DIY Laptop PowerBank

In this project I will show you how to create a Laptop PowerBank. It mainly consists of a Li-Ion battery pack and one buck and boost converter. This way the PowerBank can get charged up through the Laptop power supply and aftewards charge up the Laptop directly to give it an additional run time of 3 hours. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the information for a basic overview of the project. During the next steps, I will present you more detailed information.

Step 2: Order Your Components!

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

16x INR18650-25R Li-Ion Cell: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6ri0or

1x BMS: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXrLJ6X

1x LiPo Voltage Tester: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUTvD19

1x Current/Voltage Monitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dY9f0UX

1x Boost Converter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7pv5aR

1x Buck Converter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9bTT6r

2x DC Jack: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXZeR8b

2x DC Jack Connector: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8OHOx9

3x SPDT Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYWkMuB

Ebay:

16x INR18650-25R Li-Ion Cell: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

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

1x LiPo Voltage Tester: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Current/Voltage Monitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Boost Converter: -

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

2x DC Jack: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x DC Jack Connector: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

3x SPDT Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

16x INR18650-25R Li-Ion Cell: https://amzn.to/2HjPliH

1x BMS: https://amzn.to/2TWqbb6

1x LiPo Voltage Tester: https://amzn.to/2RyZSex

1x Current/Voltage Monitor: https://amzn.to/2Hvcezw

1x Boost Converter: https://amzn.to/2VXei6G

1x Buck Converter: https://amzn.to/2ATqiNP

2x DC Jack: https://amzn.to/2RB55Cp

2x DC Jack Connector: https://amzn.to/2RB55Cp

3x SPDT Switch: https://amzn.to/2W6nLca

Step 3: 3D Print the Enclosure!

Here you can find the 123D files as well as the .stl files for my enclosure. But make sure that you also print the corrected lid file which is 5mm longer.

Step 4: Do the Wiring!

Here you can find the wiring schematic along with tons of reference pictures of my laptop powerbank. Feel free to use them to create your own powerbank.

Step 5: Success!

You did it! You just created your own Laptop PowerBank!

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

[tnicolas capirurso]

According to links the LiFePo4 BMS is used with Li-Ion batteries. Those are different chemistries and have different working voltage. For discharge and charge. I do not understand how is it can even work. It should already give problems at first discharge.

[chizobe7]

This is an awesome project and a must doing it.

[Cadtech]

Hey I stumbled in this video am so amazed I will like to make one, but how do I charge the battery when it run down.Thanks

[Genius engineering solutions]

So amazing, that's why i regarded you l as my mentor in electronic eng. I will give it try and share the experience i get. Thanks

[jessyratfink]

The enclosure looks fantastic. Really clean :)

[nagherameet1150]

Have you made?

[Jonny Jonny]

i don't think that it matters. the laptop will draw the required amount of current. all you need to make sure is that the convertor you're using supports the current draw of the laptop.
He only limited the current on the batteries as they have a current limit recommendation and exceeding that can lead to the battery degrading faster than normal or possibly causing fires.

i know this is a late reply but hope it answered your question and helps anyone else out...

[JennyT131313]

EBay links aren't really helpful as once products are sold the link changes. Perhaps a link to an online retailer with a suggestion to check eBay???

[whorez22]

can somebody send me the files seperate

[whorez22]

can u up load each part separate because i can not print all at once

[DevJ10]

Since I am not a EE, I am looking for one who can create a PCB for my powerbank with nand chip on it for prototyping. I know I can order such pcb's from China for powerbanks but I need an extra function on my device for storage. the measurement of such pcb would be around 150mm/200mm by 1000mm (see pic as a format), double or triple layers. I have a small budget can pay you but let me know your rate.

[olgierdzwirski]

a better solution would be to increase the laptop battery

[Antzy Carmasaic]

That's a great project. I'm happy to see you included all the safety measures in it.
I had the same problem of less working time out of my old laptop battery. So I got a new battery and now if the battery dies, I can hibernate the laptop(it auto hibernate when battery level drops), switch out the battery and continue working. Much simpler method but yours is much cooler :)

[Take tech]

win 7?????

[GreatScottLab]

Yes

[GUTGUTPL]

Can you make DIY BMS?

[GreatScottLab]

It is on my to do list

[abuhafss]

This is amazingly, excellent !

[MehdiK32]

This is amazing! Any workaround to save costs on the BMS?

[blkadder]

Have a look on AliExpress, you can save a few bucks at least. I did a quick search for an 8s 24v BMS, and saw a few listed over there.