Hi
I had been thinking about doing a project the old way - circuit board, parts, etc. But in searching for info to do that i came across the Arduino and am wondering if i can use this instead.
Its a fairly simple project so a micro controller will be quite enough - i think.
The description of what I want
I have two solar panels (6v) powering a pond pump, also have a mains powered/transformer that can supply the pump
What I’d like is for the solar panel to be the normal source with the mains transformer as a secondary source and that a circuit of some sort would detect when the solar panel was not supplying sufficient power and auto change the source.
Extras.
Would it be possible to auto switch off the mains transformer as well as changing the source – me not knowing how much power a transformer users when not under load. Or would i be using the transformer to power the Arduino ?
A timer would be nice – don’t need to run during the night..
Can the Arduino do this and if so what sort of extras I be needing.
Thanks for any help you can give.
i would have to see a schematic drawing of what you have now and another of what you wish, but that aside I think an arduino can easily handle all you wish. You might need an inexpensive real-time clock (RTC) shield or module for a dependable time tracking and a small relay module.
That was quick
Was just about to switch of for the night
Not much to tell really but info below. At the moment I'm only using the solar panel's and they work well when in 'full' sunlight, which is why I'd like to have the transformer power as an alternative.
Any help gratefully received
Hardware
Two 6v solar panels wired in parallel
per panel
Power: 2W
Working Voltage: 6V
Working Current: 0.33A (330mA)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6V-330mA-Solar-Panel-Solar-Cell-2W-2-Watt-136x110mm-Pi-with-Diode-CLEARANCE-/221419043742
WATER FOUNTAIN PUMP KIT LOW VOLTAGE MAINS POWERED
Mains Plug : 6v 300 mA
Operation Voltage: DC 6 Volt
Is the pump always on (assuming full power from the solar cells) during daylight hours?
If not, have you thought about a storage device (rechargeable battery) to be charged when the pump is not on?
You could then recharge the battery overnight from the transformer.
All you'd need is a mains time switch to turn the transformer on and off (at dusk and dawn), a relay to disconnect the pump while the battery is being charged from the mains and a diode to stop the battery from holding the relay in when the transformer switches off.
Though the solar panel/pump is always 'on' the sun isn't always giving enough to actually move water. So also charging a battery isn't going to work.
Which leaves auto changing the power source as the only alternative.
I know I'll need to sense the power from the panel - and be able to fine tune the switching point
A relay to switch the source
a timer
What else ?
What I'm suggesting is a rechargeable 6V battery that's charged overnight by the transformer. The battery can run the pump during the day when the solar cells are not giving sufficient power and be (slightly) recharged by them when they are getting a lot of sunlight. You don't need an Arduino for that.
Plug a time switch into your power socket and plug the transformer into that. Use the 6V to operate a relay. When the power is on (overnight) the relay pulls in and charges the battery through a diode. In the morning, the time switch shuts off the power to the transformer, the relay drops out and the battery is connected to the pump and solar cells.
I use a similar system for my emergency lighting, using a 12V car battery and a charger. Any time the mains fails, the charger stops holding the relay in and the emergency lights come on 'automagically'. Beats having to find a torch in the dark when the RCD trips for no apparent reason.
Now that makes sense and is doable.
The only real problem seems to be 'I've become quite interested in the Arduino' and am looking forward to doing stuff with it.
I suppose i could do both ? but for now the grey cells are happily tinkering with the Arduino project, detail and incidental - keeps them perky.
Thanks again for that idea
IGraham:
Now that makes sense and is doable.
The only real problem seems to be 'I've become quite interested in the Arduino' and am looking forward to doing stuff with it.
I suppose i could do both ? but for now the grey cells are happily tinkering with the Arduino project, detail and incidental - keeps them perky.
Thanks again for that idea
Sometimes, KISS (keep it simple, stupid) is the only way to go. 