Difference between revisions of "Solar Power"
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== Parts == | == Parts == | ||
* 2x [http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/custom/?voltages=ALL_PRODUCTS PowerFilm 4.8V 100mA photovoltaic modules] | * 2x [http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/custom/?voltages=ALL_PRODUCTS PowerFilm MPT4.8-150 4.8V 100mA photovoltaic modules] | ||
* 1x [http://www.solarbotics.com/products/d3/ Low Voltage Schottky 1A Diode] | * 1x [http://www.solarbotics.com/products/d3/ Low Voltage Schottky 1A Diode] | ||
* 1x [http://www.robotshop.ca/hitec-54117-battery-3.html Hitec 1600mAH 4.8V NiMH flat battery pack] | * 1x [http://www.robotshop.ca/hitec-54117-battery-3.html Hitec 1600mAH 4.8V NiMH flat battery pack] | ||
Revision as of 16:19, 2 August 2009
Small project to demonstrate solar power, power storage in batteries, and a motor load to spin a propeller.
Parts
- 2x PowerFilm MPT4.8-150 4.8V 100mA photovoltaic modules
- 1x Low Voltage Schottky 1A Diode
- 1x Hitec 1600mAH 4.8V NiMH flat battery pack
- 1x Standard 030 form-factor RM1A 4.7V 150mA 7400rpm motor
- 1x Propeller 3.4"
Setup
The twin solar panel is providing 4.8Volt 200 mA power, the battery 4.7Volt 1600mAh, and the motor a 4.7Volt 150mA load.
NiMH (Nickle-metal hydride) batteries should normally be charged at 1/10C rate, e.g. 1600/10, 160mA. That means it will take 10 hours to charge 1600mA. Trickle-charging at this rate will not overcharge and damage the battery (more). NiMH is not like LiPo batteries where the voltage can be used for cut off. With maximum 200mA from the solar modules, it should be charged in 1600/200, 8 hours. That's about the average length of daylight.
If the motor is only used at night and free spinning, it should be able to spin 1600/150, 10.5 hours.
A diode will block the current from the battery to flow back to the solar modules when the sunlight is not bright enough to charge the battery.
