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switching regulator
By kell, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Mon Nov 3rd, 2003 at 09:55:42 AM MST
looking for circuit diagrams etc.

I have a charging situation where I need a regulator that will pass about 10 amps. The voltage drop is variable, up to about 40 volts. Tried making my own linear regulator with a bunch of 2N3055 pass transistors, because I know how to build the circuit, but have come to understand that the power dissipation is just too much. Now I would like to find info about how to build a switching regulator. Something based on a N-Channel MOSFET would be convenient because I have some IRF540N's. But all knowledge is useful. If I could find out how to introduce hysteresis into a linear regulator I could probably work it out how to build the circuit on my own, now.

switching regulator | 5 comments (5 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: switching regulator (none / 0) (#1)
by N9WOS on Mon Nov 3rd, 2003 at 11:53:51 AM MST
(User Info)

Here is one thing that may give you an idea or so.

http://n9wossolar.home.att.net/schem/bpwm/bpwm.html

The best way to introduce hysteresis in the circuit
or send it into a switching operation is
to modify the control element or
to increase the regulating element gain
then increase the response time of the control system
and put inductance in the circuit to produce time lag.
The output voltage will always be out of phase with the
Drive voltage.
That will keep the current control elements in a full
On, or off condition.

Switching frequency will not be controllable, but it has a lot
lower loss than a linear regulator.

Re: switching regulator (none / 0) (#2)
by kell on Wed Nov 5th, 2003 at 01:26:12 PM MST
(User Info)

Recently I came up with a better idea. I should just use an off-the-shelf automotive voltage regulator. I won't have to try to design, test and build a switching regulator from scratch. I know how hard it is.
My power in this project comes from a generator, and I have a plan to regulate the output by controlling the generator's field current (electromagnets). An alternator regulator will do this, I just have to connect the field coils of the generator to the regulator's field connections. I found a schematic of the Delco SI regulator and understand how it works and have figured out how wire it with the generator I have. Here's the challenge: how do I go into an auto parts store and just ask for a voltage regulator for the 12 volt Delco SI alternator, without having an answer for their inevitable question, "What kind of car is that from?" Any suggestions?

[ Parent ]

Re: switching regulator (none / 0) (#3)
by 12volt dan (dan12v@hotmail.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2003 at 07:11:06 PM MST
(User Info)

You should be ok if the parts man knows his stuff. If not say it's a 1975 GMC pickup. There weren't to many varriations of that reg.

I use a 12 si on a 5 horse to charge my batts. Works fine for about 50 bucks. :^)
11 years off the grid and counting
[ Parent ]

Re: switching regulator (none / 0) (#4)
by BrianK on Thu Nov 6th, 2003 at 06:25:45 AM MST
(User Info)

Hey on the going to the parts store thing you forgot that they also need to know what size tires LOL :) just kiddin

[ Parent ]

Re: switching regulator (none / 0) (#5)
by jubalearly on Fri Nov 14th, 2003 at 09:01:05 AM MST
(User Info)

Take a look at the ACE catalog for Delco 10SI alternators here: http://www.aceelectric.com/PDF/Altpage.htm

Otherwise the parts place should have an electronic regulator that is a 'universal' replacement for the old mechanicle regulators. But in my opinion the regulators for a starting battery don't have the proper charge characteristics for deep cycle batteries. Richard Perez had an excellent article in Homepower magazine with a circuit for a better charge controller. It's been mentioned on this site a few times or you could look for it on the Homepower site. HTH, -RussH

switching regulator | 5 comments (5 topical, 0 editorial)

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