Solar battery charge controller

Now it's possible to power our homes with clean electricity. Almost anyone can build their own power station. Besides the panels themselves, you'll need a solar charge controller and a lot of other equipment.

So what is a controller for, and what is it? It's essentially a technical device designed to control charging and discharging.

As we know, sunlight hitting a photovoltaic panel is converted into electric current. This moving, directed particle then flows into the batteries. Passing through the inverter, it is converted into 220-volt alternating current. The controller monitors all of this and prevents the batteries from overcharging or completely discharging.

Why should you monitor the charge and how does a solar battery charge controller work?

Main reasons:

1. This will help your battery last longer! Overcharging can cause an explosion.
2. Each battery operates at a specific voltage. The controller allows you to select the required U.

The charge controller also disconnects the battery from consumer devices if it's severely discharged. It also disconnects the battery from the solar panel if it's fully charged.

In this way, insurance is provided and the system becomes safer.

The operating principle is extremely simple. The device helps maintain balance and prevents voltage from falling or rising too much.

Types of solar battery charging controllers

1. Homemade.
2. MRRT.
3. On/Of.
4. Hybrids.
5. PWM types.

Below we will briefly describe these options for lithium and other batteries.

DIY controllers

If you have experience and skills in electronics, you can build this device yourself. However, such a device is unlikely to be highly effective. A homemade device is most likely suitable if your station has low power.

To build this charging device, you'll need to find its schematic. But keep in mind that the error must be within 0.1.

Here is a simple diagram.

MRRT

Capable of monitoring the highest charging power limit. The software contains an algorithm that monitors voltage and current levels. It finds a balance at which the entire system will operate at maximum efficiency.

The MPPT device is considered one of the best and most advanced available today. Unlike the PMW, it increases system efficiency by 35%. This device is suitable if you have a large solar panels.

Device by type ON/OF

It's the simplest one available. It doesn't have as many features as others. The device stops charging the battery as soon as the voltage reaches its maximum.

Unfortunately, this type of solar charge controller is unable to charge to 100%. Once the current reaches its maximum, it shuts off. As a result, an incomplete charge reduces its lifespan.

Hybrids

These devices are used when there are two types of power sources, such as solar and wind. Their design is based on PWM and MPPT. Their main difference from similar devices lies in their current and voltage characteristics.

Its purpose is to balance the load on the battery. This occurs due to uneven current flow from wind generators. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of energy storage devices.

PWM or PWM

The technology operates using pulse-width modulation (PWM), which solves the problem of undercharging. It reduces the current, thereby bringing the battery charge to 100%.

As a result of the PWM operation, there is no battery overheating. As a result, this control unit solar panels is considered very effective.

How to connect a solar charge controller?

This device can be located inside the inverter, or it can be a separate tool.

When considering connection, consider the characteristics of all power plant components. For example, the U value should not be higher than the controller's operating voltage.

The installation should be done in a moisture-free location. Below are connection options for two common types of solar panel controllers.

Connecting MPRT

This is a fairly powerful device and is connected in a specific way. The wires used to connect it have copper terminals with clamps. The negative terminals attached to the controller must be equipped with adapters, fuses, and circuit breakers. This solution prevents energy loss and makes the solar power system safer. The voltage on the solar panels must match the voltage of the controller.

Before connecting the MPPT device to the circuit, switch the contacts to the "Off" position and remove the fuses. Follow this procedure:

1. Connect the terminals of the battery and the controller.
2. Attach solar panels to the controller.
3. Provide grounding.
4. Place a temperature monitoring sensor on the control device.

When performing this procedure, ensure the polarity of the contacts is correct. Once completed, turn the switch to the "ON" position and reinsert the fuses. Correct operation will be indicated by the controller display showing the charging status.

Connecting the solar panel to the controller PWM

To do this, follow a simple connection algorithm:

1. Connect the battery cables to the terminals of the PWM controller.
2. At the wire with polarity"+" you need to turn on the fuse for protection.
3. Connect the wires from the solar panel to the solar battery charge controller.
4. Connect a 12 volt light bulb to the controller load terminals.

When connecting, observe the markings. Otherwise, the devices may be damaged. Do not connect the inverter to the terminals of the control device. It must be connected to the terminals of the battery.

How to choose a solar panel controller?

This is a very important device, and it's quite difficult to choose the right one among the vast variety available. To find what you really need, follow these guidelines:

• Battery capacity. The total output power should not exceed the current rating.
• Input voltage level. It should be 20% greater than the battery voltage, which is produced by the light-to-current converters.

Solar battery charge controllers are now available in all flavors. They can offer protection against adverse weather conditions, heavy loads, short circuits, overheating, and even incorrect connection. For example, this can happen when you mix up the polarityAs a result, you need to choose a device that has several levels of protection.

Popular manufacturing companies

1. Automatics.
2. Emikon.
3. Aries.
4. SLC 500
5. Allen-Bradleo.
6. Micro Logix

These manufacturers have been producing such devices for many years.