Pete7
Well-known member
Chris, apologies, I addressed you by your surname above, now corrected.So I always obsest with the need for continuing balanci of the cells. I presume that LifePO4 also need balancing?
There can be two issues here. The 4 cells in a 12v LFP battery can go out of sinc, but modern BMSs have a balancing function during charging, normally above 3.4v per cell, though this is user adjustable. All that is needed is a good charge every so often above this voltage point to give the BMS a chance to balance the cells. Alternatively for those building their own batteries from cells, active balancers are also available.
The second issue is a state of charge (SOC) difference between two LFP batteries in parallel. It does happen but can be safely ignored because with regular use they will come back together and be good friends again. Probably down to minor differences in internal battery resistance, the resistance of cables and lugs plus switches etc.