Battery Pack Architect is a free, open-source, browser-based tool for designing, visualizing, and simulating custom battery packs in 3D.
The tool has evolved from a visualizer into a physics simulator.
- Physics Simulation: Calculate real-time Voltage Sag, Efficiency, and Output Power based on load (Amps).
- Thermal Estimates: Estimates heat generation (Watts) in both the cells and the nickel strips (Joule heating).
- STL Export (Beta): Export your pack geometry directly to
.STLfor 3D printing custom spacers or CAD integration. - Integrated Database: Searchable library of 100+ commercial cells (Samsung 30Q, Molicel P42A, etc.) with auto-filled specs.
- Performance: Rendering engine overhauled (GPU instancing) to support 5,000+ cell packs without lag.
- Mobile Support: Fully responsive UI for designing on phones and tablets.
I created Battery Pack Architect because I needed a better way to visualize custom configurations before committing to spot welding. As someone with a passion for sustainable tech, I often find myself with a pile of 18650 cells recovered from old devices, trying to figure out the most efficient way to repack them.
This tool allows DIYers and engineers to:
- Visualize packs in 3D with realistic components (spacers, caps, busbars).
- Simulate electrical performance to ensure the pack won't overheat or sag too much under load.
- Export models to help build enclosures.
- Parametric Modeling: Adjust Series (S), Parallel (P), Layers, and Spacing on the fly.
- Layouts: Toggle between Hexagonal (honeycomb) and Rectangular nesting.
- Smart Components: Spacers and caps automatically appear/disappear based on gap settings.
- Multi-Chemistry: Supports Li-ion, LiFePO4, LTO, NiMH, and Na-Ion.
- Load Testing: Apply a virtual load (e.g., 50A) to see how the pack performs.
- Efficiency Logic: Calculates voltage drop based on cell IR and nickel strip thickness/material (Pure Nickel, Steel, Copper).
- Comparison Matrix: Save snapshots of different builds and compare them side-by-side to optimize for Density vs. Cost.
- BOM Generation: Automatically estimates total weight, volume, and nickel strip length.
- Save/Load: Save your custom configurations and cell presets locally via JSON.
- STL Export: Download the 3D model for use in Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or slicers.
- Left Click + Drag: Rotate the view
- Right Click + Drag: Pan the view
- Scroll Wheel: Zoom in/out
- Touch: Standard pinch-to-zoom and drag-to-rotate support.
Since this tool is a standalone web application with no build steps required, running it is incredibly simple. You do not need Node.js, Python, or a server.
- Clone the repository:
git clone [https://github.com/your-username/battery-pack-architect.git](https://github.com/your-username/battery-pack-architect.git)
- Open the file:
Navigate to the folder and double-click
index.html. It will open in your default browser.
Building and maintaining this tool takes many late nights of coding (and caffeine). If this tool helped you plan a build, save money on materials, or just learn something new, consider buying me a coffee!
Your support helps keep the tool free, ad-free, and funds the development of new features (like the new Physics Engine!).
Contributions are welcome! If you have ideas for new features or bug fixes:
- Fork the repository.
- Create a new branch (
git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature). - Commit your changes.
- Open a Pull Request.
This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
You are free to use, modify, and distribute this software, provided that any derivative works are also open-source and licensed under the GPL v3.0. See the LICENSE file for details.
Designed by Luke Formosa