Kepworth 12v 100ah Lifepo4 Battery: Part 2
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
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This is part 2 of a teardown of an Inexpensive 100 amp hour lifepo4 battery I purchased from AliExpress s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeG...
DCHOUSE Lifepo4 Battery Links -
These batteries are available via Amazon amzn.to/4eoGB6h and eBay - ebay.us/cBWn3I
They also have a 12V 200Ah version on eBay - ebay.us/x0xoH6 and a 24V 100Ah ebay.us/4P4QmB (clicking these links will take you to eBay)
Li-Time Mini Battery link is uk.litime.com/?ref=t2nvwo1x
or Amazon - amzn.to/4ewMjTM
Clamp Meter -amzn.to/4cyIxqX or eBay ebay.us/wwtUna
AliExpress Affiliate Links -:
5A Active balancer s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EyP...
DL24MP 600W Battery Capacity Tester from - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn5...
DL24 150W Capacity Tester - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDQ...
DL24 450W Capacity Tester - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDQ...
Fogstar Drift 105Ah LifePO4 Heat/BT www.fogstar-drift.co.uk/?ref=...
---Solar Charge Controllers -
Renogy Rover 20A SCC - amzn.to/3TIWU5u
Renogy Rover 30A SCC - amzn.to/3xc2LYb
Renogy Rover 40A SCC - amzn.to/4cvln4Z
Renogy Rover 60A SCC - amzn.to/4c8i43V
Victron 100/15 (12-24V) - amzn.to/3RBPv6C
Victron 75/15 (12/24) - amzn.to/3KU28Gt
Victron 100/20 - amzn.to/3VVNyEU
Victron 100/30 - amzn.to/3VSo4If
Victron 100/50 - amzn.to/4bdQD7p
Epever 40A SCC - amzn.to/48XWzAx
Budget 30A SCC -- amzn.to/4erPJat
Battery Capacity Testers
600W DL24M ATORCH AliExpress - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC4...
160W Version Aliexpress - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCd...
Battery Shunts/Monitors
Victron 500A Smart Shunt - amzn.to/4crzlES
Victron 1000A Smart Shunt - amzn.to/3KUPrLB
Victron 2000A Smart Shunt - amzn.to/4c62Tbo
Budget 100A Shunt - amzn.to/3XBrvV0
Renogy 500A Monitor - amzn.to/3xsdL4l
Class T Fuses etc
320A Blue Sea System - amzn.to/4cwoqtD
110A Class T Fuse & Holder - amzn.to/3VUrSYz
Terminal Blocks - Positive - amzn.to/3z9ziPL
Terminal Blocks - Negative - amzn.to/3zcMaol
Clamp Meter I Use - amzn.to/3xj6kwr
Heavy Duty Crimping Tool - amzn.to/3XymHQo
Ferrule Crimper & Ferrules - amzn.to/4eztQ8V
Mega Fuse Holder twin Pack - amzn.to/3VQuhoe
MRBF Fuse Holder - amzn.to/4bbCuYp
300A Fuse for MRBF - amzn.to/3VykiT8
250A Fuse for MRBF- amzn.to/3Vyqw5m
200A Fuse for MRBF - amzn.to/4cOInMD
175A Fuse for MRBF - amzn.to/3xsYIY3
Victron Smart Battery Sense - amzn.to/3XzLfIH
Copper BusBars - amzn.to/4caoK1v
10 Amp Power Supply Unit - amzn.to/3zdIfrg
MC4 Connector Pack - amzn.to/4eBfHIk
10 Gauge Tinned Copper Solar Cable - amzn.to/4c8jRGb
XT60 Connectors - amzn.to/4eMcczd
Bison Battery Box - amzn.to/3z6tTZG
Midi Fuse Variety Pack - amzn.to/3VQ1XCn
Heavy Duty Ring Terminals 50mmX16 - amzn.to/4biQ78a
ANL fuse holders- amzn.to/3VRn9rt
100 Pce Copper Terminals - amzn.to/4cwJi48
Inverters------
Edecoa 3500W - amzn.to/4cxwM46
Renogy 3000W - amzn.to/3KR9NVY
12V 1000W PSW Inverter - amzn.to/3KSJYow
24V 3000W Inverter - amzn.to/3VA56VF
Eco-Worthy( NEW RELEASE) - 2000W Inverter - uk.eco-worthy.com/products/20...
or from Amazon here - amzn.to/3xwkRVx
Diy Battery Heater-----
W1209 Relay - amzn.to/3xqLATq
12V Heated Grips - amzn.to/45CeGeZ
12V 20W Silicone Heat Pads - amzn.to/4buniGd
12V 30W Silicone Heap Pad - amzn.to/3zn8lIj
Battery Chargers
Victron IP22 30A Smart Charger - amzn.to/4ce8U66
As an amazon Affiliate I will earn commissions from sales made using my links at no extra cost to you and all links are affiliated with vendors. - Навчання та стиль
I found this because the battery is now getting advertised on Amazon for £199. So I had to check that it wasn't a scam.
That has got to be the best battery tear down I have seen absolutely brilliant. You have definitely got a new subscriber.
Thanks for watching and commenting your support is appreciated 🙏
Using a 4 wire measurement on a 60W load tester, I was able to get 105.6 Ah/1360Wh @4.5 amps out of one of these, the test took approx 23:45hrs. Battery on 1st complete discharge and brand new. So they appear to be up to spec. Thanks for the effort you put into your videos.
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated as is your support, glad you got such good results. 👍
This was awesome 2 part video! Thank you so much!
You're so welcome!
Excellent review and tear down! I just purchased 4 to connect to my new elite go power solar/inverter kit!
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. Let us know how they perform for you. Cheers
Another informative video, thank you.
