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Forum Index : Electronics : Solar Regulator
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Tim_the_bloke Senior Member  Joined: 15/11/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 105 |
Would someone please identify this item for me and explain what it does. The box is not a lot bigger than a matchbox. I expect it is a switch which only connects the solar panel with the batteries while there is enough sunlight to produce enough voltage to charge the batteries. I suspect it has no other battery charging circiutry, such as detecting when the batteries are fully charged and then stop charging. Would this be correct? 
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KarlJ Guru  Joined: 19/05/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1178 |
Nope, i'm sure it will regulate the batteries appropriately ie turn off the input when voltage is too high. Super common in solar powered road signs and the like Luck favours the well prepared |
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Tinker Guru Joined: 07/11/2007 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1904 |
I just googled it for you:check this Scan down the list until you find it. Its specifically for SLA (sealed lead acid) batteries. Klaus |
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| Tim_the_bloke Senior Member Joined: 15/11/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 105 |
Thanks KarlJ and Tinker. My batteries are non sealed lead acid, but that should not matter. I'm glad it won't allow overcharging. I thought I would have to buy another expensive box of control circuitry. |
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Downwind Guru Joined: 09/09/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2333 |
You might find that the controller will cut out a little early for wet cell batteries as i think sla's take a slightly less peak voltage like about 13.8 compared to 14.2 for wet cells. Pete. Sometimes it just works |
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vasi Guru Joined: 23/03/2007 Location: RomaniaPosts: 1697 |
[quote=from the page found by tinker]During the charging time the regulator will disconnect the solar panel from the battery every 20 minutes to determine the state of the solar panel output. Assuming there is charge available, 8 seconds later it will recommence charging. At the end of the day this same function will prevent the regulator from staying on all night. [/quote] Inutile complications. With a power diode you can block the panel from consuming the battery and simplify your microcontroller programming. Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton Elvish name: Mablung Miriel Beyound Arduino Lang |
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| Tim_the_bloke Senior Member Joined: 15/11/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 105 |
Mmm... I think my electronics deserve upgrading and I have much to learn first. Thanks for all the feedback. |
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