1.) The charger would have 10 to 35 times more points of failure.Can I build a charger from laptop chargers or PC power supplies?
PC power supply - 12v 300W 25A. I will need 10 of those to get 120v and 25A to charge my batts. Would this be doable?
I'd need about 35 laptop chargers to do it...![]()
That's what a charger is... why need/use power supplies in the first place then?I'll do the limiting of voltage and current myself, just using the transformators.
Yeah lot's of points to break but it won't cost $2k...
Hi. My 2 cents on this is that you will go nuts trying to mod so many power supplies, deal with all of those fans and their boxy bulk. But your point about not having to spend >$2K is well taken. Look on this forum for a thread called "$200 charger" or something like that where folks are building lower cost chargers that perform well.
Done right, your idea has merit. I picked up a box of 20 DC/DC converters from eBay for $200 that I might use for something like that. Those DC/DC can take a rectified 120V AC input and output the ~13VDC you need to charge each of your batteries. Search for "VICOR DC-DC Converter, VI-251-09" being sold by Azure Dynamics on eBay. It's a great deal even if you don't plan to use them on a charger.
BTW, what in the world is a "transformator"? Something like a transformer inside a gator? sorry...
JR
It really isn't simple though, is it? That's why there aren't even any good ones you can buy for $2k. You can get an even better idea by the length of the "DIY $200 home made charger" thread. And the components are quite expensive if you need 5kw+ charger.But really creating a custom power supply is best. I think $2k for a simple charger is rather expensive.
It really isn't simple though, is it? That's why there aren't even any good ones you can buy for $2k. You can get an even better idea by the length of the "DIY $200 home made charger" thread. And the components are quite expensive if you need 5kw+ charger.
Be careful, because if you don't let the chargers finish every time, your pack will be unbalanced for that ride because it's unlikely the three chargers put out the exact amount of amps.