Building my own high voltage battery Prius grid charger

13 Aug 2024 2 min read No comments Toyota Prius Maintenance
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Well, I finally did it, comma I ended up ordering all the parts to build my own Prius High-voltage battery grid charger

09/5/2024 UPDATE: It works and I love the smart wifi voltage meter I am using!

For those who are interested in creating their own grid charger, I’ve been working on building one for my Toyota Prius. Below, I’ll share the parts I’ve purchased and some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This project is still ongoing, and I’ll update this post as I make more progress.

The Components I’m Using:

  1. Voltage Display:
    • Original Plan: I initially purchased a blue digital voltage display, but unfortunately, it turned out to be incompatible with my setup.
    • Update: I’m now waiting on a black digital voltage display that should work better with my grid charger build. You can find it here.
  2. Meanwell Power Supply:
    • A reliable power supply is critical for this project. I opted for the Meanwell power supply, which has been highly recommended in various DIY forums. This component will help ensure that the battery receives a stable and controlled charge. Check it out in my Amazon store.
  3. Connectors and Wiring:
    • For the wiring harness, I’m using a set of robust connectors. These will ensure secure and reliable connections between the various components of the grid charger.
    • I also included high-quality wires and connectors to minimize resistance and ensure efficient power transfer. All of these are available in my Amazon store.
  4. Cooling System:
    • Proper cooling is essential during the charging process to prevent overheating. I’ve integrated a fan into the system that is powered by a PC AT power supply, which will keep the battery cool during operation. You can find the cooling components in my Amazon store.
  5. Fuse Protection:
    • To protect the system from electrical faults, I’ve added fuses to the setup. This provides an extra layer of safety, ensuring that any unexpected surges don’t damage the components. The fuses are also listed in my Amazon store.
  6. Control and Monitoring:
    • The system will be monitored via a Bluetooth WiFi Interface Dongle, allowing me to check block voltages and read/reset battery fault codes from my phone. This feature is especially useful for keeping an eye on the battery’s health during the reconditioning process. You can find this tool in my Amazon store.

Challenges and Next Steps:

As mentioned earlier, the blue voltage display didn’t work out, so I’m waiting for the new black display to arrive. Once it does, I’ll proceed with the final assembly and testing of the grid charger. I’ve also ordered additional connectors and wires to ensure everything is up to standard.

Stay tuned for further updates as I continue with this project. I’ll be sharing more detailed instructions and photos as I complete each stage of the build.

Related Links and Resources:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/black.jmyntrn/list/A0XZGM5T19ZT?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

https://amzn.to/3WH4FJD

Also… to make your own you need the connector for the HV Cooling Fan and a 12V power source to power the fan while you are the HV Battery.

Electrical Connector Air Bag SRS Socket Air Spring Plug 

A 12V6A power supply is needed as well.

A safety precaution, you need to use a Schottky diode which prohibits current from going where it shouldn’t.

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