Hi,
Figured I'd ask, since we use this type of module across a few different boards here. On the Poida MPPT as well as a few other projects, there is a footprint for a DC/DC converter that outputs 12V. I've been using these guys from Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804008194815.html but they don't seem to be very high quality (surprise surprise) as I've blown up two already. The first one is only half dead, the second one smoked although I'm not sure what exactly went wrong.

This is for PV input -> 12V so the input voltage range on the linked modules is more or less right.

What do folks around here use? Are there any of this style / size that might be more reliable / higher quality than the above?

EDIT: These exist, but they're a little more pricey than I would have liked. May need to bite the bullet for quality, I guess.

Cheers,
R
Edited 2024-12-16 08:09 by flyingfishfinger

I use this for the mppt, wire it into J8, as it runs from the battery voltage it is within the working voltage range, also use the same one on the picoverter control board.

DC 80V to 15V HV Buck DC-DC Converter

I didn't see any footprint on the MPPT, different board?

I have been using these and found them to be reliable for me.

Adjustable output, but lower current
Isolated 22-290vdc to 3.6-15vdc buck converter

  Revlac said  

I didn't see any footprint on the MPPT, different board?

Yes, sorry. This is for a load dump controller that takes PV-in directly, mis-wrote initially. On my Poida MPPT I use these in the 15-80V version connected as you say.

R

  Revlac said  

I use this for the mppt, wire it into J8, as it runs from the battery voltage it is within the working voltage range, also use the same one on the picoverter control board.

DC 80V to 15V HV Buck DC-DC Converter

I didn't see any footprint on the MPPT, different board?

I also use the same supply on my MPPT controllers. I fitted plugs and sockets so they can be swapped out easily.

I managed to blow up a few early on until I learned you shouldn't power down an MPPT without first shutting off the solar input. I bought some of the regulator ICs off ebay and fixed them up. I know they're cheap and I have spares  ...  but I hate loose ends.  

  oreo said  

I have been using these and found them to be reliable for me.

Adjustable output, but lower current
Isolated 22-290vdc to 3.6-15vdc buck converter

I hadn't seen these before, they could be quite useful. I might get a handful for a rainy day.

I have been a bit doubtful of the usual 240v plugpack type boards because some of them don't start reliably at lower voltages  ...  and I'm running 48v, so it can be close.

I did just use one on the new control board for the Warpverter  ...  but I checked it over and over again to make sure it would always start from about 46v and upwards.

  rogerdw said  

  oreo said  

I have been using these and found them to be reliable for me.

Adjustable output, but lower current
Isolated 22-290vdc to 3.6-15vdc buck converter

I hadn't seen these before, they could be quite useful. I might get a handful for a rainy day.

I have been a bit doubtful of the usual 240v plugpack type boards because some of them don't start reliably at lower voltages  ...  and I'm running 48v, so it can be close.

I did just use one on the new control board for the Warpverter  ...  but I checked it over and over again to make sure it would always start from about 46v and upwards.

That is what I also use in my PV Combiner Monitor board (Solar array is 21 panels with VOC of 109 volts) for my latest 6KVA solar project. Running for two months now, so far no problem yet.