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Description

After 3 years of development, this open source project is nearing completion. From its modest beginnings it has evolved into a rather sophisticated device with a USB interface, powerful USB charging ports, a 20×4 character LCD, a rotary encoder with push button, precision measurement of everything from voltages and currents to temperatures. There are 4 PWM power outputs, 4MB of storage for a year’s worth of data logging with real time clock and calendar. It connects to a desktop app via USB where users can monitor and adjust every aspect.

But what makes this charger truely special is its extremely high efficiency of around 97% over a very wide power range from 1 to 75 watts. And there’s more: When there is no sun, this charger won’ t drain your battery. It will enter a very low power state where most sub-circuits are powered off while still logging data.
It works with any type of battery with a nominal voltage of 6 to 13 volts.

Details

Versatile stand-alone or as a Module

While this project started as a stand-alone solar charger, is is nowadays often used as a module in larger projects. The prime example of this is MeshPoint, a WiFi hotspot for disaster and outdoor areas. That project is all about WiFi and 4G mobile networks, not about power harvesting. Using this solar charger as a module, Valent and his team can focus on WiFi connectivity without getting overly distracted with power management.

Don’t re-invent the Wheel

Whatever your project, if there’s no wall outlet nearby you will sooner or later have to worry about power. Developing a quality solar charger is a major project in its own right as I have found out over the course of the last few years. Chances are high that your project’s specific requirements can be met by this charger. It works with many types of batteries over a wide power range. Very often, it is only a matter of configuration to make it fit your needs. So don’t re-inventing the wheel. Use this solar charger as a module in your project and focus on what you really want to archieve.

For more involved projects like MeshPoint mentioned above, you may decide to customize the hardware by laying out your own PCB so that it pysically fits and maybe even strips some features that you don’t need. Even so, the work involved is only a small fraction compared to starting from scratch.

If your can live with the hardware as it is, your life is even simpler. Just decide if you need the user interface or not and start configuring your charger. The various interfaces from SPI over I2C to USB make it easy for your application to communicate with this charger.

Standalone Use

There are many situations where one needs (or would simply like to have) power but there is no wall outlet anywhere near. Be it a camper van, a boat, or an off-grid hut. Its nice to have some power for electric lighting, charging cell phones and more. And the availability of affordable solar panels makes solar often the energy source of choice in such situations.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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High Efficiency MPPT Solar Charger

Description

Details

Versatile stand-alone or as a Module

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

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