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Reap Cellphones Instead of Waste, Safeguard Energy Needs with a Portable Charger

Making a high-capacity portable power bank can be a DIY project, yet finding and acquiring a set of consistent lithium-ion cells can pose a challenge. [Chris Doel] suggests an easy workaround: scavenging...

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2 min read
Creating a substantial portable power bank can be DIY-friendly, but acquiring identical lithium-ion...
Creating a substantial portable power bank can be DIY-friendly, but acquiring identical lithium-ion cells is essential. Chris Doel suggests a practical answer: scavenge...

Reap Cellphones Instead of Waste, Safeguard Energy Needs with a Portable Charger

Constructing a homemade power bank using recycled lithium-ion cells from discarded vapes can be an intriguing and worthwhile DIY project. Here's a guide to help you build a 35-cell power bank from repurposed vape cells. Please remember that careful handling of electrical components and safety precautions are crucial.

Safety Measures

  • Safety First: Always use protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses when working with electrical components. In a well-ventilated area, perform tasks to minimize inhalation of fumes resulting from soldering or other processes. Properly insulate wires with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.

Materials Required

  • ** salvaged Lithium-Ion Cells**: Ensure these cells are in good working condition, and have similar voltage and capacity.
  • ** Battery Management System (BMS)**: Necessary for balancing and safeguarding the cells.
  • ** Power PCB Board**: Designed for connecting and managing the power flow.
  • ** USB Charging Module**: Enables fast charging output.
  • ** Enclosure**: Shields the components.
  • ** Soldering Iron and Wire**: For electrical connections.

Process

Step 1: Cell Preparation

  • ** Vape Disassembly**: Carefully extract the cells from the vapes.
  • ** Cleaning and Inspection**: Clean off any residue and inspect them for damage or defects.
  • ** Grouping Cells**: Classify cells based on voltage and capacity.

Step 2: Power Bank Design

  • ** Capacity Calculation**: Determine the total capacity based on the number and type of cells.
  • ** Configuration Selection**: Decide on a series-parallel configuration to achieve the desired voltage and capacity.

Step 3: Power Bank Assembly

  • ** Cell Connection**: Use the chosen configuration to link the cells together.
  • ** BMS Installation**: Connect the BMS to ensure proper balancing and safety.
  • ** Module Mounting**:Connect the USB charging module to provide fast charging capabilities.

Step 4: Enclosure Assembly

  • ** Case Selection**: Select a case that accommodates the components and offers protection.
  • ** Component Mounting**: Secure the components inside the case.

Step 5: Testing the Power Bank

  • ** Charge and Discharge**: Examine the power bank with a small load to ensure it functions correctly.
  • ** BMS Verification**: Check that the BMS is functioning properly.

Example Configuration

For a 35-cell power bank using 3.7V cells, a plausible configuration is to link multiple cells in series to boost the voltage, then connect these series in parallel to increase the capacity. For instance, join 5 cells in series to get 18.5V (3.7V x 5), and then link 7 of these series in parallel to form a 35-cell configuration.

[ \text{Series Configuration:} \quad 5 \times 3.7V = 18.5V ][ \text{Parallel Configuration:} \quad 7 \times (5 \text{ series}) = 35 \text{ cells} ]

This configuration necessitates careful balancing to ensure safety and efficiency.

Additional Resources

For detailed DIY tutorials and specific component suggestions, explore online platforms such as YouTube or TikTok, which feature a variety of DIY power bank projects utilizing repurposed materials[1][3][4].

Final Thoughts

Building a DIY power bank from recycled lithium-ion cells demands thoughtful planning, safety precautions, and meticulous attention to detail. Ensure all components are compatible and correctly linked to create a secure and efficient power bank.

  • To ensure a safe and efficient DIY power bank project, always remember to use a Power PCB Board for managing power flow and a Battery Management System (BMS) for balancing and safeguarding the cells.
  • Incorporating technology into the project, such as a Power PCB Board and a Battery Management System, will help in creating a well-functioning and reliable power bank using discarded lithium-ion cells from vapes.

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