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Post by s0urkraut86 on Mar 5, 2019 11:39:33 GMT -8
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Post by lbendlin on Mar 5, 2019 11:47:23 GMT -8
Isn't the Zener supposed to be across the solar panel leads (rather than in line)?
In the winter it should be inside the box to help with the heating but in summer it needs to be outside the box. It may also get too hot for plexiglass.
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Post by SDL on Mar 5, 2019 11:53:01 GMT -8
Lutz beat me to it!
He is correct. It needs to be across the solar lines, not in line! Glad you posted!
BP
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Post by lbendlin on Mar 5, 2019 12:03:08 GMT -8
If you can get hold of a smallish heatsink you may want to use that. I used a 20x20 mm version from Amazon (I think) and just drilled a hole in the middle for a snug fit of the Zener's thread.
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Post by s0urkraut86 on Mar 5, 2019 12:18:55 GMT -8
Nooob here sorry. great idea with the heat sink, if so i will do a more permanent solder job of course Like this?  |
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Post by lbendlin on Mar 5, 2019 12:44:57 GMT -8
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Post by s0urkraut86 on Mar 5, 2019 13:02:07 GMT -8
She's looking good to me!!!!! Thanks for all your help!!!!!  LIPO_Battery Bus Voltage: 4.14 V LIPO_Battery Shunt Voltage: -26.60 mV LIPO_Battery Load Voltage: 4.11 V LIPO_Battery Current 1: -266.00 mA Solar Cell Bus Voltage 2: 5.05 V Solar Cell Shunt Voltage 2: -67.00 mV Solar Cell Load Voltage 2: 4.98 V Solar Cell Current 2: 670.00 mA Output Bus Voltage 3: 5.14 V Output Shunt Voltage 3: 29.80 mV Output Load Voltage 3: 5.17 V Output Current 3: 298.00 mA |
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Post by s0urkraut86 on Mar 5, 2019 15:15:47 GMT -8
I noticed the battery just like stopped charging shortly after the previous post. is this because the solar panel isnt able to charge at this point? the LIPO battery current positive voltage gave me the indication that the battery isnt charging. the suncontrol board however has the power good and charging led's lit.
LIPO_Battery Bus Voltage: 3.95 V
LIPO_Battery Shunt Voltage: 40.68 mV
LIPO_Battery Load Voltage: 3.99 V
LIPO_Battery Current 1: 406.80 mA
Solar Cell Bus Voltage 2: 4.50 V
Solar Cell Shunt Voltage 2: -0.32 mV
Solar Cell Load Voltage 2: 4.50 V
Solar Cell Current 2: 3.20 mA
Output Bus Voltage 3: 5.13 V
Output Shunt Voltage 3: 29.72 mV
Output Load Voltage 3: 5.16 V
Output Current 3: 297.20 mA
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Post by SDL on Mar 6, 2019 6:15:29 GMT -8
Correct. There is not enough current coming from the solar panels to charge the battery. You are only generating 3.2ma from the solar panels and you are consuming much more than that.
BP
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Post by s0urkraut86 on Mar 6, 2019 12:45:47 GMT -8
OK so far this is what i am getting with the panel in my window and pretty much direct sunlight!!!!! now to get some graphs up and running. ![]() LIPO_Battery Bus Voltage: 3.87 V LIPO_Battery Shunt Voltage: -75.48 mV LIPO_Battery Load Voltage: 3.80 V LIPO_Battery Current 1: -754.80 mA Solar Cell Bus Voltage 2: 5.18 V Solar Cell Shunt Voltage 2: -120.96 mV Solar Cell Load Voltage 2: 5.06 V Solar Cell Current 2: 1209.60 mA Output Bus Voltage 3: 5.14 V Output Shunt Voltage 3: 28.24 mV Output Load Voltage 3: 5.16 V Output Current 3: 282.40 mA Attachments:
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Post by SDL on Mar 6, 2019 13:53:49 GMT -8
You are rocking and rolling!
BP
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Post by lbendlin on Mar 6, 2019 16:42:28 GMT -8
Does the output current have to be so high? Can you identify the components that draw the most? With the current setup you'll barely have enough oomph in the panel to recharge the battery in a meaningful way.
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Post by SDL on Mar 6, 2019 17:46:11 GMT -8
Your Raspberry Pi is the highest. What are you using?
BP
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Post by SDL on Mar 6, 2019 17:48:34 GMT -8
Here is a picture of our 5.6V 10W Zener on the back of the panels of a new project. It will hang in the air to cool. BP  |
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Post by s0urkraut86 on Mar 7, 2019 16:36:23 GMT -8
Yeah i am using a 3A+ and beginning to notice its too much. I probably should use the pi wireless 0 i have laying around. I bought the 3A+ for this project not knowing the power consumption is identical to the 3B+. i dont have anything hooked up other than whats necessary. Ok yeah i am using a 6.2v 10w motorola Zener with the panel below. ITEM:9.0W-PANEL www.voltaicsystems.com/9-watt-panelFeatures Waterproof (IP67) UV resistant (10+ year life) Durable and lightweight High efficiency monocrystalline cells: 19% Embedded screws for easy mounting Size and Weight 8.7" x 10.1" x 0.2" (22.1cm x 25.7cm x 0.5cm) 12.6 oz. (357g) Output Open Circuit Voltage: 7.7V Peak Voltage: 6.5V Peak Current: 1,420mA Peak Power: 9.2W Power Tolerance: +/-10% For maximum power output, orient the panel towards the sun Attachments:
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