- #1
Manoj Sahu
- 54
- 1
The circuit is intended to control the charging of a 12v 7ah battery by a 10w, 24v volt solar panel.
Will this solar charge controller circuit work?
- Thread starter Manoj Sahu
- Start date
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- Charge Circuit Controller Solar Work
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the functionality and design of a solar charge controller circuit intended to charge a 12v 7ah battery using a 10w, 24v solar panel. Participants explore the circuit's operational principles, components, and potential shortcomings, focusing on its ability to manage voltage and current effectively.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question how the circuit is designed to down-convert the 24V power source to charge the 12V battery and seek clarification on the type of battery being used.
- There are concerns about the lack of maximum power point (MPP) management circuitry and voltage conversion in the schematic, which some participants believe is essential for effective operation.
- One participant suggests that the circuit functions as a voltage sensing mechanism with adjustable hysteresis but lacks components to step down voltage or limit current, indicating it is an incomplete design.
- Another participant references a specific website for the schematic and expresses skepticism about the adequacy of the explanations provided there, suggesting that the circuit may not function as a true charge controller.
- There is a cautionary note regarding the applicability of the circuit for charging from a wind turbine, with a suggestion that it may only be suitable for solar applications.
- Participants recommend further study on the 555 timer, battery charging processes, and the characteristics of solar panels to better understand the circuit's limitations.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the circuit's effectiveness and completeness, with no consensus reached on whether it will function as intended. Concerns about specific components and operational principles remain unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include potential missing assumptions regarding the circuit's design, the need for voltage regulation and current limiting, and the specifics of battery charging processes. The discussion does not resolve these technical uncertainties.
The circuit is intended to control the charging of a 12v 7ah battery by a 10w, 24v volt solar panel.
- #2
berkeman
Admin
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Could you explain in more detail how this circuit is supposed to work? Where did you get it?Manoj Sahu said:
And how are you down-converting the 24V power source to charge the 12V battery? What kind of 12V battery is it (lead-acid, etc.)?
How are you ensuring that you are drawing power from the Solar Panel or Windmill at its Maximum Power Point? I don't see any MPP management circuitry or voltage conversion circuitry in this schematic...
- #3
Averagesupernova
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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I guess the way I see it is a voltage sensing circuit with some adjustable hysteresis that switches the battery in and out of the charging circuit. That part should work but there is nothing that steps down voltage or limits current. A good start but not complete.
- #4
PhysicoRaj
Gold Member
- 538
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I guess you are referring this site - http://www.mdpub.com/555Controller/. The site provides a good looking schematic and comparison but unsatisfactory explanation on how it works and why you should be doing few things like they've been told to.
The 555 can do more than what it does in that circuit (search more about this). And I don't think that is a charge 'controller', probably just some hysteresis implementation with facility to switch between dump/charge mode, as Averagesupernova pointed out.
Lastly, (connecting your other thread on wind turbines) I don't think this circuit will charge your battery from a wind turbine, which might be a an alternator if you're thinking about. Solar just might get away with it.
I suggest you to do some self study on 555's, charging process of a battery (or batteries) and Power & V-I characteristics of solar panels. Blindly following an electrical DIY is not recommended.
The 555 can do more than what it does in that circuit (search more about this). And I don't think that is a charge 'controller', probably just some hysteresis implementation with facility to switch between dump/charge mode, as Averagesupernova pointed out.
Lastly, (connecting your other thread on wind turbines) I don't think this circuit will charge your battery from a wind turbine, which might be a an alternator if you're thinking about. Solar just might get away with it.
I suggest you to do some self study on 555's, charging process of a battery (or batteries) and Power & V-I characteristics of solar panels. Blindly following an electrical DIY is not recommended.