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electrical:solar:charge_controller [2020/05/25 12:02]
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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   * 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]].
electrical/solar/charge_controller.txt ยท Last modified: 2024/04/16 20:28 by frater_secessus