5S2P Pack Problem

betti154

Enlightened
Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
229
Hi,

I built a 5S2P pack using 10 * 18650 cells (Callie's Custom, unprotected 3100mah /w tabs, basically Panasonic CGR18650CH) and have encountered a weird behaviour that I'm struggling to explain. Specially the 5S series pack reads ~18.5v for about 1 second but then will drop out (like continuity is lost). The problem is observed on both halves of the 5s2p pack, and indeed on 4 separate 5s packs I have built.

Now the obvious issue would appear to be a connection or pcm but I've been able to exclude these as causes. I don't use a PCM, but instead have wired a JST-XH balance board into the pack (using this I can see every cell reading perfectly). I've charged the pack with an Icharger in balance mode (works fine), but a similar turnigy balance charger doesn't like it (presumably something to do with the voltage cutting out, whereas the icharger might ignore this?). Using the icharger the cells charge and balance out perfectly (4.20v).

I've not been able to isolate it to a specific cell, as I can read 14.8v consistently if I take the reading from the top 4 or bottom 4 cells in the 5 series pack. I've concluded from this that I don't have a connections problem.

Cells were spot welded together. I then did a very quick/light solder onto the connecting tab to solder in the jst-xh balance wires to each cell junction.

Any help would be much appreciated, as I'm not super experienced building battery packs. Actually I'd rather buy the pack but can't find anywhere to buy this configuration. The 5S2P configuration fits perfectly in our circular underwater housings.

thanks, damien
 

Th232

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 25, 2008
Messages
1,064
Location
Sydney, Australia
Haven't built any packs like that, but...

Specially the 5S series pack reads ~18.5v for about 1 second but then will drop out (like continuity is lost).
...
Using the icharger the cells charge and balance out perfectly (4.20v).
...
I can read 14.8v consistently if I take the reading from the top 4 or bottom 4 cells in the 5 series pack.

If you're sure that the cells are all charged and reading 4.2 V, then 4 cells in series should read 4.2*4 = 16.8 V, while 5 in series should read 4.2*5 = 21 V. If you're getting 14.8 and 18.5 V (3.7 V per cell), then I'm wondering about your numbers.

After continuity is lost, what happens? Can you leave it for a minute then come back then measure it at the 18.5 V for another second or so, or is it permanently out until you recharge?

Also, I presume you're measuring the open circuit voltage and not while it's under load?
 
Last edited:

betti154

Enlightened
Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
229
The voltages I quoted were nominal, I'll get the actuals tonight. I guess I didn't see any voltage numbers I didnt expect but will record actuals just in case tonight.
 

betti154

Enlightened
Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
229
Ok, this is the point where I admit to being an idiot.

The voltage issues were related to me reading a multimeter like a gumby. I had it set to 20v scale, so it just crapped out with the packs 20.4c after a charge.

Battery packs are fine.
 
Top