Convert Your Old Laptop Battery Into a Power Bank

In this project I will show you how to convert a battery from an old laptop into a power bank which can charge an ordinary phone 4 to 5 times with a single charge. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you a basic overview which steps are necessary to create your own power bank. But I will present you more detailed information in the following steps.

Step 2: Buy the Necessary Components!

Here is a list of parts you will need for this project (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1x TP4056: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX8n0hp

1x Micro USB Breakout: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWadkSj

1x Toggle Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9dxPD5

1x XL6009 Boost Converter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV6Xwtt

1x 5mm Red LED: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV63r7D

2x 5mm Green LED: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV63r7D

1x 2.2kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

1x Female USB Port: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWadkSj

Amazon.de:

1x TP4056: http://amzn.to/1NnD3hB

1x Micro USB Breakout: http://amzn.to/1PNqUYL

1x Toggle Switch: http://amzn.to/1KiXL53

1x XL6009 Boost Converter: http://amzn.to/1PNr1TX

1x 5mm Red LED: http://amzn.to/1PNrrd5

2x 5mm Green LED: http://amzn.to/1PNrvcL

1x 2.2kΩ Resistor: http://amzn.to/1E9uEhN

1x Female USB Port: http://amzn.to/1PNrxBt

Ebay:

1x TP4056: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Micro USB Breakout: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Toggle Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x XL6009 Boost Converter: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 5mm Red LED: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 5mm Green LED: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?..

1x 2.2kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Female USB Port: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Step 3: Time for the Wiring!

Here you can find pictures on how my wiring looks like. Simply recreate it inside your case and everything should work just fine.

Step 4: Success!

You did it. You just converted an old useless laptop battery into a power bank.

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[asmabakhit1]

hi,
please, how can i use laptop bms and add usb ports in-out ?

[6code.coder]

Is it okay that you charge multiple cells like this without a bms?

[littlelake]

hello.
pls at what voltage will the boost converter cut off...to save the li-ion cells from over-discharge?

[nslab]

Hello.
TP4056 battery charger module have auto cut off feature with DW01 ic ,when battery voltage is reached to 2.7v ,automatically battery will be disconnect from circuit. again battery is connected to the circuit after it will recharged
i hope you understand my answer .

thank you.

[littlelake]

perfect, thanks alot

[LierezT]

hi,

can i use the battery while i am charging it?
i want to to make a portable Bluetooth speaker with an old speaker i have and i want to add this battery to power it up.

thank you
lierez.

[LierezT]

and another question:

does the xl6009 boost converter can make it to output about 12 volts?
my bluetooth amp is TDA7492P and it works with 8~24 volts.

i will pass the usb out port and connect the battery straight to the amp.

thanks again

[Handy_Bear]

Yes, the booster can output 12 volts

[garzo]

It can, but the current will be limited by the TP4056. With FULLY CHARGED BATTERIES you will have no more than 400mA @ 12V. When the cells are about to be empty you will only have less than 250mA. Not enough for a bluetooth speaker in any case...

[LierezT]

Hi,

There is some circuit like the TP4056 that can handle 12v?

[LierezT]

thank you!

[ΘοδωρήςΚ1]

Hi, i made this project. But i have little problem , charging port gives only 0.5A , how can i boost it ? If i can .

[garzo]

If you are using more than one cell in parallel you shouldn't have any current limit from the cells, then it should be the TP4056 with its 1.2A of maximum output current. 1.2A @ 3V should be converted in 0.72A @ 5V, but you have to take into the equation the efficiency of the dc converter. Afaik with these components you can't increase the output current...

[SaugandhikP]

What if 18650 batteries got over discharged? Is there any protection circuit for under voltage protection? It will be harmful for the batteries. So what circuit should i add to get over discharging protection?!! Please help!

[narena]

Output of charger module 4056 has twp plus and Two minus. One plus and minus which is inner one is connected across batteries..while outer plus and minus is connected to boost input using switch.. Outer and inner positive connections are shorted .. is this true for inner and outer negative connections too ? Its not shorted in my module I got but both positives are shorted though .....comment

[JoseC507]

Hello, I have an inquiry, can I replace the TP4056, and both the micro-USB breakout and female usb port with this? (refer to image) I got it from an old power bank that was lying around the house. I was wondering if I could skip it and be okay with going through hooking it up with the boost converter.

[rtrzewikowski]

Pretty cool setup and worked pretty well until a point.
Either the TP4056 or the stepup converter started acting up after the batteries drained completely and on the USB output I was getting 19V (and I was not able to adjust it anywhere below 18V)!

[HM1522]

My charger doesnt have the out terminals, it only has the input and bat terminals. What to do?

[zapperken]

look for TP4056 with protection, they have 3 ICs and has two more terminals (out) adjacent to the battery terminals.

[Handy_Bear]

Buy the latest version taht looks like this: https://goo.gl/OotPh6