Thanks for your support 🙏 means a lot
After buying an Eco-Worthy 100 Ah direct from E-W Canada, and seeing your vids on same, I wanted 3 more. Alas, they and Amazon were sold out. Darn, as they say down on the docks. Searched for alternate. Found these vids about the Kepworth. Liked the price [389.00 Cdn + 13%T on Ebay], liked your autopsy results, and liked the quick free delivery from a warehouse here in Ontario. Sent order for 1. As with my Eco-Worthy, I performed a charge/discharge capacity test: 103.** Ah to 5.7 volts. Repeated the c/d test: 104.31 Ah to 8.5 volts. Allowing for excessive imprecision, that is dandy for a comparatively 'cheap' lifepo4 ,100 Ah battery. This unit will be dedicated to power a propane gas stove heater's blower during electrical service interruptions caused by storms in our rural area. The included charger will freshen its charge from time to time, and a 300 watt inverter will connect the battery and fan. Regards.
Thanks for taking time to comment 👍 appreciate it.
I've just bought my 2nd kepworth 200ah battery for the camper and watching this has only made me feel better about the investment. Top guy well 👍🏻
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment, it's appreciated
Fantastic review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏
Informative video.
I already bought two of these batteries from Ali. They work well but I did not know if they were trust worthy. Thanks to your video I know that they will function fine.
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. Only thing I personally didn't like was the charger that was supplied, I'd suggest using the main terminals for charging purposes.
Interestingly I found another video about a Kepworth battery. It's French but from what I gather the guy is saying it no longer holds charge after just 4 months and it's dogsh1t. Probably dodgy grade B cells inside, I guess you get what you pay for. I won't be buying one. Just seems as though a proper good quality lithium phosphate battery at an affordable price hasn't quite arrived yet. At least with AGM you know what you're getting are there is no poor quality BMS or dodgy used cells inside that will go wrong without warning.
ua-cam.com/video/Oq9jSVyMjuo/v-deo.html
1 year still good ?
I just received 2 of these batteries for my campervan. These batteries are gonna do the trick. I paid 719 euros for both on black Friday. Even if I get 95 amps from each one, I'm happy with my purchase. In parallel I'll get about 190+ amps. Sweet deal for the price. Thank you !
Great deal 👌 let us know how they work out, your experience will help others. Thanks
@@DCGUY Absolutely! I will !
Do you use them for starting, too?
Hello Roger, how is the experience after 5 months ? Cheers!
Thanks a lot for your videos about this battery. I just purchased one in US for $349.36 (this number includes 8.9% sales tax in my state/county).
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment, it's appreciated.
How's it been working now that it's been a year? Thanks.
Am aceasta baterie si sint foarte multumit de ia ❤❤❤
Very impressive for the money.
Thank you for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated
I've forgot who says it " I'm doing this so you don't have too " and I think breaking the battery into bits definitely fits that case.
These batteries are definitely on the cheap side of the market, but not sure if I would go for one with pouch cells .
So thank you for doing something we just wouldn't do , but would like to know , what is inside the box ? .
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. Pouch cells are fairly common still. They simply started to enclose them because of damage during shipping etc. They are the same chemistry lifepo4 you may see sold in cells.
Many thanks for your review I'm potentially going to be buying 4 of these for my new solar system I'm going to build at home.
Thank you for your support. It's really appreciated. Good luck with your upcoming projects. There's more videos in the making, including shunts etc
@@DCGUY Thank you will keep watching
Also they do sell 200ah versions too. You'd only need 2 and less cabling. They probably have 24 volt too. If you buy 2 12v 200ah you could go either 12v 400ah (parallel) or 24v @ 200ah (series)
@@DCGUY I did have a good look around its going to be for home use 250v inverter I'm looking at more capacity for my needs reason I was thinking 4 batteries
Yes it's better to oversize for future potential growth needs. I'd personally suggest a 24v or higher inverter simply to save on costs. Gets expensive when your buying 50mm² cables etc depending on run.
I've now purchased two kepworth 200w And they have only cost £1,140 There's an offer on business £50 off and £33 voucher currently too. So your review had definitely put me in that hole of Let's hope there good as they say? And it's not pouches in the 200ah and had two BMS there's a repair video on UA-cam
Thanks for sharing, let us know how they work out
Found these on Amazon, not much for pouch cells and soldered connections I'm not a big fan of either. I do believe the temperasture sensor should be in between the cells too. Think I'll give them a miss, thanks for the video though, subbed.
Appreciate the support 🙏
Looks good, my only concern would be them being pouch cells, are generally going to have MUCH less cycles than a typical hard-cased cell. Maybe I'm wrong but from what I understand they last only for something like 2000 cycles in perfect condition, and even high ambient temperatures they can lose capacity 2x as fast.
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. Pouch cells have evolved into the aluminium cased variants we now see but the chemistry is still the same. I would expect them to last as long as hard case cells with proper care. Time will tell. I'm still testing these cells alongside cased cells of the same capacity
@@DCGUY Search "kepworth" there is a another video (French language). The guy explains that this battery is poor quality and does not hold charge after only 4 months use.
This Kepworth 12v100ah battery is very interesting . It would be nice to know the exact length , width and height of the pouch-cell-pack without anything attached to it , to put several into a common box of minimum possible size..........................
Great videos. I have the Bluetooth enabled version of this on order. I was wondering if it was a “too good to be true” price, but this is very reassuring! Many thanks!
Thank you for taking time to watch and comment, it's appreciated. Let us know how the battery performs, your feedback will help others. Cheers 🍻
Am thinking about get the blue tooth version. Let me know how u get on x
How has the battery been one year out now? Thanks.
Thank you very much for this extensive review. Can you tell me how you would rate the safety of this battery? Regarding aspects like fire safety, toxicity of used materials, etc. Thank you very much in advance!
