hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Data logging meter for DC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DougSpindler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2017, 08:54:02 pm
content: I'm looking for a way to record and plot/graph DC voltage, amperage and wattage over time. I'd like to monitor the amount of power produces by a solar panel, water wheel (I built) and how much is being consumed in lighting circuits I'm building.Any suggestions?Thanks

author: Dragon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2017, 10:31:57 pm
content: The Energy Detectivecan measure amps and volts on any electrical system and offers a web-based method of looking at graphs. It also offers a web-based api you can query from whatever you want (I recommend Raspberry Pi Zero W).Watts is more or less Volts times Amps, though it may differ significantly with lower Power Factors. TED's main unit reports Watts, Volts, Amps, and Power Factor but I'm not sure how it measures PF. Its optional "spyder" units don't report PF or Volts, relying on the volts measured by the main unit.

author: DougSpindler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 01:38:24 am
content: Quote from: Dragon on November 26, 2017, 10:31:57 pmThe Energy Detective looks perfect. Thanks

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 01:43:41 am
content: The ED uses current transformers to measure AC only current I believe. No DC.

author: DougSpindler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 02:41:01 am
content: Quote from: mtdoc on November 27, 2017, 01:43:41 amYes, but I think they said they also measure/monitor solar panel output which would be DC. (Unless it's after the inverter.)http://www.theenergydetective.com/SolarI see what I will call a mistake on their web page. They call solar an investment. Solar is a horrible investment. A solar system will never increase in value. It's not an investment at all. An investment is something which should increase in value over time like real estate, bonds or stocks.Solar panels are an asset. They are something your purchase and own like cars, furniture and appliance. Assets can be sold for cash and you don't expect them to increase in value. They are depreciated.The reason you buy solar is to reduce expenses. Specifically the amount of money you will pay for electricity in the future. Electricity is an expense and just part of the cost of living if you want to use electricity. Buying solar is off-setting future expense of paying for electricity.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 05:46:24 am
content: There's the Mooshimeter, but that's not exactly cheap.

author: DougSpindler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2017, 11:46:39 pm
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on November 28, 2017, 05:46:24 amI purchased a Mooshimeter. Looks great. Thanks for the suggestion.
3DFS Software Defined Power, marketing wank or game changer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: obrien28
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 10, 2017, 10:25:09 pm
content: Saw this company featured in a PopMech article recently, seems like something out of a Turbo Encabulator video, lot's of grand vision and buzz words but rather little technical detail, which makes my BS detector go off the wall. Anyone want to chime in? I'd even take a rough explanation as to WHAT it is they are doing exactly, it's not easy to tell from their website.https://www.3dfs.com

author: cdoerfler
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2017, 03:13:13 pm
content: I appreciate the Turbo Encabulator reference. We refer to that all the time internally here at 3DFS.As far as the "What" we do, We perfectly distribute electricity in electrical networks preventing energy loss. Is that not clear on the website?I am happy to answer any questions.Here is a better video that shows some technical details and a user interface demonstrating the effect of perfect electricity distribution in a server rack.
Charger for small Batteries - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dazler
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 04:31:50 pm
content: Hello I am trying to find a good solar charge controller that you can adjust the output current but so far I can only see that you can only adjust the voltage.So my question can you use a specialty DC charger to charge 12v 12Ah AGM batteries?they both support multiple battery typesPb(1-12S)Input Voltage?DC 7-32Vhttp://www.isdt.co/q6plus.htmland this onePb(1-14S)Input Voltage?DC 12-40Vhttp://www.isdt.co/t_series.htmlwhat you guys think?Thanks.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 08:09:08 am
content: You don't say what solar panels you have but neither of these chargers has MPPT (Max Power Point Tracking) so will not get the best out of the panels nor any power conversion beyond an apparently linear voltage/current regulator so I suggest you use the word solar when searching and also quote your panels here for further help

author: dazler
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 04:47:35 pm
content: Completely forgot to add that info,I am looking at buying the Renogy 100w panelhttps://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Volts-Monocrystalline-Bundle/dp/B00B8L6EFA/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1506962482&sr=1-4&keywords=renogy+100wAs it say that it output up to 5Amps on a good day, I am worried it would damage small Pb batteries that I have.How could I adjust the output current?That why I linked that DC charger.What would be the easy way to charge almost all size batteries without having to buy multiple solar panel of different Watts.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 07:13:22 pm
content: I am a bit confused here, the link is a package consisting of a panel AND charger, so why are you looking at separate chargers ? Briefly looking at the diagram it seems to be designed to charge vehicle or leisure batteries. If that is not what you had in mind then buy an appropriate package or separate components (panel and charger). There doesnt seem to be any way of adjusting this controller at all.

