Build a 2,000W Portable Generator (Battery Power Station)
Quiet. Safe. Pure sine. No fumes. A modular LiFePO₄ build that actually slaps.
What You’re Building
Output: 120V AC
2,000W continuous
24V LiFePO₄
~2.56 kWh pack
AC charge + solar-ready
Runtime ballpark: 2.56 kWh ÷ 2.0 kW ≈ ~1.2 hours at full load (longer at partial loads).
Safety First
- No backfeeding houses. Use only the inverter’s outlets or a transfer switch installed by a pro.
- Fuse near battery. Class-T (150–200A) within 8–10 inches of the positive post.
- Cable gauge matters. 2,000W at 24V ≈ 83A DC. Use 2 AWG copper for short runs.
- Ventilation, strain relief, correct torque. If unsure, consult an electrician.
Parts (Core)
- 24V 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery (BMS built-in)
- 24V→120V pure-sine inverter/charger (2,000W continuous)
- Class-T fuse + holder (150–200A)
- DC breaker (125–150A)
- Battery monitor (shunt type, ≥200A) + display
- Bus bars (250–300A) — optional but tidy
Parts (Wiring + Case)
- 2 AWG OFC red/black, ring lugs, heat-shrink
- AC inlet (NEMA 5-15 male) + weather cover
- AC duplex outlet + box/faceplate
- Strain-relief cable glands
- 24→12V buck (optional), USB-C PD module
- 12V case fans + grills, vent mesh
- Wheeled equipment case, mounts, hardware
Layout Snapshot
[ Vent ] [ Inverter/Charger ] -> AC OUT → [ Duplex ]
^fan | DC +/-
v
[ Breaker ]--[ Class-T Fuse ]--( + Batt )
|
[ Bus+ ] [ Bus- ]--[ Shunt ]--( - Batt )
Build Steps
- Dry-fit: Place components, mark holes for fans, AC inlet/outlet, cable glands.
- Cut & mount: Drill cutouts, deburr, install grills/glands with gaskets.
- Mount inverter: Elevate for airflow; exhaust aimed at a vent.
- Battery & protection: Strap battery. +Batt → Class-T → Breaker → Bus+; −Batt → Shunt → Bus−.
- Crimp 2 AWG: Proper die, full compression, heat-shrink, labels. Keep DC runs short.
- Battery monitor: All negative current flows through the shunt; run display cable to top panel.
- AC wiring: AC IN (wall) → inlet → inverter AC IN. AC OUT → duplex outlet. Use 14 AWG stranded + strain relief.
- 12V rail (optional): 24→12V buck off Bus+/− via 5–15A fuse for USB-C, fans, LEDs.
- Airflow: Intake low, exhaust high; finger guards and dust mesh on intakes.
- Program inverter: Battery type LiFePO₄; Absorb ~28.4–28.8V; Float ~27.0–27.2V; LVC ~22–22.4V; charge ≤0.5C.
- Pre-power checks: Breaker OFF. Meter for shorts Bus+↔Bus−. Confirm polarity at inverter posts.
- First power-up: Breaker ON → inverter ON. Verify idle draw, then plug wall AC to charge.
- Load test: Start 40–100W; step to 300–500W; briefly approach 2,000W. Watch temps/voltage.
- Tidy & label: Dress wires, edge trim, labels: AC IN (Charge) / AC OUT (Use) / Breaker.
Operating Tips
- Best efficiency at 20–60% load; avoid living at 2kW nonstop.
- Store at 50–70% SOC; cool, dry. Top up every 2–3 months.
- Solar add-on: 24V MPPT (≥60A) fused to Bus+/−.
Don’t Do This
- No backfeeding into a home panel or wall outlets.
- No undersized wire or loose lugs (heat = danger).
- No wet use. Keep it dry and upright.
Specs Cheat Sheet
- 2,000W @ 120V ≈ 16.7A AC
- 2,000W @ 24V ≈ ~83A DC (+ inverter losses)
- 2 AWG copper DC runs; Class-T 150–200A near battery; 125–150A DC breaker
Educational guide using listed components. If unsure, hire a pro.