All batteries using lithium iron phosphate are considerably safer than other battery chemistries. Even lead acid can pose risks, especially the gases they vent. Lifepo4 utilise a management system to keep things in order, cell balance, over discharge etc. This particular battery is certainly safe to use however the supplied charger is not something I'd use or leave unattended. The USB port and charge ports have no inline fusing but wiring was correct and of the right gauge, USB only puts out a total of 5a (2.5a) each so you can't draw any more. Batteries in this price range are something of a lottery, but it's all down to budget and personal requirements. Hope this helps. 🙏
Thank you very much for your reply and taking the time for giving a useful answer!
I am considering this battery for my camper van. The battery will not be under supervision all the time while on charge. But as I understand, there is not much to worry about.
Hi. What about 24v 100ah Kepworth Battery ? Thanks
Those 3pin socket/plugs now being used, are usually signal controlled, in that you get stuck with having to buy from the same supplier/manufacture in order of being able to recharge, should it ever brake down.
It wouldn't surprise me. Luckily this wasn't the case on this battery. The charger is pretty bad 👎 Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏
Great video mate can you put two of them together to make 24v some like renogy you cant
Manufacturer says yes you can connect in series.
Can you make a video puting the pack together thanks
Was looking at these Battery's and thinking of about 4x 12v 200ah in parallel so 12v @ 800ah looking at the charger .. can you connect the SOLAR CHARGER MPPT direct to this battery posts so POS at on end and the NEG at the other end and connect the inverter at opposite posts
If you go to the downloads link at www.dcguy.co.uk there's a pdf wiring unlimited that should help you. Have you considered going with a 24v Inverter or are you using an existing one? Your SCC and Inverter can share the same posts but I'd use a negative busbar, proper fuse between battery & inverter positive cable and a suitable shunt. Again you may find some helpful information on my website.
Great video. Thanks for going to the effort to break these down. Do you have anymore thoughts on this manufacturer after 10 months. I'm considering changing out our boat 675AH lead acid house bank with 3 of the 200AH Kepworth batteries. Charging will be with a Mastervolt Mass Combi 12/200 100 amp inverter charger. I am investigating a dc to dc charger for the alternator and upgrading the 180W of solar through a Morningstar Sun Saver 20 PWT. to a mppt..
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. Have you looked at the fogstar range of batteries. I'd go that route, very similar money but much better grade A eve cells too. Also lead acid generally give 50% of rating, lifepo4 can provide 100% so you may only need 400Ah for your demands.
@@DCGUY unfortunately we are sailing in Asia so the Fogstar option is not available. That is why I was interested in the quality of the Kepworth. Do you have any other suggestions for Chinese manufacturers. We have just arrived in Taiwan from Japan. Heading towards the Philippines when weather settles.
Difficult to give other suggestions I'm afraid. Given your time at sea, perhaps a marine grade is a better option for you, bit pricier but designed for boat use. Check the local search engines, bound to be loads available in taiwan.
Muchas gracias por tu vídeo. Yo la experiencia que tengo con ésta marca, es que compré una batería en febrero y en junio dejó de cargar. La empresa no me hace caso y no atiende a la garantía.
Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para mirar y comentar. Lamento que tengas problemas con la batería. no utilice el cargador suministrado. Parece que el bms ha entrado en protección de bajo voltaje.Utilice un cargador de mayor amperaje de 10 amperios a 14 V para activar el bms
Hey can you charge it from +/- terminal or only the special port if its stock? Does the big to terminals go in BMS or only 3 pin connector?
Hi, thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Yes you can charge using the main positive and negative terminals. The side charge port is simply branched from the main terminals and cables used rated at 10 amps. I don't like the aviation port but as long as you use their supplied 7amp charger and don't try adding a higher amperage charger it should be fine. There is no fuse from aviation port input either.
@@DCGUY with how high amps you recomend to charge 100Ah and 60Ah?
Thanks for the video.
I bought one of 12v 100ah battery in June 2023.
After 5 months it doesn't work anymore. BMS seems to have stopped working. When I measure the terminals with a multimeter, it shows 0V. When I connect the charger, the voltage is correct. I conclude that the problem is in the BMS. Can you suggest how and with which BMS I could replace the existing one?
Of course, I am not satisfied with the reaction of AliExpress, which offered a refund of only €70 or a return and refund (which, of course, is not acceptable due to the customs procedure).
Thany you for reply!
Does sound like the bms has failed in some way. Any 100a bms would do but it will require some wiring for balance leads etc. If your in the uk drop me an email as I'm sure I still have the bms from when I dismantled this battery.
On Amazon the Ad seems to suggest its got Low Temp cut off, did you see anything like that?
There wasn't on the one I had, but they may have changed things since.
Exact Same as my scream power 100ah lifepo4.
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. It's appreciated. That's good to know,.
In a japanese teardown video there was mention of the bms being only 50a.
It wouldn't surprise me. with cheaper batteries it's a lottery but the one I tested is 100ah.
Can you please check and let know if BMS is cutting off charge at low temperatures ?
It has no now temperature protection
Do you know if there is there a low temp disconnect on these?
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. It only has over temperature protection (thermal). You could perhaps change the bms with a Daly or JBD with low temperature sensor if your able/ willing too or try keep it somewhere above 5 degrees.
The heat gun test you did, how many watts is it or how many watts approximately was it running at please?
It's a 2000w 2 speed heat gun. So I was running at 1000w a\c drawing 80 amps DC
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.
The Victron Smartshunt shows a consumption of 1000W, but the heat gun says 2000W. Does the gun have a 1000W level or what's wrong there?
Hi thanks for taking time to comment its appreciated. Yes its a 2 speed heat setting heat gun. 2000w max.