author: dazler
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2017, 10:32:31 pm
content: Yes is a kit I was considering on buying, but then realized how can you protect small batteries from to much current without damaging them.That why I linked the DC charger on the first post, not sure if that even possible to connect a DC charger directly to the Panel and then adjust the output current when I use a small battery.Or if the DC charger have to be connected to the Solar charge controller and then to the battery.Not sure if voltage fluctuation could damage a DC charger, even that those I linked have a big Voltage Input range.As I have not been able to find a solar charge controller with adjustable current.what do you think, Thanks.
Abandoned project giveaway. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 08:00:55 pm
content: I'm having a bit of a clear-out, so rather than scrap my half-finished projects I'm going to offer them to anyone who wants to experiment, deconstruct or improve them. These are all prototypes I built, with full documentation:1. A car alternator, rewired with my own design of voltage regulator module which allows for adjusting the output voltage, low-power standby operation and running at lower than designed RPM. Ideal for use in something like a very-small-scale hydroelectric project.2. A MPPT DC-DC converter. Attach to a 100W panel for instant MPPT operation. Sort-of works on charging batteries, works very well on resistive loads. Good for heating water. Much room for refinement.3. A PWM solar charge controller. Open design and firmware. Good for 12V panels, up to 200W. Designed for lead-acid batteries - sealed, flooded, AGM, just set the voltages. With some software work it could also manage nicads or NiMH.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 03:53:08 am
content: I'm interested in the MPPT converter, if shipping costs are low enough. (If too high to be worth it, the code and schematic would be helpful.)

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 06:29:41 pm
content: Code and schematic:http://birds-are-nice.me/ipfs/QmeHTKsAWhaKeygAqRBkAUkt5t2e9NPZcHT2ZcuyZcXcwy/I can post anywhere in the UK.
"Revolutionary Cell Technology" from Austria?! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lord of nothing
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2017, 03:26:35 pm
content: http://www.kreiselenergy.com/

author: woody
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 09:54:58 am
content: Probably designed by the person who used to do smartphones for Samsung. Even the micro-usb interface can be seen on the sideI do not get why they think I would like to have a battery nailed to a wall in my living room. I want power from my outlets and I do not want to know how it got there, when it got there, and how much of it is left. I just want to plug in a cable at any moment and make a cup of coffee. And I want the stuff behind that to reside out of sight.On top of that, I never get who needs a device like this. AFAICS if you can use it for 10 years and during that time would be able to use the full capacity of 8 kWh / day each and every day (a pipe dream), you can store 365*8*10=29200kWh in the lifetime of the device. At a price (ex VAT, ex installation, ex service ex everything) of €5650,- that means that each stored kWh costs €0.19. That is without the generation costs of that kWh. Electricity from the grid is way cheaper. And I suspect that grid storage will be cheaper as well.
BioLite Natural Energy Camping Stove (with USB Charger out) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: peteb2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 08:48:36 am
content: Ok just shooting this past everyone but anyone heard of these? I have a mate who has everything and come gift time he's next to impossible to buy something for because he'll already have it. Although this unit is available in NZ at the pristine end of $220 Kiwi Dollars i was just wonder how does the unit really work?You apparently burn little chips of wood in it to cook on but attached to the body is some 'magic' and a fan that can in-turn charge a mobile phone from the USB socket....I'm thinking Peltier device or the air draft as the woodchips draw in air that spins a fan and therefore a very low compliance (easy to rotate) generator?Apologies if this unit has already been torn to bits here... i did a search and found no reference to it....http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1382110895

author: Don Hills
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 12:07:45 pm
content: It does more or less what it says on the label. There's nothing revolutionary about it. For example, there's this IEEE paper:http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7165445/An online search for "thermoelectric generator" will bring plenty of hits.It's quite an old idea, for example TEGs were used in Russia back in the 50s, with TEG modules mounted on the "chimney" of a kerosene lamp to run a valve radio. Search for "kerosene thermoelectric lamp."

author: Dreamer05
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2017, 03:34:56 am
content: The biolite stove is amazing. Ended up getting one myself and yes, it works awesome as a charger. I can litterally turn pinecones and sticks into usable electricity. Did some real quick digging around and landed upon a review that does a pretty good job of explaining how it works.http://thesurvivaljournal.com/biolite-campstove-review/This is probably one of the coolest things I've bought to be honest.Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2017, 04:11:37 am
content: I got one of the first Biolite stoves from their initial crowdfund. It works great for efficient cooking with small pieces of wood - it's essentially a rocket stove. It works well to charge small low amp devices like phones as long as you keep feeding it wood.I also have their larger basecamp stove which also works well.

author: Jellysfish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 17, 2017, 06:28:39 pm
content: check this out!

