 AH battery will take 5 hours to charge with a 100 amp charger.

Do you need a special charge controller for LiFePO4 battery?

No, there is no need to buy a special charger to charge your LiFePO4 battery. If you need to charge a LiFePO4 battery with a voltage of 12 V, you can use a charger with a voltage of 14 V to 14.6 V. A charger in this voltage range will effectively charge your LiFePO4 battery.

Is it OK to leave a LiFePO4 battery on the charger?

In contrast to lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries do not suffer damage in a partially charged state, so there is no need to worry about recharging them immediately after use. In addition, they do not have the so-called memory effect, so there is no need to use the battery until it is completely empty before recharging.

When should I stop charging LiFePO4?

If you are unable to disable the equalize function, you can instead adjust the voltage set to 14.6V or lower, which will essentially turn the charge cycle into a standard absorb cycle. Another option is to set the absorb voltage to either 14.4V or 14.6V and then discontinue charging once the battery has reached that voltage level. This approach can be beneficial and straightforward.

How often should you charge a LiFePO4 battery?

If you do not discharge the LiFePO4 battery completely, it does not have to be charged immediately after each use. Also, if the battery is in a partially charged state (PSOC), it will not be damaged. You can recharge the LiFePO4 battery after each use or when it has been discharged to 80% of its charge (20% of the charge remaining).

5. BMS Questions

What is BMS?

BMS stands for the battery management system. This is the brain of our deep-cycle lithium battery.

What is the best voltage to charge a LiFePO4 battery?

LiFePO4 battery requires only 2 steps, charge voltage is recommended to be set to 14.40V (3.60V per cell).

The BMS protects the lithium cells from getting damaged in several scenarios.
  1. From low or high voltage, low or high temperatures, if there is a shortage in the system, it will shut off. The BMS shuts off the battery to protect the li-ion cells and the user from unsafe operating conditions.
  2. The BMS also regulates the amount of power you can take out of the battery. On our 100 amp-hour battery, the BMS is rated to 100 amps continuous, 200 amps for 30 seconds, and any higher loads for ½ second.
Our BMS also keeps all the cells in balance. At the top of each charge cycle, the BMS reduces the charging rate in cells that have been topped off first, letting the rest of the cells catch up. This ensures that the cells are always in balance and maintains the quality and efficiency of the pack.

What are the BMS output ratings?

Our Battery Monitoring System, or BMS is rated to 3 different levels.
  1. 100 amps continuous (1200 watts at 12 volts) – this means you can pull 100 amps out of the battery when you need it until the capacity is all used up. ½ second surge up to the max capacity of the battery. If you have a high momentary over 200 amps the battery will handle this for ½ second.
  2. 200 amps for 30 seconds (2400 watts at 12 volts) – if your device has a surge an individual battery can deliver 2400 watts for 30 seconds.
  3. ½ second surge up to the max capacity of the battery. If you have a high momentary over 200 amps the battery will handle this for ½ second.
*Keep in mind that when you have two batteries in parallel you will double these surge numbers. With four batteries in parallel, you will quadruple these figures.

Does the BMS control charging?

The internal battery management system (BMS) inside Battle Born Batteries will not limit the charging current.

We recommend a 50 amp charge rate for a 100 Ah battery. You can charge at a higher charge rate of 100 amps in emergency situations where it is necessary, but we don’t recommend it for long periods of time.

6. System Monitoring Questions

How do I check the status of the battery?

Diypow battery is equipped with a BMS system and Bluetooth monitoring for a quick overview of the battery's charge level and charging rate.