Can a 12V DC Source Efficiently Charge a 16.9V Lithium Ion Battery Pack?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and safety of charging a 16.9V lithium-ion battery pack using a 12V DC source. Participants explore the implications of charging efficiency, safety protocols, and the technical requirements for lithium battery charging.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether a 12V DC source can effectively charge a 16.9V battery pack and raises concerns about potential efficiency loss and charging limits.
  • Several participants emphasize the dangers of incorrectly charging lithium batteries, warning against directly connecting a 12V source to a 16.9V battery without a proper charger.
  • Another participant mentions having a shut-off switch for the battery pack, suggesting that this feature mitigates the risk of overcharging.
  • Concerns are raised about the precision required in charging lithium batteries, particularly for multi-cell configurations, and the limitations of using a 12V source to power a suitable charger.
  • Repeated inquiries seek clarification on the technical reasons behind the inability to connect the battery pack directly to the 12V source, despite the presence of safety features.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the safety risks associated with charging lithium batteries but express differing views on the feasibility of using a 12V source for this purpose. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific technical reasons for the limitations of direct connection.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for precise charging procedures for lithium batteries and the potential risks involved, but the discussion does not resolve the underlying technical assumptions or definitions related to charging protocols.

Puglife
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Hi, I have built a large, lithium ion battery bank, so that I may power some of my projects from battery. The bank is 10,000 milliamp hours at 16.9 volts, and was wondering the following.

Can I charge my 16.9 volt battery pack with a 12 volt dc source? would It decrease the efficiency? Would my battery pack only charge up to 12 volts?

Thank you all for your help! it is much appreciated!
 
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If you incorrectly charge a lithium battery you can easily cause a fire. Use a charger designed to charge a 16.9V Li battery pack from a 12V battery do not just connect it directly to a 12V source.
 
CWatters said:
If you incorrectly charge a lithium battery you can easily cause a fire. Use a charger designed to charge a 16.9V Li battery pack from a 12V battery do not just connect it directly to a 12V source.
what is the reason I can not just directly connect my battery pack to the 12v source?
 
A piece of information that i forgot to include, is that i have a shut off switch for my battery pack, so i cannot overcharge them. The bank is also large enough, that I do not have to worry about charging it at too high of a current, because my power source only puts out 1 amp, which is 10% of its capacity, so I am well within charging current.
 
Please read something about electronics, and especially how to charge lithium batteries. No way you will connect a 12V source directly to a 16.9V lithium battery twice.

Lithium batteries require a very precise charging procedure. Especially multi-cell banks.

You might be able to use 12V to power a charger designed for a 16.9V multi-cell lithium battery, but 1A might be a limitation.
 
meBigGuy said:
Please read something about electronics, and especially how to charge lithium batteries. No way you will connect a 12V source directly to a 16.9V lithium battery twice.

Lithium batteries require a very precise charging procedure. Especially multi-cell banks.

You might be able to use 12V to power a charger designed for a 16.9V multi-cell lithium battery, but 1A might be a limitation.
so what is the actual reason why I cannot just directly plug it into my 12 volt source? I cannot overcharge them, because I have a shutoff switch, that is designed for that very purpose of shutting off lithium ion charging, as well as I do not pass the input amperage rating of the Lipos.
 
Thread closed due to safety concerns.
 

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