@@DCGUY ok, Thanks.
Don't FETs fail on if they overheat?
If true i spose it's better to shut them off before the BMS can no longer control them 🤔 hence the over temp is there rather than on the batteries ?
Better BMSs have extra sensors fir the cells 🤔
Thanks for watching and commenting its appreciated. Yes high end bms systems offer low temp, over temp protection options as well as voltage. I personally like the bms having the protection as if its getting hot you know the cells are over working
Great review !!
I want to buy the bluetooth version!
Any review for this model ???
Thanks
Sorry, but i haven't looked at that battery
Great test!
-Can I charge the battery with the alternator of my outboard motor? People say that it might give “spikes” that might damage the bms. Charing is about 10 amps.
-You say the 220v charger is bad. What is bad about it? What do you recommend to buy instead? Are there lifepo4 chargers 220v that can charge 3 or 4 battery’s simultaneously?
Hi thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. The supplied charger only supplies 7amps and its not a charger I'd leave unsupervised. Some have said theirs was wired in reverse polarity and the side charge port is not able to support higher amps. As for charging from an alternator it's all dependent on the alternator capabilities. I would personally use a DC to DC charger between the alternator and batteries. Again your alternator specs will need looked at. Using a dc to dc charger will protect the battery and alternator. Lifepo4 batteries are very different from lead acid or AGM chemistry in that they can charge at higher amps and absorption is different too. If you have a 100Ah lifepo4 you can charge to the amperage the BMS can accept. The maximum for the Kepworth is 60 Amps. You can charge as many batteries as you want simultaneously using a single suitably rated lifepo4 charger. If you put batteries of 12v 100ah in series the voltage doubles but amp hours stay the same. In parallel the voltage stays the same but amp hours increase. If you plan on using an AC charger, I use victron 30 amp smart charger which can charge 3 batteries independently. They also have a single version. There are links and info on www.dcguy.co.uk under tools etc. If you plan on buying batteries stay with the same brand as they share the same specs and bms. Again you'll see details online. If you look on the van / boat conversion page you'll see links to dc to dc Chargers. Buy the best you can afford as lifepo4 have a long lifespan Hope this helps. 👌
@@DCGUY Thanks for your answers. If I use the VictronConnect 12/30. Do i have to put in on the big poles or on the extra 3 pole connector?
@@DCGUY Is the Bluetooth version of the kepworth battery better or is it good enough to read the VictronConnect Bluetooth details?
Use the main battery terminals. They are rated for higher charge rating.
The Bluetooth will give more details of the battery overall. Eg each cells voltage but I've not used the Bluetooth version but I can assume it's more or less the same as others. The victron gives different data on the actual charge cycles of the battery.
Hi. Have you tested this battery over a longer time period? I saw a comment that said a French guy had a vid on here saying they only lasted 4 months. Also, how do you rate the Edecoa inverter? I'm looking to build a system in my motorhome so any advice will be appreciated. Thanks
The one I used in the test worked away fine until I took it apart as I'd damaged a cell during disassembly. I then puncture tested the cell to see what happened. Fogstar batteries are better value now. I've not seen anyone have issues with kepworth. Edecoa hasn't caused any issues for me, but you can now buy a victron for similar money. Depends on the size you need but do your homework.
@@DCGUY My Kepworth 12v 100ah will be getting no mercy, it will be 100% discharged every other week or so, all year round, I will report back if it stops working or starts to drop off in capacity, until then assume all is well at 105.6 Ah/1360 Wh.
🍻 cheers.
@@johnshaw359 how's the battery now John?
Хороший тест, акум держит свое
Just a quick question does the BMS provide overcharge protection? I am going to use my all in one solar hybrid inverter. It has the option to input user settings. It will work providing it has over charge protection. Many thanks in advance
Hi, yes it says the BMS will protect it from overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, and short circuit with excellent self-discharge rate. Built-in temperature protection function, BMS cuts off charging below -4℉（-20°C）,high temp cut off prevents charging over 158℉（70℃.
@@DCGUY thank you so much, I feel more confident about spending 2 grand on batteries. Glad to know I will not have to buy another hybrid inverter. Thanks again
Your more than welcome. Out of interest on my part what inverter are you using? Cheers 🍻
@@DCGUY I am using a MMP all in one 2000watt at 24v I have ordered 3 kepworth 24v at 100 amp batteries. The inverter is 299 on eBay. It is brilliant solar controller,smart charger and inverter all I. One.
Thank you, The all in ones are great value for money compared to individual components. Please let me know how things go when you are up and running as your feedback may help others in the future. Best Regards 👌
A quick question re the pouch cells. I’ve just bought a 200ah 12v Lifepo4 and had assumed (going by pictures on AliExpress) it had 4 prismatics.
Turns out it has four sets of pouch cells inside. I couldn’t help being disappointed, but should I be? First tests it pulled around 215ah, better than expected. I think I’d hoped to get a battery more easily repaired with prismatic cells.
What’s your thoughts Bill?
Hi Den, hope all is well 🙏 Yes some images are very misleading but they are technically prismatic cells, but people associate that to mean they are encased in aluminium. Part of the reason they started encapsulating the cells better was to help protect them during transit as the softer pouches were getting damaged etc. They are still lifepo4 battery cells which are widely used in everyday electronics. The auto industry also drove demand for encapsulated cells. While pouch cells don't offer the same ease of replacement of cells, it can be done but I doubt that would ever be an issue. The retailer should not mislead consumers with incorrect images though. That sucks.
@@DCGUY Thanks Bill 🙂
To be honest, they didn’t strictly promote that the cells were prismatic, but I had seen a strip down of a 400ah version which had prismatic inside.
