I will provide full details of this project. I will also test out the performance to see if it really does put out 2kW.
The Chevy Volt has a T shaped layout with 288 cells, I purchase a 12 cell assembly form the guy on E-bay. My recommendation is to hold back and see how this project goes. He provided me with the bare minimum of information, enough to get most of the job done. However, I will eventually figure out the parts that he wants me to purchase from him such as the BMS board and connector. I feel like I have spent more ($100) going with this guy to get all the parts to make a working 12DC system.
To see what a Chevy Volt battery looks like: there are Youtube videos on the battery 288 cells Chevy BMS, not the same as the one I am starting with. BMS are programmed for the number of series cells or the DC voltage the batteries produce.
I did visit with the seller in his garage/shop and he shared about his work and methods for modifying the batteries. His highest volume consumers are golf cart.
So lets get to the next steps:
Summary: Changes the 12 cells in series to 3 cells in series. Three cells will make
12V. There will be four sets that I will wire in parallel.
1) Cut three battery bridges to separate the battery wiring, verify the voltage before I make the cuts. I will do this tomorrow and post a picture. The cutting is done with a rotary cut off wheel, I will show that too.
Next steps will each be expanded on so that other can do this:
2) Wire the four positive together and the four negatives together.
3) Cut clearance as needed in the top cover.
4) Verify wiring with voltmeter.
5) Connect the BMS connector and add the charge interrupter relay.
6) Install in the AS using the standard 12VDC power supply.
Other development: Finding a direct source for the BMS, optional power meter.......?
Yes I am open to sharing or PM messages.
As to the concern with thermal runaway: the main job of the BMS is to protect the battery during charging and discharging. Even laptop computers have had issues with thermal runaway. From what I have read there are two issues that cause this and are avoided by EV (electric vehicle) manufactures: 1)poorly made and low cost batteries, 2) overcharging the battery while under high power input.