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electrical:solar:charge_controller [2020/05/25 11:54]
frater_secessus [how to choose] 		electrical:solar:charge_controller [2020/05/25 12:24]
frater_secessus [how to choose]
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 There are //DC-DC converting charge controllers// (DDCCC) appearing on the market that claim to be MPPT but do not actually track power points (maximum or otherwise).  They do downconvert some excess voltage into amperage.  See [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/12/15/backchannel-dc-dc-converting-charge-controllers/|this blog post]]. There are //DC-DC converting charge controllers// (DDCCC) appearing on the market that claim to be MPPT but do not actually track power points (maximum or otherwise).  They do downconvert some excess voltage into amperage.  See [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/12/15/backchannel-dc-dc-converting-charge-controllers/|this blog post]].
 ==== how to choose ==== ==== how to choose ====
-**PWM is the default choice** in most situations((12v house power, 12v panels)) because they work well enough and are inexpensive. PWM controllers can cost half or a third of their MPPT workmates for any given rated output.((10A, 20A, 40A, etc))+**PWM is a reasonable default choice** in most situations((12v house power, 12v panels)) because they work well enough and are inexpensive. PWM controllers can cost half or a third of their MPPT workmates for any given rated output.((10A, 20A, 40A, etc))
 If more power is needed (and there is physical space) additional PV can be added to match the charging output of an MPPT charger, often at a lower cost.  [There are no prizes for fanciest or most expensive charge controller!  Do what is best for you -- frater secessus] If more power is needed (and there is physical space) additional PV can be added to match the charging output of an MPPT charger, often at a lower cost.  [There are no prizes for fanciest or most expensive charge controller!  Do what is best for you -- frater secessus]
  
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   * making [[electrical:converter#diy_converters|DIY converters]]   * making [[electrical:converter#diy_converters|DIY converters]]
 We say "effectively required" because one //can// use 24v panels with PWM and 12v banks -- it just doesn't work very well.  The 24v panels will be run at 12v voltages, yielding about half the power you would get with MPPT.  We say "effectively required" because one //can// use 24v panels with PWM and 12v banks -- it just doesn't work very well.  The 24v panels will be run at 12v voltages, yielding about half the power you would get with MPPT. 
-**Shunt controllers are useful for [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling|shallow-cycling configurations]]** or for battery chemistries that are not damaged by [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|partial state of charge (PSoC)]].  Their relative inexpense makes them useful for even very small systems and test configurations. 
-Their simple ON and OFF setpoints may also make them useful for charging [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#lithium_chemistries|lithium]] chemistries. 
  
 Further reading:   Further reading:  
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   * the existing PWM system is not providing enough output   * the existing PWM system is not providing enough output
 +  * using monocrystalline panels, as the higher Vmp and lower Imp further reduces PWM output.
   * battery banks are cycled deeply on a regular basis so more time is spent at low Vbatt where PWM struggles.   * battery banks are cycled deeply on a regular basis so more time is spent at low Vbatt where PWM struggles.
   * nominal 12v panels have a relatively high Vmp (>=18v) for [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/bmlosu/is_vandwelling_a_frugal_lifestyle/emz5lsf/?context=1|reasons discussed here]].   * nominal 12v panels have a relatively high Vmp (>=18v) for [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/bmlosu/is_vandwelling_a_frugal_lifestyle/emz5lsf/?context=1|reasons discussed here]].
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   * if temperatures are very low (rising Vmp means increasing output which PWM could not capture)   * if temperatures are very low (rising Vmp means increasing output which PWM could not capture)
   * the increase in cost is not an undue burden   * the increase in cost is not an undue burden
 +
 +**Shunt controllers** are extremely inexpensive, making them useful for even very small systems, test configurations, and backups. 
 +
 +Shunts with a configurable charge setpoint((effectively Vabs)) will likely charge deeply cycled batteries better than a more $$$ PWM controller that lacks configuratble setpoints.   See [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|shunt tweaking]].
 +
 +  * [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling|shallow-cycling configurations]]
 +  * battery chemistries that are not damaged by [[electrical:depth_of_discharge|partial state of charge (PSoC)]].  
 +  * Their simple ON and OFF setpoints may also make them useful for charging [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#lithium_chemistries|lithium]] chemistries.
 +
  
 ===== multiple charge controllers  ===== ===== multiple charge controllers  =====
electrical/solar/charge_controller.txt ยท Last modified: 2024/04/16 20:28 by frater_secessus

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