I’d gone this direction to get away from my mistake on the Ultramax and now have a battery with just as complex internals! Lol. Thanks for your thoughts, the battery looks well put together, as you say it shouldn’t be needing me working at it anytime soon. Cheers
@@DCGUY out of interest Renogy sell two types of 100ah batteries, the older version has pouch cells the newer one i believe has Prasmatic (the version with built in Bluetooth), they claim the pouch version is good for 4000 cycles and the blue tooth version for 2000, funny thing is they are selling the bluetooth version for £485 and the pouch model at £539 which means you would will have to pay extra for and external blue too module (£29) pushing the price up to £568. the bluetooth verion (prasmatic) is heavier by 1.1kg. which one is better? who knows?
Thanks for letting me know. This is interesting 🤔
What’s the maximum instantaneous current it can supply? I think I saw the internal resistance being 4.8mOhm, so would that mean 200Amp? Would it start a car?
The bms is designed to handle 100 amps continuous with a small amount of headroom for momentary start up surges. It's not designed to start a vehicles engine.
@@DCGUY How is it that other brands are offering a LiFePo4 battery for automobile starting such as Antigravity. If it’s the same chemistry, then what is different?
There's a huge difference between starting a motorcycle engine and a typical car or van. With a custom BMS you could perhaps get enough cold crank amps but the life of the battery would suffer. Stick with lead acid for starting engines, its what they do well.
I have one of these my bms has mosfet blown but it still working
Thank you for watching taking time to comment. The batteries do have a warranty, have you contacted where you bought it from? I would as they supposedly have a 5 year warranty. If all else fails you can retrofit a bms of your choice rated for the Amps.
I need advice on choosing the right battery. Which one is the best (48v 200ah 10kwh) or (24v 400ah 5.1kwh). Thanks
Hi, it really depends on how you intend to use the battery. What inverter will you be using and what voltage that inverter is rated for.. Higher voltage systems will draw less amps, whereas lower voltage systems will draw higher amps to power the same load.. Some but not all 48v server rack batteries are not always compatible with some inverters software, so if going that route make sure the battery can communicate with the inverter. I'd personally look at the 48v but again it's down to intended use and watt hours you require to meet your needs. If you haven't done so already, do a power audit. There's details on my Web www.dcguy.co.uk that may help you further. 🍻
Many thanks
@@DCGUY I heard DC over 30 volts can be dangerous for humans. That's why many people prefer 24V systems.
Another great video and I've subscribed. Looks a decent LiFePO4 battery for the money in comparison to some for sale in the UK.
My kit can run at 64 amps maximum but only used on average 20-32amps
Would the battery still produce power if the BMS failed?
The reason I ask is my ebike lithium battery pack doesn't have a BMS but still works.
Thanks so much for your support 🙏 I'm surprised your ebike doesn't utilise a BMS, it's an essential part of the battery system. Yes it would run, but given the juice they need I'd be worried about over discharging / charging as well as overall cell management. Any idea what cells are utilised. Are they cylinder or pouches?
@@DCGUY May be the bms system is built into the motors controller but I couldn't see it inside the battery casing, may be its a lot smaller than that in your video. 2 years in and so far so good on ebike. Ok thanks for confirming, I'm certainly tempted at buying this one in your review here to power my 12v trolling boat motor.
@@DCGUY They are 18650s.
@@DCGUY They are cylinder.
@@DCGUY Hailong down tube battery on my ebike. Take a look on your search engine what they look like inside & let me know further please. I'm definitely tempted in purchasing this one in your link. Is it Chinese stock waiting upto 2 months for it do you know?
Hi really like your videos, they are awesome, I have the Same battery you are testing. I have been trying to run a maximum 1500watt heater just in my campervan though a novopal 3000w pure sine inverter but can only manage to get it to run for 10 minutes before inverter shuts down. Using the 4 cable supplied for the inverter. when I clamp test the cable it's showing 145amp on both pairs or there about , but in your video your using a 2000 a heatgun on high and only showing 80amps, and run for over an hour or so. I'm not using a shunt so battery parameters not adjusted. Do have a video of the test I have done but not your standard. Any advice welcome. Thanks.
While I am using a 2000w heat gun, it's actually running on low (1000w) hence the Amps being in the 83 range. Pulling 1500w at 12v will give 125A which is above the BMS 100A design limits. I'm assuming the inverter is cutting off because of the BMS is getting hot as opposed to low voltage. You would really need 2 batteries in parallel to run anything over 1000w for a long time period as they will share the demands.
@@DCGUY hi, thanks for your reply. Understand what you're saying, but battery doesn't feel hot, and get if you are running at 1000w that makes more sense. It seems to pull over 140amp when I used my clamp meter. Bit if that is the parameters of the battery that is fine. Thanks.
I have a question to ask. What will happen to my lithium battery if I did not use it for a year? Thanks
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 This is great question. There are white papers on this very subject. All batteries have a self discharge rate, yet despite having a BMS to power lithium-batteries have a very low % discharge rate. Its never a good idea to leave any battery chemistry unused over extended periods. However lithium-batteries also have much lower degradation rates compared to lead acid. From data I've read your battery will recover when recharged but with some slight degradation in performance. These rates vary too based on storage voltages and there are arguments about storing at 100% charge over 50% charge. If I had to leave a lifepo4 for a year with no power sources I'd use an Inexpensive solar battery maintainer to help protect my investment.
@@DCGUY Appreciated your reply. Thanks
@@DCGUY I heard some rumors that it's best to keep 50% SOC for long term storage. Other people say 80% is better.
Thanks for the informative video. I'm going to buy 2pcs 100ah batteries and connect them in parallel to get 200ah, will I also use a more powerful charger and charge through the main terminals. Can the charger charge 2 batteries at the same time with this connection? And in general, what are the reviews and impressions about this battery after a while of use?