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2017, 09:02:54 pm
content: AVE has just done a tear down of a biolite.https://youtu.be/PYYw1cYS8o8

author: eas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2017, 06:31:33 pm
content: And he also posted a follow-up, once he figured out what he did wrong putting it back togetherI was given one of these as a gift back when I was tinkering a lot with gasifying wood stoves. It seems to work pretty well, but I've only used mine a bit.
Convert BQ25650 MPPT board to higher current? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aquaaddict
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 10:30:39 am
content: Hi,Looking at using these MPPT boardseBay auction: #122513080856for charging battery on a boat from 2x100w panels, of course 200w is more than 5A, so other than using one board per panel and combining the outputs (doesn't seem like a good idea), I was really wondering if they can be upgraded to handle a higher current. My thinking is to put another pair of FETs in parallel with the existing ones (mount them both off board on heatsinks and hardwire to handle current) halve the resistance of the current sense resistor and swap the the inductor out for a higher current version of the inductance.Any thoughts as to whether this would work or would other components (e.g. the inductance of the inductor) also need changing as I dont know enough about buck systems to know if its a silly idea.Here is the data sheet of the BQ25650http://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/bq24650And here is a selection of application noteshttp://www.ti.com/product/BQ24650/technicaldocumentsThanksAnthony

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2017, 07:58:36 am
content: Hi Anthony,There are loads of products on there for higher currents including MPPT 10A, 20A even 30A so why do you want to modify a 5A one instead of buy something more suitable ?Maybe you have already bought it or upgraded your panels ?
Strange circuit from PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: CHi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 28, 2017, 05:50:14 pm
content: Hi,I'm doing some assignment for a PCB which is supposed to be a solar-ray-intensity measurement device. This is the theory:With short-circuit current you can by measuring the current determine the intensity (Watts/m2), andd best of all this is not temperature dependant.This is the PCB frontside and backside. The backside is mirrored. The solar inputs are on the big blobs of tin on top. There are two attached in total.The metal construction seems to act like a shunt I suppose.I don't have the schematic of, so I reverse engineered the interesting part of it:It somewhat resembles a "wheatstone bridge", however I can't make out how this would work. Perhaps I'm mistaken in the reverse engineering, but I tripple-checked all the lines... Can someone please give me some tips?Regards,CHi

author: woody
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2017, 05:13:07 pm
content: http://www.atersa.com/Common/pdf/atersa/manuales-usuario/equipos-adicionales/Manual-de-usuario-Celula-Calibrada-6-compensada.pdfGives you at least an idea of what it is
Combiner Box voltage and current monitoring - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kosmonooit
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2017, 05:34:02 pm
content: Greetings,I am rolling my own version of this device:Billion SG3204S - Solar DC 4 Strings Meterhttp://www.billion.com/Energy Management/Solar Monitor Meter Series/Billion SG3204SI am trying to figure out why they monitor the current on the negative side of the circuit - number wise surely it doesn't make much diffs which side but is there some other reason?I first came across this at a Solar Show in the Philippines - and the sales guy made a point of mentioning this, but I didn't press him as to why.Any ideas?Once I am done I will open source my design and s/w - I have done galvanic isolation, RS-485 interface, environmental monitoring etcThanks.

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2017, 08:07:03 pm
content: I assume they are using a shunt and it is just cheaper to implement on the low side like all those cheap Power monitors from China that are sometimes hard to implement.

author: Inverted18650
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2017, 09:54:39 pm
content: @kosmonooit,Do you have a link to your build? I'll follow this thread & hope you will update us. Thanks

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2017, 02:54:56 am
content: Quote from: kosmonooit on August 11, 2017, 05:34:02 pmThe reason is either convenience or habit.In practice, I find that high and low side current sensing are equivalent in difficulty once you learn the more obscure (old) circuits for doing them so the convenience factor becomes where to insert the current shunt.
Solar Charge Controller ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 06:15:39 pm
content: Hello, anyone as experience designing solar charge controller, i actually work with PHOCOS LCC series (for 12V and 6V), but i need design my own, any experience with Texas controller or any other ?.

