DIY 160Wh Laptop Power Bank using LG 18650 Batteries Building a Laptop Power Bank using LG 18650 Battery In this article, we will explore how to build a laptop power bank using an LG 18650 battery. The total capacity of the power bank is 41,600 mAh and has a total power of 160Wh. This power bank provides power delivery up to 45W and can charge any USB-C laptop. Key Features The power bank has several key features, including: Power delivery up to 45W Support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 Built-in short circuit protection Fast charging capabilities Components Used The following components were used to build the power bank: LG 18650 battery pack 150mm PVC heat shrink tube Cigarette lighter socket 45W USB car charger XT60 connector Kapton tape Heat shrink and sponge Soldering Iron Used A portable soldering iron, the TS100 from Banggood, was used for this project. This iron runs on 12-24V DC and has a maximum power of 65W. Power Meter Test A power meter was connected to the power bank to test its capabilities. The results showed that: When charging a MacBook Pro, the power draw was around 45W when the laptop was empty When charging a Galaxy S10+, the power draw was around 15W Conclusion In conclusion, this laptop power bank is a great option for those who need to charge their devices on the go. With its high capacity and fast charging capabilities, it's perfect for charging laptops and smartphones. Special Thanks to JLCPCB A special thanks to JLCPCB, the world's largest PCB manufacturer, for sponsoring this project. They offer a wide range of services, including 2-layer, 4-layer, 6-layer, and SMT stencil manufacturing. Discounts and Promotions JLCPCB is currently offering discounts and promotions on their website. They have updated their pricing to offer: Up to 30% off on 1-6 layer PCBs Up to 20% off on stencils Up to 10% off on shipping Get Started with JLCPCB If you're interested in trying out JLCPCB's services, you can upload your Gerber file to their website and get started today. They offer a wide range of options for PCB manufacturing, including different materials, thicknesses, and finishes. Laptop Powerbank A laptop power bank is a portable battery pack designed specifically for charging laptops on-the-go. Background: With the increasing demand for mobile productivity, the need for reliable and efficient laptop power solutions has grown significantly. Traditional power banks were initially designed for smartphones and tablets, but they often lacked the necessary power output to charge laptops efficiently. In response to this challenge, manufacturers developed specialized power banks that could deliver higher wattage and voltage outputs, making them compatible with laptops. These laptop power banks typically have capacities ranging from 20,000mAh to over 50,000mAh, allowing users to charge their devices multiple times. Introduction With the increasing demand for portable power solutions, building a DIY laptop power bank has become a popular project among electronics enthusiasts. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a 160Wh laptop power bank using LG 18650 batteries. Components Required LG 18650 Batteries (4 x 3.7V, 2600mAh) Battery Management System (BMS) module DC-DC Converter (150W, 12V/5A output) USB-C port and cable JST-XH connectors Wire and electrical tape Battery Configuration The LG 18650 batteries will be connected in a series-parallel configuration to achieve the desired voltage and capacity. The configuration consists of two parallel sets of two series-connected batteries, resulting in a total capacity of 160Wh. Battery Management System (BMS) A BMS module is essential for protecting the batteries from overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit conditions. The BMS module will be connected between the battery pack and the DC-DC converter. DC-DC Converter A DC-DC converter is required to step down the battery voltage to a level suitable for charging laptops. A 150W, 12V/5A output converter will be used in this project. Assembly and Testing The components will be assembled according to the wiring diagram. The power bank will be tested for its charging and discharging capabilities using a multimeter and a load tester. Conclusion Building a DIY laptop power bank using LG 18650 batteries is a fun and rewarding project. With proper assembly and testing, the power bank can provide reliable and portable power for your laptop. Q1: What is the project about? This DIY project is about creating a 160Wh laptop power bank using LG 18650 batteries. Q2: What are LG 18650 batteries? LG 18650 batteries are high-capacity lithium-ion batteries with a nominal voltage of 3.7V and a capacity of 2500mAh each. Q3: What is the total capacity of the power bank? The total capacity of the power bank is approximately 160Wh, which can be calculated by multiplying the number of batteries (12) with their individual capacities. Q4: What type of charger is needed for this project? A