Dual Power Sources: Supplementing Solar w/ Battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of creating a dual power source system that supplements solar energy with battery power. Participants explore methods to maintain a consistent power output, particularly when solar energy is insufficient, and consider various hardware solutions, including microcontrollers and semiconductor devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on how to maintain a set power input when solar supply is low, suggesting the use of a microcontroller.
  • Another participant references a diode-or circuit as a potential solution for managing power sources.
  • Some participants propose that an automotive-style system, where a battery is supplemented by an alternator, could be adapted for this scenario.
  • A participant points out that the original poster did not mention how to charge the battery from the solar panel, indicating a need for additional considerations.
  • Concerns are raised about power loss associated with diodes, with a suggestion that transistors might be a better alternative for switching.
  • Another participant notes that all semiconductor gates incur some losses, but mentions that power MOSFETs may have lower switch losses compared to diodes.
  • There is a discussion about the effectiveness of transistors or FETs, suggesting that when turned on, they function similarly to diodes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to manage power supply, with no consensus on a single solution. There are competing ideas regarding the use of diodes versus transistors and the overall design of the power management system.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity on how to charge the battery from the solar panel, which remains unresolved. There are also discussions about the efficiency of different components, but no definitive conclusions are reached.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals working on renewable energy systems, power management solutions, or those exploring hybrid energy sources.

HybridLogic
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Hey!

I'm trying to create something with some power cells, and I've run into the issue of inconsistent power supply.

I'd like to supplement power from a solar cell with a battery, but I'm not exactly sure how to keep the input to something at a set value. Basically, when the solar cell supply falls below a certain level, I'd like to supply the missing power with the battery.

Anyone have any ideas? I really don't know if any hardware exists for this already. The idea of using a microcontroller came up (and I can write assembly, so using one's not an issue).


Thanks for any input.
 
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Good post, Mheslep, but I can't help thinking that there's an easier approach. The way an automotive electrical system works is that everything runs off of the battery, and the alternator keeps it charged. In this situation, the power cells can be subbed in for the alternator.
 
Easier than two diodes? OP didn't discuss charging the battery from the PV. If he/she wants that they need something different.
 
The problem with diodes is that they waste some power. Better maybe to use to transistors which are switched fully on by a control signal.
 
Any kind of semiconductor gate will have losses in its on state. Power MOSFETS have the lowest switch losses. I don't know if that's any better than a good Schottky diode (.1, .2V forward bias). In any case, an transistor/FET that's turned on is effectively just a diode.
 

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