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 08:05:54 am
content: Quotehttps://birds-are-nice.me/ipfs/QmYSV7v3obBD7Pnk8KfQmucieLatGwtB9j3aAFmqooYWvn/One of my designs. PWM only, no MPPT, good for 10A without heatsinks, or lots-of-amps with. If you are mentioning 6V, I'm guessing this is shed-scale rather than house-scale solar, so PWM is probably what you want.

author: Inverted18650
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 07:50:59 am
content: Codebird, are you a British chap? That schematic and design ( and the "diode-diode" as well)looks a lot like a design I am about to try and replicate that I found on one of my fav YouTube channels.

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 08:50:40 am
content: Typo well spotted, and that does sound like me. ChannelBeforePurpose?
Ampyx Power - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vindoline
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 02:54:25 pm
content: Someone just brought this website/company to my attention. I'm not sure what to make of it. My initial gut-feeling is that it's wacko. Of course, I'm the guy who thought that the "world wide web" would never catch on either!https://www.ampyxpower.comAt least they're thinking outside of the box - but there seem to be quite a lot of potential problems. What does everyone here think?
Tesla to build world's biggest lithium ion battery in South Australia  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: neotesla
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 05:46:53 am
content: Sorry if it's already posted elsewhere on the forum, but I couldn't (quickly) find it... So here it comes. I hope it's (a lot) more than marketing bs.Tesla to build world's biggest lithium ion battery in South AustraliaQuoteAlso, from Tesla's website:https://www.tesla.com/blog/tesla-powerpack-enable-large-scale-sustainable-energy-south-australiaQuote

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 09:24:19 am
content: But wont release the details on the price of the installation! 129MWh is tiny.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 12:46:36 pm
content: Huge press coverage, zero mention of contract cost. Hype central.Quote from: wilfred on July 07, 2017, 09:36:15 amTiny is the word, Tumut 3 alone is a 1800MW plant with 1500MWh of routine storage capacity:https://georgejetson.org/2017/03/19/pumped-hydro-storage-an-australian-overview/Theoretical capacity of Talbingo dam for emergency use exceeds hundreds of GWh, with a bigger lower reservoir the routine storage could be increased easily. New build pumped hydro is a better scale for grid storage and is much more cost effective at these larger sizes, batteries scale linearly with cost and only make sense for small installations.

author: IanMacdonald
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 05:08:05 pm
content: Kinda dismayed to see Elon Musk talking like this, as inhttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/07/tesla-to-build-worlds-biggest-lithium-ion-battery-in-south-australia.He says that a 80MWh battery would cost $100Million US. Taking the UK as an example, demand averages at around 35GW, so to provide a day's battery backup would require 24x3500 or 84000MWh. Which would cost $105 Billion US. That in itself is about the cost of eight ITER fusion reactors. (Of which, incidentally, only one has to work and problem solved.)That's just for a day's brownout protection. In the UK we've seen periods of two months over which windfarm output is very low, and three weeks when it's next to nothing. So, a battery bank to cover the real situation (say 60 days of supply) would cost around six trillion dollars. That's more than twice the annual turnover of the entire UK economy, and makes the Apollo moon program look like mere pocket money at $25.4 Billion. (1973 value)Though, I guess he doesn't intend to let those guys who can actuallymeasurethat leccy stuffruin a good 'green energy' scam.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 11:58:43 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on July 07, 2017, 10:22:21 pmThe work has been done to identify and cost out solutions for SA:http://energy.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/2269740/Opps-for-pumped-hydro-in-Australia.pdfThere are huge untapped sources throughout Australia, and the same techniques can be applied around the world.
Fault protection in PV half bridge converters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 03:11:51 pm
content: I am still investigating a serious failure I had a while ago where a complete half bridge (including the pcb) was destroyed by an unknown fault. This half bridge was protected by a circuit that detects sudden changes in the capacitive divider (other half of bridge) centre tap voltage (that I had seen used elsewhere) the reason this was chosen is high frequency high current current transformers are practically unobtainable and also difficult to make.Upon close examination however I have discovered this method is unreliable and incapable of detecting some faults altogether, for example the attached simulation at 130uS throws an ohmic short on the low mosfet (a typical failure mode) the red trace shows the high mosfet drain current rising from its nominal 20A to over 160A enough to destroy the device in the 20uS on time shown here (25Khz converter) yet the change in ripple voltage at the capacitor centre tap (in this case 2 x 10uF) is insufficiently detectable from the normal variations to be usable to protect the mosfet. The same situation occurs should the high mosfet be the one to fail first. It should be noted that to save the mosfet it needs to be cutoff typically <5uS after the current becomes excessive.As I have already said a current transformer is not a practicable solution but do not be fooled into thinking the centre tap voltage variation can be used to protect half bridge mosfets from failure.I am presently looking into some other solutions..........PS corrected frequencyChanged pdf to png so it displays an image here.
World Solar Challenge 2017 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 11:25:25 am
content: Well, off to adventure :-) See you all in 2 weeks. Some DAMN nice Cruiser class cars this year (= capable of road legal)https://www.worldsolarchallenge.org

