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Dump Control / LVD Circuit
ghurd:
In the interest of bandwidth, and to avoid admitting I don't know how to post a video, I submit this photo.
Maybe my wife will upload a video of a prototype blinking a light bulb to utube and post a link. The resolution is poor, but it is just a light bulb...
Blinking very fast. :-)<p>
This photo shows the circuit in action, though a bit in reverse. (I said it was versatile)<p>
The 'dump load' is the coil of a DPDT relay. The N.O. contacts are in series with the solar panels. I guess it could be more properly thought of as an LVD.
The controller circuit has a 0.62V hysteresis. When the battery reaches it's maximum voltage, the "dump load" relay coil energizes and disconnects the PVs from the battery until the lower set point (decided by the hysteresis) is reached. It effectively does not dump excess generated power, it simply disconnects it from the battery. (not good for wind power) When the system reaches the lower hysteresis voltage, the LVD activates, disconnecting the relay coil and reconnecting the PVs to the battery.<p>
Because this controller is driving a Relay-
I should point out that <strong>this</strong> is <strong>NOT a Permanent Installation</strong>. I do not trust relays for long term and fast cycles, especially $10 generic RatShak relays! This is cycling about 20~50 times per minute under good sun, less in low sun, more or less if the freezer is running, and none at night.<p>
It is only a quick fix to do what needed done at the time, with the materials I had available at the time. It will soon be replaced with a MPPT.
BTW, it is still up and running as shown, with no problems. Guessing 10 weeks now.
Hey! I've honestly been busy!<p>
The circuit is show in the lower left. The ice cube relay is in the lower center. The AL security light housing is acting as a heatsink for the double ~ connected bridge rectifier.<p>
It primarily supplies 20A of 12V solar for a SunDanzer DCF165 chest freezer.
Secondary uses are currently FANS, cell phones, cordless tools, PDA, nimh/nicd chargers, etc.
Regardless, most of the power available at this time is not being used.<p>
G-<p>
<img width="80%" src="http://www.otherpower.com/images/scimages/2050/FrigCntrlr.jpg">
ghurd:
Hey Angus,
Options are nice.
Great photo! Shows the open holes and parts without glare. It must have taken 100 tries. Thanks!
It also shows the 10uF 16V tant cap included in the kit. The earlier pics show a smaller cap for clarity.
G-
DamonHD:
Thanks G for sending me the diagram before: really cleared up in my mind what was needed! I'm still all solar so far, but with wind will come some variant on your dump controller!
Rgds
Damon
coldspot:
ghurd-
Thanks for sharing, your great!!!
Mark me down for one, for now, maybe more later.
Are set up for Pay-Pal??
claude:
Nice work G!
I witnessed the development of this baby and now here it is, a great circuit with a lot of potential. Everyone should know that all this was made with great care and countless hours of testing. G proves itself worthy once again.
"Commercials"
When my power-generating abilities will rise up to a noticeable amount I'll surely use G's controller for my charging needs! :-))
Best regards,
Claude
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