SolarController Not Charging?

riffelrw
Junior Member

Posts: 65

SolarController Not Charging? Nov 22, 2021 14:49:33 GMT -8

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Post by riffelrw on Nov 22, 2021 14:49:33 GMT -8

I'm making some modifications to the configuration and code for the SolarMax2 using the DFRobot controller. Since I'm working inside, I'm using a 16V DC power supply as a stand-in for the solar panel. When I connect it, I've got 16.4V on the solar cell inputs, with MPPT off it shows the outputs active (5.21 13.54 volts respectively with 12.12V on the lead-acid terminals) and the battery scale full

.

But when I set MPPT on, i would have expected it to charge, albeit "smarter" yet still provide output as the battery is sitting at the same 12.12V:

I'm not sure I understand this - does it imply that with MPPT on the system can not drive the 5V/12V outputs while charging? I've checked the controller manual and don't see anything that would explain it. I've also run the same configuration with two different controller boards, same results.

Also, do you sell the Mini Pro LP boards in the shop yet, or at they just allocated to the KS rewards for now?

Thanks
Rich

SDL
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Posts: 5,648
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: PC, arduino, beagleBone

SolarController Not Charging? Nov 22, 2021 15:36:11 GMT -8

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Post by SDL on Nov 22, 2021 15:36:11 GMT -8

Since your power supply behaves differently than a 18V solar panel behaves, I'm not sure that MPPT will do anything for you at all.

The LEDs on the board are only valid (yes I know, dumb design) when you aren't charging. Take a look at them now.

We are not selling the MiniPro LP Boards yet in the shop. We just got a new batch of them and filled every order we had, so we will put the board up in the near future.

It's a matter of documentation more than anything.

BP

riffelrw
Junior Member

Posts: 65

SolarController Not Charging? Nov 23, 2021 5:02:31 GMT -8 SDL likes this

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Post by riffelrw on Nov 23, 2021 5:02:31 GMT -8

Thanks. I figured out more about what was happening, there was a 12.6K resistance across one channel of the two terminals on the INAa3221 connected to the battery, probably a cold solder joint under the terminal block, or the chip challen was fried. Replacing it with another one corrected at least the problem with the battery and it will charge/discharge and supply the outputs with no power supply connected.

Post by riffelrw on Nov 22, 2021 14:49:33 GMT -8

Post by SDL on Nov 22, 2021 15:36:11 GMT -8

Post by riffelrw on Nov 23, 2021 5:02:31 GMT -8

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