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 11:18:29 pm
content: Well that was a long grueling 3,000Km trip up. 1 day to go !! Heaps of up-to-date pix on their FB page.https://www.facebook.com/WorldSolarChallenge/All the usual drama :-)
Matt glass for DIY Solar Panel - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Free_WiFi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 01:50:46 am
content: Im gonna do my own solar panel ,but my problem is that i didnt know where to get the anti-reflective glass to make my panels more efficent.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 01:53:13 am
content: Spoken to a glass supplier?

author: Free_WiFi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 01:56:32 am
content: Quote from: BradC on June 28, 2017, 01:53:13 amWhich glass supllier?i only know an good seller for photo-elements.Look here :I wanna buy mine cells from here ---->https://tinyurl.com/yb8ofm96Basically at the moment i didn't yet know all the suppliers and shops where to get everything that i need ,so for this reason i've started this topic ,lol

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 03:45:50 am
content: Quote from: Free_WiFi on June 28, 2017, 01:56:32 amI can recommend you someone in Western Australia but the shipping will cost you 20 times the cost of a full commercial panel.According to your flag you are in Italy. Pick up the phone book and look for a company that fixes broken windows (you know, those clear things made out of glass that are everywhere), phone them and ask. If they can't help, ask them to recommend someone who can. Make some calls, talk to some people. You might end up learning about glass and getting some help.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2017, 06:31:13 am
content: Quote from: Free_WiFi on June 28, 2017, 01:56:32 amThose cells are expensive over $1.32/watt. I bought complete 60 cell 265W panels recently for ~$130 (~$0.5/watt). Like you over the years have thought about constructing my own but found the materials expensive and recently the price of panels has dropped so dramatically it's no longer worth it. Just remember to avoid the recreational 12/24V panels as they are expensive.
Is it worth it to buy used PV - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Farrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 02:12:44 pm
content: Hi im looking for some solar panel and most of them are very expensive for my budget.I wonder if i buy used solar panel is it worth it?im looking for solar panel with 50W up to 100W

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 06:57:56 pm
content: If I am buying any PV I take a DVM with me and measure ISC and VOC in bright sunshine, I don't buy on dull days! If those two figures don't approximate the spec I walk away.

author: Farrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 09:02:04 pm
content: is it cheaper and worth it for you? is it not wasting your time to walk around and see for a solar panel like that?

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2017, 05:35:50 am
content: Quote from: Farrel on June 19, 2017, 09:02:04 pmNever a waste of time to make sure your not being ripped off, I always try before I buy! But then I am talking panels of several hundred watts here.
Hi, I want to make solar charge controller and i need suggestion to make it - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Farrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 01:38:18 pm
content: My idea is to build voltage detector with 5V Regulator and a Resistor Divider Connect to an OpAmp, the output from the OpAmp will connect to a Mosfet to limit the cutoff VoltageThis is my current designi need your suggestion about the design and how to make the cutoff Voltage and how to prevent the battrey from undervoltage

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 02:37:32 pm
content: That is a rather unconventional circuit. Trying to feed an op-amp with a value potentially outside of the rails? I suppose it might be possible to make that work, with a careful choice of op-amp, but it is unconventional to say the least. Also, you have no backfeed diode, and your layout is hard to read.

author: Farrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 02:43:46 pm
content: Thanks for your feedback i will redesign with more conventional OpAmp and place a backfeed Diodedo you have any solution for the OpAmp?

author: Farrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 03:01:04 pm
content: Revision circuit Design