Hi, thanks for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated. Yes you can charge in parallel but best to charge each individually initially before joining them together. I've not personally seen anything bad as yet with these, but haven't dug that deep. They do have a 12v 200ah version link this amzn.to/3B0igl8 which would probably be cheaper than buying 2 individual batteries. If your in the uk check fogstar out they have a 230Ah version as well as 100Ah etc that are very well put together and have bt and self heating.
@@DCGUY Thank you for your answer, I found 200ah in Germany for EUR699, I am really not sure if this price is good, maybe there is something better for this price.
@@DCGUY I checked fogstar site and they are now collecting pre-orders for the end of February 23😀
They seem a very popular choice.
Shop around and watch out for import duties etc. I bought mine from here s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdSOTJ9 as they had uk stock, you could message the seller and ask.
Are these batteries any good ? I'm looking for one for my camper. 200ah why is so cheap when other can cost 3 times more ? Thanks for the video
The build quality is on the lowest end of the scale from all my teardowns, but those who own them seem happy enough. It really depends on intended use, possible amp demand etc but the prices on lifepo4 are falling daily so look at the specs of similar priced batteries, bms size, charge and discharge rates and buy what suits. Also make sure you can use a battery in series in case you ever decide to use 24v. Not all can including renogy pro.
@@DCGUY I really appreciate your reply, can I ask you one more thing? you seem like the guy who might have an answer for me. In a month time i need to move in to camper for full time living. Im looking for easy solution. you know powerstations like bluetti or aferyiy. Do you know if I could charge afeiry p210 with solar panel and also with the alternator(car battery) when engine is running? can't get the answer anywhere! ;/
I've been looking at upgrading my inverters. 3 years old now. Cheap Chinese inverter but surprisingly go. I've seen the one you have, any good?
Thanks for taking time to comment. You are referring to the Edecoa 3500w 12v inverter I use. So far it's been a good experience, it met my own requirements but its not exactly cheap when compared to some hybrid units out there. I like a few things about it, namely how well spaced the main battery terminals are ( many are very close to each other) and I like the hardwire option for an extension to be added. My only gripe is the on/off switch is small and in a bad place. If you use the socket outlet next to it, it's tricky to access. I've boiled a kettle (3000w) no issues but haven't ever asked more of it in wattage requirements. I've also looked inside and it seems to be well put together but can't really vouch for actual component quality as that's outside my scope of knowledge. I'm hopeful it will continue to serve with no issues.
@@DCGUY great website by the way. I saw the hardware option. Seemed like a great idea, ideally I want 3000 continous output but 2000 watt would be acceptable for my needs. Any ideas?? I'm pretty tight with money so anything Chinese is fine
Thank you. I can't really make any specific recommendations but would say buy the biggest watt rating / pure sine wave you can afford or better still if what you have already is meeting your needs stick with it. With all the new hybrids coming out, traditional high frequency inverters are going to come down in price to compete. Shop around, check aliexpress too but be sure to verify store feedback, years trading etc before buying. I fell for a fake store once, eventually got reimbursement but was a headache. I did buy a wrelb 24v once from Amazon but sent that back after taking a peek at components, didnt even hook it up tbh and maybe it would have worked fine but it didn't instil confidence. Giandel seem to have a decent following but I've never used one.
Nice Video ! Does the BMS also switch off if the charging voltage is too high?
Thanks for watching & taking time to comment. The manufacturer states the BMS has a max charge rate of 50 amps but its not something i could actually test as i only have 40 amp charger. Hopefully do this test when i get another charger.
@@DCGUY Okay, thank you, my victron charge regulator has charged to 14.95 volts. I hope I did not overcharge the battery.
Oh I see I initially thought you meant how many amps you can charge with. The bms would stop you overcharging the actual cells so you neednt be concerned.
@@DCGUY I think in another comment to this video you mentioned 60 amps max.
Yes, it goes high-resistance to charging.
"Is the charge port also protected by the BMS?" Yes it looks like it - ua-cam.com/video/Q7yrfzBE95o/v-deo.htmlsi=FxVv4xgeL8z3D2fU&t=1108
Did you get the Bluetooth version? Was it on the play store
Hi, no I didn't get the bms Bluetooth version.
hello I bought this battery after a 14 hour charge the led turns green, after 10 minutes it starts charging again and stops and stops again... indefinitely is this normal? THANKS. this is the original charger
Sounds normal, the bms looks after each cells balance and being a passive balancing unit it will be equalising voltage.
@@DCGUY thx, I use the 100ah version to power a dashcam azdome m550 with 3ch in full hd. it takes about 9/10 days in continuous recording. do you think it's ok considering the battery? thank you for your work great video
I already have solar panels installed through a government scheme which cannot be interfered with. I have been thinking about a hybrid system which consists of a battery charger for the battery and an inverter which has mains power extensions going to fairly low wattage appliances in the front room. What are your thoughts on this? I would be using the supplied charger fitted to a timer which would switch off at night.
Hi Bill, thanks for watching and taking time to comment. If you are UK based you may hit some complications (DNO) with a hybrid if it is any way connected to the grid even if its just to charge batteries) G99 applications etc. Its a minefield of red tape. However if its totally off grid there's no requirement to my knowledge that you have to notify your DNO. You don't mention if you will be using the existing solar panels or looking to add some more independent panels. Depending on your requirements you may be better using a stand alone inverter which you can connect to a small consumer unit to feed some new cable runs. Like you I have an existing solar installation which is grid tied & not allowed to amend. As such I got some panels, a charge controller, inverter etc and ran new 2.5mm cables to outlets where could utilise my battery bank. As I use solar charger as well as mains charger for back up only (charger is not connected to grid power unless needed) this set up works for me, no red tape to deal with. As long as the hybrid is off grid entirely it is fine as far as I'm aware, the red tape comes into play where the hybrid is connected to the grid in any way. A local electrician would of course do the paperwork if they are hired to do the work.
