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sparrowhawk1 · 22-04-2014, 05:17

Balquon shipping is free. But I agree that if a company won't communicate with you probably not a good idea to buy from them. And thanks for the link

Maine Sail · 22-04-2014, 05:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

Balquon shipping is free. But I agree that if a company won't communicate with you probably not a good idea to buy from them. And thanks for the link

Wow!! Many on here who've bought them, including me, paid $300.00 +/-!!!

sparrowhawk1 · 22-04-2014, 05:50

I checked their website before posting and I don't know If all the batteries are free shipping but the ones I'm interested in are. but I don't think I'm going to buy from them.

sparrowhawk1 · 22-04-2014, 06:10

Just followed the link that main sail gave us. 70ah cell was 95 on sale for $85 free shipping. 400ah $499. Besides it being a better price, to me it makes more sense to buy a bunch of small cells than a few large ones. that way in the future if I have a bad cell it will be cheaper to replace or I could just take 4 out of the Bank and save three as spares. just did the math the 70 ah would come out to $485 if multiplied into 400 ah

Hkalan · 22-04-2014, 06:23

Hello,

Well... I took a train today to visit a factory. Crossed the boarder of Hong Kong and into Mainland China (Shenzhen). Got to see how the LifePO4 cells are put together... As well as started the bargaining process. Got the price down a bit, but the big boss returns from Shanghai on Thursday. Going back to visit a few more factories then as well !!!

The 3.2v 500Ah at this factory are 330mm X 379.5mm X 84mm

Here is a picture.

Alan
Attachment 79706

sparrowhawk1 · 22-04-2014, 06:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

Just followed the link that main sail gave us. 70ah cell was 95 on sale for $85 free shipping. 400ah $499. Besides it being a better price, to me it makes more sense to buy a bunch of small cells than a few large ones. that way in the future if I have a bad cell it will be cheaper to replace or I could just take 4 out of the Bank and save three as spares. just did the math the 70 ah would come out to $485 if multiplied into 400 ah

Although I would have to buy extra bus bars at $2.50 each. And the bank would either be 350 or 420 amp hours. The other advantage is I can start out small and slowly add to the bank

KTP · 22-04-2014, 18:12

I am considering using LFP instead of AGM but I am having a bit of a hard time maximizing the space I have. The compartment is 16" x 16" x 10.9" high. I have a 24V system so I need combinations divisible by eight. Because the 180AH CALB cells are 11 inches high, they will not fit. The 100AH cells will fit but I can only get eight in that space by my calculation, not 16.

It looks like I could arrange 24 of the 60AH CALB cells to fit in that space but it creates a lot of connections (or maybe that is not considered a lot).

Ideas?

KASHMIR · 22-04-2014, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hkalan

Hello,

Well... I took a train today to visit a factory. Crossed the boarder of Hong Kong and into Mainland China (Shenzhen). Got to see how the LifePO4 cells are put together... As well as started the bargaining process. Got the price down a bit, but the big boss returns from Shanghai on Thursday. Going back to visit a few more factories then as well !!!

The 3.2v 500Ah at this factory are 330mm X 379.5mm X 84mm

Here is a picture.

Alan
Attachment 79706

Hello Alan,
Can I ask which brand factory you visited?
I was there last year but was unable to get to a factory.

KASHMIR · 22-04-2014, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTP

I am considering using LFP instead of AGM but I am having a bit of a hard time maximizing the space I have. The compartment is 16" x 16" x 10.9" high. I have a 24V system so I need combinations divisible by eight. Because the 180AH CALB cells are 11 inches high, they will not fit. The 100AH cells will fit but I can only get eight in that space by my calculation, not 16.

It looks like I could arrange 24 of the 60AH CALB cells to fit in that space but it creates a lot of connections (or maybe that is not considered a lot).

Ideas?

Would they fit better if they were laying on their side? They can be mounted in any direction.

Hkalan · 22-04-2014, 18:42

Hello Kashmir,

The factory I visited is a Turkey and Chinese National Joint Venture. The factory brand is called CEBA.

I speak Mandarin Chinese (I never let them know that until after I listen to thing things they say around me when we are in negotiations HaHaHa).

I will be heading back on Friday and stay for a few days exploring several factories ! Will be a good time to visit solar panel factories as well !!

Alan

hellosailor · 22-04-2014, 18:47

sparrow-
" I can start out small and slowly add to the bank "
Generally a very bad idea, as cells of different ages will charge and discharge unevenly and that can actually damage every cell in the bank. And of course, three months from now a company may be using "new improved' battery chemistry and it may be impossible to expand your bank with the same chemistry it uses now.

Hkalan · 22-04-2014, 18:59

Hello KTP

You can always find a location closer to your main Distribution Panel when using LifePO4.

Alan

sparrowhawk1 · 22-04-2014, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellosailor

sparrow-
" I can start out small and slowly add to the bank "
Generally a very bad idea, as cells of different ages will charge and discharge unevenly and that can actually damage every cell in the bank. And of course, three months from now a company may be using "new improved' battery chemistry and it may be impossible to expand your bank with the same chemistry it uses now.

The cells currently have a 2000 to 3000 life cycle . And if they come out with a new and improved chemistry that's not compatible with the current cells I would think they would keep selling the current cells for years to come. I'm pretty much sold on single-cell shunting BMS and I understand that the batteries are only as good as the weakest cell. I appreciate your input and hope others will comment