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 07:02:24 pm
content: I am afraid there are many things wrong with your circuit and you would be better posting it in the beginners section to get some help, just for starters the LM324 input common mode range does not include VCC and you will need a lot more than 5V vgs to properly turn on the mosfet. Its also drawn in an unhelpful way, try thinking most positive voltage at the top of the sheet and most negative at the bottom

author: Farrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 08:56:04 pm
content: Hi, Thankyou for your suggestion, i will ask at beginner section
Breake Roads... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nelmindo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 18, 2017, 10:21:24 pm
content: http://www.autoportal.iol.pt/noticias/geral/piso-que-desacelera-veiculos-e-cria-energia-vai-ser-testado-em-cascais/Use google translator for your language please.May be a solar roads cousin...
Has anybody seen the Smartflower Solar system? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ksfixitman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 05, 2017, 02:17:53 pm
content: www.smartflower.comI saw this on Facebook and it looks pretty interesting but I'm always doubtful when it comes to a new solar products.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2017, 02:43:08 pm
content: Quote from: Ksfixitman on June 05, 2017, 02:17:53 pmMarketing rubbish! You dont get that shape from a standard 6x6" ingot so its made of smaller squares, inefficient for a start and the amount to be gained by tracking is not huge, looks pretty though if you have deep pockets and want to waste some money...........Tracking calculations can be explored herehttp://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/apps4/pvest.php

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2017, 07:37:28 am
content: The mechanics will cost several times more than the panels. It has poor packing density. A lot of moving parts to go wrong. It looks cool, but it's totally impractical. The ability to fold up in high wind is not a feature, it's an admission that your mounting isn't durable enough.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2017, 08:06:37 am
content: Quote from: Codebird on June 06, 2017, 07:37:28 amThis.It's almost the Solar Roadways of tracking panels.Just stick a bloody square panel onto a tilt mechanism, job done at the lowest cost and best efficiency and reliability.Ask yourself what problem it solves...

author: CCitizenTO
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2017, 02:29:31 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 06, 2017, 08:06:37 amThe problem of separating fools from their money of course. Also they're probably just trying to 'pretty up' Solar options but really you cant pretty up something that needs maximum efficiency to be fiscally sound to begin with.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2017, 02:39:28 pm
content: Quote from: CCitizenTO on June 06, 2017, 02:29:31 pmYup, they needed a marketing angle to sell. Existing panels on tracking bases with battery storage exist, so they had to add a wank factor.

author: maelli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 01:58:12 pm
content: there is one in our village. Even seemed to be working. After about a year or so, already one broken leafThis will very likely not work for 25 years...

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 02:06:44 pm
content: Quote from: maelli on June 17, 2017, 01:58:12 pmI like the anemometer tucked away next to the house wall too, wonder what it measures ?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 07:05:35 pm
content: I would guess wind speed so the array can be furled in high wind.

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 07:30:02 am
content: QuoteBecause it's so flimsy a strong wind would destroy it.I just bolted my panels to brackets. It'd take a hurricane to shift them.
Open Source BMS - LiIon / LiPo - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kallisti5
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 04:10:41 pm
content: After collecting some 18650 batteries, I've noticed a lack of smart Open Source battery management systems.I've begun to tinker with the idea of wifi connected Arduino monitoring large packs of batteries and regulating series cells. (3S 40P, etc)(before anyone says it, LiIon and LiPo's love exploding when you mistreat them.The goal here is to design a management strategy which safely contains their angry pixies.Extreme caution + testing should be used with such a BMS as outlined below.)I've been researching this stuff and have come up with the following design ideas:* Arduino monitoring voltage of each series* Main relay N.O. and held closed by Arduino GPIO to help prevent pack damage if Arduino is offline.* Voltage > 4.2v , turn on a resistor (relay controlled) connected to the impacted series to drain (able to dissipate max charge current?) the excess voltage to 4.2v.* Any series voltage < 3.10v , main relay (large, full pack current+voltage) turns off.* Voltage applied to relay > total voltage, re-enable pack.* Current monitoring* Each series vs the whole pack?* Turn off main relay in over-current situations.* Temperature monitoring?* Turn off main relay in over-temperature.I think the rules above cover the most critical aspects of keeping a large group of LiIon's healthy... thoughts?I've started writing some Arduino code here:https://github.com/kallisti5/erisbmsSome great resources:)

author: kallisti5
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 12:59:36 pm
content: Some adjustments...* Arduino monitoring voltage of each series* Monitor voltages. 3 samples averaged over 1 second.* Main relay N.O. and held closed by Arduino GPIO to help prevent pack damage if Arduino is offline.* Voltage > 4.21v, disable main relay. (emergency disconnect, the BMS isn't keeping up during charge).* Drain impacted cell(s) to 4.15v.* Power unavailable until excess cells dissipate* Voltage > 4.18v, turn on a resistor (relay controlled) connected to the impacted series to drain (able to dissipate max charge current?) the excess voltage to 4.15v* Any series voltage < 3.09v , main relay (large, full pack current+voltage) turns off until voltage provided.

