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electrical:solar:charge_controller [2022/04/30 17:13]
frater_secessus [shunt] |
electrical:solar:charge_controller [2022/04/30 17:17]
frater_secessus [single-stage chargers] |
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| [[http://amzn.to/2yQppTX|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Gwyw0BT5L._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] | [[http://amzn.to/2yQppTX|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Gwyw0BT5L._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] |
| Single-stage chargers hold the bank at a [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|setpoint]] (Vdisconnect)((whether generally or exactly)) as long as sufficient solar harvest is present. When the setpoint voltage is achieved the controller current is turned off for some amount of time.((In a hydro or windpower scenario the power cannot be turned off and is diverted (shunted) instead to a diversion load like water heating, water pumping, etc.)) | Single-stage chargers hold the bank at a [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|setpoint]] (Vdisconnect)((whether generally or exactly)) as long as sufficient solar harvest is present. When the setpoint voltage is achieved the controller current is turned off for some amount of time.((In a hydro or windpower scenario the power cannot be turned off and is diverted (shunted) instead to a diversion load like water heating, water pumping, etc.)) There are several different ways of turning off the current: |
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| There are several different ways of turning off the current: | * PWM - open circuit the panels very rapidly (tens-to-thousands times a second)and for varying lengths of time to hold the voltage setpoint more precisely. Same as PWM controllers above, but in this market range the modulation tends to be cruder/slower and there is only one charging voltage setpoint. |
| | * shunt - shorts the panels ON/OFF (charge-and-stop, less common) |
| * shunt - shorts the panels ON/OFF (charge-and-stop) | * series - open circuits the panels ON/OFF (charge-and-stop, less common) |
| * series - open circuits the panels ON/OFF (charge-and-stop) | |
| * PWM - open circuit the panels very rapidly (tens-to-thousands times a second)and for varying lengths of time to hold the voltage setpoint more precisely. Same as PWM controllers above, but in this market range the modulation tends to be cruder/slower and there is only one charging voltage setpoint. | |
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| Simple versions use simple electronics((as with [[https://www.flexcharge.com|Flexcharge]])) or relays to turn charging on until Vdisconnect is reached, at which point charging is turned off off. If/when voltage falls to some lower voltage (Vreconnect) charging begins again. This is sometimes called [[electrical:12v:charging#charge-and-stop|charge and stop charging]] or on/off charging. Voltage tends to wander a bit as the charging stops and starts. They are often used where extreme simplicity/robustness is required, or where more complex electronics might cause electrical interference.((as in a ham shack)) | Simple versions use simple electronics((as with [[https://www.flexcharge.com|Flexcharge]])) or relays to turn charging on until Vdisconnect is reached, at which point charging is turned off off. If/when voltage falls to some lower voltage (Vreconnect) charging begins again. This is sometimes called [[electrical:12v:charging#charge-and-stop|charge and stop charging]] or on/off charging. Voltage tends to wander a bit as the charging stops and starts. They are often used where extreme simplicity/robustness is required, or where more complex electronics might cause electrical interference.((as in a ham shack)) |
