electrical:solar:charge_controller
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electrical:solar:charge_controller [2022/08/09 14:12] frater_secessus [MPPT] |
electrical:solar:charge_controller [2022/08/09 14:21] frater_secessus [Types of charge controllers] |
=== The quick and dirty === | === The quick and dirty === |
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**PWM** is a lot cheaper, but less gives less power (50-60% of panel input can be used). **MPPT** is more expensive, but gives more power (80-90% of panel input can be used) | **PWM** is much less expensive, and typically makes less power over the course of the day. Panel voltage and battery bank voltage need to be matched. |
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| **MPPT** is more expensive and but typically makes more power, especially when battery voltage is low. Panel voltage and battery bank voltage can diverge. |
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| The more power / less power dynamic is highly dependent on the setup and use case; there are no definite answers about which is right for you. For example, there are edge scenarios where PWM can make more power than MPPT.((like high ambient temps + low Vmp panels)) |
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==== PWM ==== | ==== PWM ==== |
[[http://amzn.to/2hcZaj2|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41pwJOriZHL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]]**PWM** (pulse width modulation) controllers charge by connecting panels to battery until a given voltage setpoint is reached. When the desired setpoint is reached the controller switches current on/off to the battery in very fast cycles and in such a duration needed to keep voltage from rising. This time slicing power delivery is called is pulse width modulation, or PWM. Some heat will be generated by the switching. Counterintuitively, the PWM may be cooler the touch when it is running full open because there is no switching going on to limit voltage. | [[http://amzn.to/2hcZaj2|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41pwJOriZHL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]]**PWM** (pulse width modulation) controllers charge by connecting panels to battery until a given voltage setpoint is reached. When the desired setpoint is reached the controller switches current on/off to the battery in very fast cycles and in such a duration needed to keep voltage from rising. This time slicing power delivery is called is pulse width modulation, or PWM. Some heat will be generated by the switching. Counterintuitively, the PWM may be cooler the touch when it is running full open because there is no switching going on to limit voltage. |
electrical/solar/charge_controller.txt · Last modified: 2024/04/16 20:28 by frater_secessus