author: Jeroen_Bezemer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 08:45:46 pm
content: For safety reasons you should add a watchdog : when the arduino is stuck with the relais in on position, something must switch it off.Verstuurd vanaf mijn SHIELD Tablet K1 met Tapatalk

author: martinj
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 08:28:10 pm
content: Maybe a quite late reply. Just signed up in this forum and saw your message...If Arduino is not a must, you could have a look at this Open Source BMS based on STM32 MCU:https://github.com/LibreSolar/BMS-5sI'm still working on the software, but most of it can be used from the another BMS with up to 15 cells (for 48V systems):https://github.com/LibreSolar/BMS_24V_software
Solar charge controller, full design. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 06:52:03 pm
content: I've been working on this for a long time, and the point has come where I need feedback. I have a design put together, and a prototype built, for a solar charge controller. It's PWM, not MPPT, but it's a pretty impressive PWM one.- 20A handling easily, both charge and load, and able to handle as much current as you want. No P-channel power MOSFETs here.- Not a single obscure or SMD-only part, good for enthusiasts.- For 12V lead-acid batteries.- Logging of charge and load current and battery voltage to serial output for analysis and monitoring of battery health.- True two-stage charging process, controlled in software so you can enter the optimal values for your battery.- Automatic load disconnect on flat battery, and reconnect when charged.- Automatic disconnect of load on over-current condition.https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmU4GJQvMNpc2W7WYVf65LdH52N9CLcbLYwDCLG6KUcXQQ/I'd like some evaluation. I've got one built to this design in my garage right now, and it's performing a lot better than any of the cheap PWM controllers I got off Amazon. I'm just working on refining the voltage regulation now - need another 100W panel up so I can test it at full charge current.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2017, 05:54:26 pm
content: I am sorry to be 3 months late! I dont know much about commercial charge controllers but I do know about power conversion. Looking at your circuit I see no inductors, so no energy storage and no voltage conversion.Am I right in assuming the PV voltage is forced to be the same as the battery ?If so the panel will only operate near its MPPT for a small range of insolations corresponding to the equally small range of battery voltages.I can see the merit in this circuit preventing overcharge and that in itself is very important but it's PV performance without any MPPT will be woeful, but then I would not be surprised if that is the case with cheap commercial products also.Perhaps in the last 3 months you have moved on or this is adequate for your needs, I move on all the time

author: Codebird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2017, 08:43:57 pm
content: You are correct - like all low-cost controllers, this does not do MPPT. I actually used an external, separate unit for that. It's really an economic thing - this charger is designed for 200W. An outbuilding, a cabin or a mobile home, not a house. At that scale it's more beneficial to spend money on just getting an extra panel than on MPPT.The design could be adapted for MPPT, but it would greatly increase the cost.

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2017, 06:27:55 am
content: Thank you for explainingYou are right about cost, something I always keep in mind otherwise it's easy to end up in a situation where payback wont occur in your lifetimeThere are some silicon solutions for MPPT from TI and others, I saw someone here was promoting an open source hardware project but it seems to have been abandoned.
Solar Roadway Schadenfreude - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: salfter
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 03:38:51 pm
content: Dave might appreciate this:http://dailycaller.com/2017/03/29/first-solar-freakin-roadway-in-the-us-breaks-again/Quote

author: kallisti5
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 01:34:40 pm
content: Just noticed they put live numbers up:https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/pv/public_systems/V3vh1173801/overview

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 01:40:58 pm
content: "0.00 kilowatt-hours produced", it says.At least one part of the system is working fine, then.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 02:07:05 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on April 13, 2017, 01:40:58 pmProbably because it is still dark there. (note that the data is for one day)

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2017, 01:55:15 am
content: 3.9 million dollars invested. 0.5 kWH generated today. Be generous and say that the average daily production is 4 kWH. At current electrical rates in the US that is well under a dollar a day of production. If these boogers somehow last 20 years they will have produced much less than $7300 dollars of electricity. A payback of about 2 millicents on the dollar.Who couldn't love this?

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2017, 09:34:29 pm
content: What I'd like to know is how it cost $3.9 Million to develop. It's a bunch of off the shelf parts assembled together, looks like the sort of thing one guy could build in his garage in a year or less.