@@DCGUY Here's what I am planning. I already have 10x 500watt panels on the roof. I will use the free electricity to charge the batteries up via a 10 to 15 amp battery charger during the day. I will connect the batteries up to an Inverter which has two electrical sockets. I will plug extension leads into these and run them to the TV etc. There is no connection to the grid. I don't think what I have uses much power, mainly a large screen TV and led lighting. I am hoping the battery charger would be enough.
That sounds perfectly good. A couple of pointers for you. 1). Be sure to fuse between battery & inverter which I'm sure you already know. 2. Stay under the A/C & wattage limit of the inverter. For example I have a 3500w 12v inverter with dual sockets. My maximum A/C output is 16 amps (approx 318 DC amps needed) . A basic fridge freezer will draw about 10 A/C amps, a TV anything from 4 - 15 A/C amps depending on screen size so I know I can't run certain items at the same time. However if it were a 24v Inverter, the DC Amps needed would reduce to under 170 DC Amps. What you can power & for how long is down to the size of battery Bank, its voltage, inverter wattage rating, its efficiency and what the inverter can deliver on the AC output side. A quick power audit of the items you want to run using a plug in watt meter will give you the numbers you'll need.
@@DCGUY Yes, just looking into a 12 volt system at present but a 24 volt system has not been ruled out. As this is my first attempt at this, I want to start small and avoid wasting money so I will opt for just one battery. The Kepworth batteries come complete with 7 amp chargers. I have emailed them to see if the 12 volt batteries can be charged whilst in use. I also want to know if they can be charged whilst in series should I later purchase another battery.
As far as I am aware they can be series connected and charged at the same time as use but I was not a fan of the 7amp charger they supplied at the time I bought mine. Hopefully they improved the newer ones.
Great video. I bought this battery and so far cannot fault it. I received it 100% charge according to my voltmeter at 13.6v. I ran a motor drawing 20A for one and a half hour and my voltmeter now reads 100% at 13.2v. Obviously not still at 100% so what voltage would you suggest I programme my voltmeter for 100% and 0%? Thanks
Thank you for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated
To answer your question you will need to understand how lithium-batteries voltages are not the same as lead acid batteries. You cannot rely on a volt meter. I would suggest you use a battery shunt like this amzn.to/3yvqVMd for an accurate state of charge. They connect on the negative side of the battery. Once you have fully charged the battery install the shunt & set it to 100%. You will then see true voltages, amp hours used, and other useful data. I hope this helps.
@@DCGUY that's great thanks, I never even heard of a shunt, will definitely look to get that! Any tips on getting my charger (third party one that clips onto terminals) to actually charge it now as when I attach it it's reading 100% and won't charge?
A lead acid battery charger is usually programmed to stop charging at around 12.6 - 12.8 volts whereas lithium-batteries are usually 13.3v. Lifepo4 need a simple bulk/absorption charge profile. Being a 100Ah battery you really should use a higher amp rated charger with lifepo4 profiles like the victron amzn.to/38hri23 as an example. Many Chargers falsley claim they are suitable for lithium-batteries so be sure to choose carefully. The higher the amp rating the faster your battery can charge. I use victron 30amp personally but that's probably more than you would need. Hope this aids you.
Thanks, very helpful video.
I have 2 Kapworth 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries with built in BMS
and Axpert VMIV-3.6K5.6K 24V Inverter. The batteries are connected in series
(the manufacturer allows up to 4 connected in series).
Questions:
1. Will the built-in BMS (4 cells) work correctly as in
one battery 24V 100AH (8 cells)?
2. In the inverter settings, under Battery type selection for
there are two options for lithium batteries:
- compatible with the Lib protocol (what kind of protocol is this?),
- other lithium batteries.
If you select "other lithium batteries", you need to
set parameters: maximum charging current, bulk charging voltage
(C.V voltage) , float charge voltage, low DC cut-off voltage.
Which option (battery type) would you recommend?
Hi, Q1. Yes. Q2. I believe Lib protocol is RS485 communication between compatible BMSs with that function. You will need to select "other lithium-batteries" and set the values based upon the battery manufacturer specifications, low dc voltage cut off should be set at what your comfortable taking the battery down too. Eg 29.2v is average 24v battery full, 20v = empty. So if your looking to prolong battery life, I'd not go below 25v. But its a personal choice. Also I would suggest you charge each battery individually until fully charged using a 12v charger. Once both are charged you can connect in PARALLEL & leave overnight to equalise THEN connect in SERIES. Hope this helps 🙏
@@DCGUY Thank You.
Have you worked with an inverter VMIV-3.6K5.6K 24V? If yes, I would like to consult with You.
Sorry, I haven't any experience with that inverter.
@@DCGUY How You think is needed to enable equalization mode in an inverter for my batteries? They hevs BMS which execute this function. Am I right?
The BMS will look after the cell balancing for you.
Hi, can it be charged via the top terminals?
Hello and thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Yes it is actually best to charge using the terminals. The charger that is supplied is not very good. Don't charge via side port and main terminals at the same time.
@@DCGUY Ok thank you. I see they are still in stock via your link, I'm very tempted. 🙂
The 200ah version in your link looks a beast from the outside and I certainly wouldn't need to worry to much about the range & time out my boat compared to the 100ah.
The 100ah would give me approximately 2 to 3 hours out on the water and the 200ah approximately 5 hours out on the water going by the manufacturers specifications sheet and taking everything into consideration and averages etc etc. Decisions decisions 🤔
Thank you for watching and taking time to comment 🙏 it's appreciated
Its now been several months, how did the capacity fair up?
