i need a simple solar charge controller circuit - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Arcamax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2015, 07:47:27 pm
content: I want to make a charger and i need a solar charge controller circuit to keep the voltage safely.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2015, 07:51:41 pm
content: Good for you.

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2015, 09:17:20 pm
content: There is an open source PWM charge controller on Instructables, have a search on there.

author: Arcamax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 12:42:32 am
content: what does open source in electronics mean... i do see charge controllers

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 08:19:33 am
content: You need to learn how to use Google:https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=open+source+hadware&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb&safe=active&gfe_rd=cr&ei=c3FMVaquMYPj8wfMkYGADA#safe=active&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=sb&q=open+source+hardware&spell=1

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 04:28:50 pm
content: Open source means free, observe the associated license, as it still dictates if you can or cannot use it commercially or take their name off etc, most people will ignore it anyway, but it's polite to adhere to it.

author: Arcamax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 06:21:07 pm
content: i dont see a simple "open source pwm charge controller" on instuctables

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 09:42:08 pm
content: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=INSTRUCTABLES+PWM+SOLAR+CHARGERTop 3 links...

author: Arcamax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2015, 10:23:23 pm
content: Your link suggests arduino solar charge controller'si started these threads while back:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/solar-phone-charger-42391/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/solar-phone-charger-with-buck-converter/msg603354/#msg603354ok i understand i should probably do an arduino controller, but it's just that my project is getting too big and was going to be more simple, not complex....This is how it's going to be and was supposed to be with a simpler charge controller.Solar panel --------- Charge controller ---------- LM2596 Buck Converter ----------- female usb port for phone charging

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2015, 01:59:25 am
content: Ok, you want to do it without a MCU?Take a look here:http://www.electroschematics.com/solar-projects/

author: lgbeno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2015, 02:37:09 am
content: LT3622https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12885Done.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2015, 02:21:56 pm
content: Quote from: Arcamax on May 08, 2015, 10:23:23 pmRiddle me this...... I have been proposing this solution on many boards for several years and no one to my knoweledge has ever built it. It is a very cheap solution using only a few parts and a ready made board. Variations can use opto isolators, op amps, LM431, zeners and general purpose diodes. I have built several and they work well. I just can't comprehend why everyone abandons this approach so quickly. Don't get me started on Arduino. I have multiple simple buck converters (just a FET, inductor, diode) driven by a UNO at my camp. I developed working models that use the standard 490hz PWM and use low voltage windings of 60hz transformers. These demonstrators easily supplied 18A and avoided pricy toroids for a Poor Boy regulator. No one is interested in these either and am confused as what people find as a degree of difficulty.Why did you abandon my suggestions?

author: jt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2015, 06:05:22 am
content: Not sure if this is what you after but look into the SPV1020 or SPV1040 (depending on power/ voltage needs).These are peak power trackers IC's made by ST Micro. Essentially boost converters that change the output current to maximize power yielded from the solar cell(s) using a built in disturb and observe feedback algorithm. You can set the maximum output voltage with a resistor as a means to protect your system from over-voltage. This only works if your max cell voltage is less than your system voltage (otherwise the boost converter's output will be a diode drop less than the cell voltage regardless of your resistor set point).However, note, that when using Li-ion (or other dangerous cell chemistries) you should always include dedicated protection circuits that protect the cells from over/under voltage and over charge/discharge current conditions. It is easy to buy Li-ion batteries with this built in.

author: Arcamax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2015, 06:57:36 am
content: Quote from: Seekonk on May 14, 2015, 02:21:56 pmI'am sorry, i'am just looking at options. I'am not an electronics engineer, i only took a few classes in high school. Ok sorry seekonk for asking these following type questions again, so for the buck converter iwouldthen use the TL431 modification, Do i still need the solar charge controller then.