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2017, 10:19:42 am
content: I could probably cobble this together with about 20k of parts and 3 months of time. Might even be able to beat their "1 nines" reliability. (19%)
California traffic jams to generate electricity - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MrEinstein
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 05:55:36 pm
content: Dreams come true in California - power "generation" by standing traffic - if you interpret the headline, but have a look at the video....http://www.aljazeera.com/video/news/2017/05/california-traffic-jams-generate-electricity-170507153011081.htmlMr. Gatto seems to be a real capacity regarding alternative energy, and what a nice wiki page he has...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_GattoAnd then have a look at all these publications, this technology seems to be a real break through !!!https://www.omicsonline.com/open-access/piezoelectric-roads-energy-harvesting-method-using-piezoelectrictechnology-ier-1000132.php?aid=73891http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2012/ph240/garland1/http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050916301971http://www.energy.ca.gov/2013publications/CEC-500-2013-007/CEC-500-2013-007.pdfPLEASE make a video about this report and save Californias tax payers!Every house should be built on such power generators, houses are so much heavier than cars - must give huge amounts of energy...If I would be Mr Gatto, I would place simply every 20 meters a chassis dyno on the road - maximized energy harvesting - zeroed transportation.and install hydropower at every gully and at every homes rain water downpipe. All that free energy - just imagine......

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 11:13:33 pm
content: If I heard correctly, "a five mile stretch of highway could power a small city for an entire year", besides being impossible, the "entire year" bit at the end makes it a nonsense statement.When a power source is continuously powering something it doesn't make sense to mention time as in this case.

author: bazza
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 02:47:37 pm
content: I wish to give more money to tech-illiterate parasites, who feed off the Public Purse like the criminals they are. I also believe strongly in the grid remaining a going concern for at least the next million years.To that end, I like to celebrate the new Grid-Connected Renewables era with a song:

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 03:13:08 pm
content: "Clean energy".
Tesla Researchers say they have doubled battery lifetime - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 10:00:05 am
content: https://electrek.co/2017/05/09/tesla-battery-lifetime-double/In the second half of the talk, he explained how their new testing methods led them to discover that a certain aluminum coating outperformed any other material. The cells tested showed barely any degradation under high numbers of cycles at moderate temperature and only little degradation even in difficult conditions.Amazing if true.
Thermodynamic panels - anyone? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2016, 12:09:00 pm
content: Have any of you tried Thermodynamic panels? (So Fridge in reverse - cold gas sent out in panels and heated by environment - heat is absorbed when re-compressing the gas)There is a big supplier from Portugal called Energie (www.energie.pt) - who seems to be one of the market leaders.I know a lot of bad things have been said - but I also hear great things. But usually there are 10 daff installers for each 1 who does it right.

author: fusionchip
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 02:09:31 pm
content: I built a solar water heater into a solar panel. Its just coils of copper tubing inside a framed solar panel .I often wondered if I should have patent for it because I have yet to see a hybrid electric/heating panel..Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 02:16:39 am
content: Peltiers might be what you're after, I don't think they're that efficient though, but still a neat idea. I always thought it would be neat to setup a wood stove and power any electronic/electricals (fans etc) with a bunch of peltiers. That way the entire setup is self contained but can still be high tech. Ex: have water pumps, solonoid valves, etc... Basically it would just charge a battery and everything runs off the battery.Another tech is the sterling engine. I don't know why this is not used more, I think it's based on the same concept as steam except it's a gas so it does not need as much pressure to work. I recall seeing this cool setup where it was basically solar collector dishes that power a sterling engine. They were maybe like twice the same size as one of those old style TV dishes and tracked the sun and generated several KW. These things come out, generated real power and shown on TV, then we never heard of them again. Not to be into conspiracies... but it does make me wonder if these new inventors get given tons of money to shut up or something.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 03:04:04 am
content: I would think that these are like any heat pump setup, they work fine in an appropriate environment. The solar heat component extends the environments in which heat pumps will work well. The problem with heat pumps is that when there isn't enough heat on the input end they become a very expensive and complex resistance heater. Their web page doesn't make it easy to find if your situation is suitable, and perhaps they don't feel it is a good business decision to do so.Stirling engines have been suppressed by their characteristics, not by some conspiracy. They cost lots of dollars per watt. There are some niche circumstances where they might make technical sense, but that doesn't provide a large enough market to get volume cost reductions so they continue getting left at the gate.