It's still delivering an average 98Ah and so far I've had no issues with it. For the price paid I can't complain.
@@DCGUY Ok thanks for your reply. Yes its a great price for a LiFePO4, noticed today they still sell them on Amazon. Did you upgrade or use a better charger than the one supplied with it? I remember in one of your video's you weren't all that impressed with the charger that came with it?
Hi, yes the supplied charger was very poor quality overall so I just use the victron 30A charger I got as I originally only had a 10A charger that was slow.
@@DCGUY Ok thanks again, approximately how long does it take to recharge it from flat using your 30a Victron?
I'm very tempted to buy the battery now.
I've not actually payed attention to the time it takes to recharge so can't say. Sorry.
Hi can I ask I have purchased 2 100ah kepworth lithium batteries. I want to run a airfryer. I have a duirite 2500w inverter. Thanks
What voltage are you planning on using? Is the inverter 12v? Or 24?
@@DCGUYit's 12v
@@DCGUY and I have 35mm starter cable and a 250a fuse is that OK and the inverter is about 2 to 3 foot away. Thanks for your help
2500w inverter at 12V will pull a maximum 209 Amps. 35mm copper cable is rated for 240 Amps. Fuses are there to protect wires, I would drop the fuse size to cater for the maximum Amps you expect to pull from your air fryer. Check www.dcguy.co.uk for details.
@@DCGUY thank you
would you use one on a yacht
Probably not, better with a marine grade.
Hello everyone.I bought this Battery with normal 7 A charger.Can I charge with 30 A charger? Will it overheat?Thanks
I believe the maximum charge rate is around 60 - 70 amps so a 30A charger is OK 👍 Its good practice to supervise any battery chemistry when charging whenever possible.
@@DCGUY thanks.
Do you think that its possible to charge through Aviation plug with 30A?
I wouldn't go that route, wires from the aviation socket aren't rated for higher charge rate. 12awg is used (25 amp.)
@@DCGUY thanks again
Subscribed👍
I have 4 batteries exactly the same can I connect them all in parallel and charge them ??? is there any restriction ??? if you know tell me please
There's nothing stopping you from doing this just use a suitable rated charger and place positive charge cable to further most positive and negative to nearest negative. You can also connect the charge cables in the middle of your battery Bank so two batteries either side [B1]~[B2] + - [B3]~[B4] which is also suitable. If you just bought the batteries I'd charge them individually before joining them. Hope this makes sense. 🙏
@@DCGUY I will charge it full first and then I will connect them all together and then you will charge them all together and I will not have any problems correctly I understood ??? I do not need every time to charge them one by one to disconnect them properly ???
yes charge individually 1st. Take voltage reading on each battery. Connect together and leave overnight preferably to equalise then check each battery voltage. The battery bank will only be as good as the lowest battery voltage. You can then charge as a bank.
@@DCGUY because she was happy with the company I bought from and they told me that I can connect them all together in parallel but not to charge it while they are connected to each other even if I connect only 1 battery to charge so that the other batteries are not connected and it made me great disappointment you what I am saying have you tried to have all the batteries connected in parallel and it is charging ??? have you tried it tell me please because I'm afraid of damaging the batteries
I am assuming they are 12v batteries? Each battery has its own battery management system to protect them. You must use a proper charger, not the one supplied with the battery. Do not try and charge the battery bank using the side charge port.
Intro sounds makes me nervous ;))
😆 it's just a friendly reminder that electricity is scary 😨 😳
My fake 100ah lifepo4 Falls at 12,2V after only one Minute. Only 0,3C i discharge it.
After 18min it has Just 12v.
The battery get helped by a solar panel, still less powerfull.
Does it read how many cycles?
6000 @ 70% 2000 @ 100%
@@DCGUY Ok thanks, very good.
that:"heat sink sheet" is mica, not metal 🙂
Cheers 🍻
Search "kepworth" there is a another video (French language). The guy explains that this battery is poor quality and does not hold charge after only 4 months use. It uses poor quality pouch cells.
The pouch cells themselves are undoubtedly b grade but I'm still trialing with them. It's such a lottery with budget batteries but it shouldn't be.
J'ai acheté une batterie pour moto défectueuse. Aliexpress n'a rien voulu savoir et KEPWORTH a proposé de renvoyer à mes frais la batterie pour l'expertiser, ce que je n'ai pas fait car les frais de transport étaient disproportionnés par rapport au pris de la batterie (+ de 100€ quand même)
Je l'ai autopsié en découpant précautionneusement le haut du boitier et à l'intérieur l'un des éléments (comme un sac souple) avait un volume 4 fois plus grand que les autres....
Aliexpress est une vraie arnaque car ne protège pas le client mais le vendeur, le délai de dépôt des avis et celui de retour d'un article défectueux est bien trop faibleen cas de problème.
C'est vraiment dommage, merci d'avoir partagé votre expérience
Warum sehen Zellen aus wie Li-Ion???
Lifepo4 ist schließlich doch blau, oder???🧐🧐🧐
You are thinking about prismatic cells, usually in a blue casing. Pouch cells can be li-ion (lipo) but these are Lifepo4 cells.
@@DCGUY Danke für die Antwort)
Ich habe solche Zellen noch nie gesehen. Normalerweise sehe ich nur Blau
Daher bin ich davon ausgegangen, dass es sich um Li-Ionen LG E63-Zellen handelt
Ich glaube auch nicht, dass es lifepo4 sind, sondern andere gebrauchte li ion Batterien. So einen Mist hab ich auch zu Hause. Die Spannung wird erst bei 12,2v stabil anstelle 12,8v.
24V/100Ah/Fuse 100A: BMS under Fire! Do not buy. Warranty? Forget it.