balanced lithium-ion battery charger with a suitable rating (e.g., 5V, 2A) is required to charge the batteries safely and efficiently. Q5: What are the safety precautions for this project? Safety precautions include proper handling of lithium-ion batteries, ensuring correct polarity connections, and avoiding overcharging or short circuits. Q6: Can I use any other type of battery for this project? No, it's recommended to use LG 18650 batteries specifically designed for high-drain applications like power banks, as they have the necessary safety features and performance characteristics. Q7: How many cells are used in this project? This project uses 12 LG 18650 batteries, arranged in a series-parallel configuration to achieve the desired voltage and capacity. Q8: What is the output voltage of the power bank? The output voltage of the power bank is approximately 12V (4S3P configuration), which can be adjusted depending on the specific requirements of your laptop. Q9: Can I charge my smartphone using this power bank? Yes, you can use a DC-DC converter or a USB module to convert the output voltage to a suitable level for charging your smartphone (e.g., 5V). Q10: What is the estimated cost of this project? The estimated cost of this project depends on various factors, including the source and price of the LG 18650 batteries, charger, and other components. A rough estimate for the total cost would be around $100-$150. Rank Pioneers/Companies Description 1 Anker A popular brand that offers a range of power banks, including DIY-friendly options using LG 18650 batteries. 2 EC Technology A company that specializes in portable power solutions, offering a variety of power banks that can be modified to use LG 18650 batteries. 3 RavPower A well-known brand in the power bank market, RavPower offers high-capacity power banks that can be used as a starting point for DIY projects using LG 18650 batteries. 4 Jackery A company that focuses on portable power solutions, Jackery offers a range of power banks and solar chargers that can be modified to use LG 18650 batteries. 5 Mophie A popular brand that offers high-end power banks, Mophie's products can be used as a starting point for DIY projects using LG 18650 batteries. 6 Aukey A company that specializes in mobile accessories, Aukey offers a range of power banks that can be modified to use LG 18650 batteries. 7 Tronsmart A brand that focuses on portable power solutions, Tronsmart offers high-capacity power banks that can be used as a starting point for DIY projects using LG 18650 batteries. 8 EasyAcc A company that specializes in mobile accessories, EasyAcc offers a range of power banks that can be modified to use LG 18650 batteries. 9 BigBlue A brand that focuses on portable power solutions, BigBlue offers high-capacity power banks that can be used as a starting point for DIY projects using LG 18650 batteries. 10 LiitoKala A company that specializes in battery testing and analysis, LiitoKala also offers power banks that can be modified to use LG 18650 batteries. Component Value/Part Number Description Batteries 4 x LG 18650B1 2600mAh High-capacity lithium-ion batteries with a discharge rate of 15A and a nominal voltage of 3.7V Protection Circuit Module (PCM) TP4056 or equivalent A dedicated IC for lithium-ion battery protection, featuring overcharge/discharge protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature monitoring Boost Converter XL6009 or equivalent A high-efficiency boost converter with a maximum input voltage of 5.5V, a maximum output current of 2A, and an adjustable output voltage up to 20V USB Controller Microchip MCP73831 or equivalent A dedicated IC for USB power delivery, featuring overcurrent protection, short-circuit protection, and voltage regulation Power Switch N-channel MOSFET (e.g., IRF540N) A high-current switch with a low on-resistance and fast switching times, used to control the power flow between the batteries and the boost converter Diodes 1N5822 or equivalent (Schottky diode) High-efficiency rectifier diodes with low forward voltage drop, used for reverse polarity protection and output rectification Capacitors 10uF/25V (ceramic) and 100uF/16V (electrolytic) Decoupling capacitors for filtering and smoothing the output voltage, as well as input and output capacitors for the boost converter Resistors 1kΩ/5% (x2), 10kΩ/5%, 22kΩ/5% Resistors used for voltage division, feedback, and current sensing in the boost converter and USB controller Inductor 10uH (e.g., Bourns SDR0805-103KL) A high-frequency inductor used for filtering and energy storage in the boost converter Wire and Connectors 20AWG wire, JST-XH connectors (x2) Used for connecting the batteries, PCM, boost converter, USB controller, and power switch, as well as providing a safe and reliable connection to the laptop Schematic Diagram: Bill of Materials (BOM): Download BOM as CSV file PCB Layout: Dimensions and Weight: Length: 140mm, Width: 70mm, Height: 20mm, Weight: approximately 280g