[quote author=jack wp link=msg=2402084 date=1442591315]
Lots of work has gone into helping the OP get the most power out of their solar panel system. Come to find out, the OP is not interested in getting the most power from the sun, rather he wants a novelty device to set on his kitchen counter, so maybe we should be suggesting what color to paint it.
If I have misread this forgive me.
[/quote]Ha!
sonnyyu:
An other key element of system: low voltage, single solar cell MPPT.The SPV1040 device is a low power, low voltage, monolithic step-up converter with an input voltage range from 0.3 V to 5.5 V, and is capable of maximizing the energy generated by even a single solar cell (or fuel cell), where low input voltage handling capability is extremely important.
http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/sense_power/FM142/CL1810/SC1517/PF251161
$1.91/4k
$4.00/1
Brilliant! Thank you so much, this is very helpful!
it is becoming clear that the OP has not been able to convey the desired use of this project to a level that we can comprehend.
it appears that this is an art project and any similarity to a energy efficiency project is coincidental.
if we think that many panels will be in low light, but want to extract any usable power from panels not pointing to the light.
if that is the case, then it would be something to work with. my suggestion is to cut through the language barrier and get the actual scope of the project.
Getting peeved, are we?
Maybe more like getting duped.
UPDATE:
Hello all!
There's been great advice so far and thank you for that.
sonnyyu has gave me something that will hopefully help a lot.
here it is:
sonnyyu:
An other key element of system: low voltage, single solar cell MPPT.The SPV1040 device is a low power, low voltage, monolithic step-up converter with an input voltage range from 0.3 V to 5.5 V, and is capable of maximizing the energy generated by even a single solar cell (or fuel cell), where low input voltage handling capability is extremely important.
http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/sense_power/FM142/CL1810/SC1517/PF251161
My question is after adding a diode per panel to prevent reverse current flow and connecting the panels in parallel, would I need to add one per panel, one for each panel or one for all in parallel is also good?
Pringles:
...
My question is after adding a diode per panel to prevent reverse current flow and connecting the panels in parallel, would I need to add one per panel, one for each panel or one for all in parallel is also good?
...
One SPV1040 per panel, parallel all the output SPV1040 together. The blocking diode is no longer needed. Since we could use ideal diode ( add it at output of SPV1040) it is not hurt?
OP's case is each panel has different solar angles.
MorganS:
6 MPPT controllers would do it. I don't know if they would fit inside the cube/object/thingy.
sonnyyu:
One SPV1040 per panel, parallel all the output SPV1040 together.
The blocking diode is no longer needed.Since we could use ideal diode ( add it at output of SPV1040) it is not hurt?
Ok, I'll purchase a few of these.
The maximum input is 5.5v, my panels are rated to 6v and today I put them into full sun and check the open voltage. It read 6.3v open circuit. I read the datasheet of the SPV1040 and the absolute maximum rating I think it was 5.5v input.
What can I do if this thing if it ever goes in direct sun? Should I add the diode so it takes at least 0.7v to be safe even if it will slightly reduce the efficiency? What do you recommend?
Thank you for taking the time to reply and help.
"What can I do if this thing if it ever goes in direct sun? Should I add the diode so it takes at least 0.7v to be safe even if it will slightly reduce the efficiency? What do you recommend?"
Spray paint all sides of the box a bright orange. Then it should be safe.
I am sorry, I just couldn't help myself. I will try harder tomorrow.
[quote author=jack wp link=msg=2404992 date=1442792295]
"What can I do if this thing if it ever goes in direct sun? Should I add the diode so it takes at least 0.7v to be safe even if it will slightly reduce the efficiency? What do you recommend?"
Spray paint all sides of the box a bright orange. Then it should be safe.
[/quote]Directions not clear, prove got stuck on toaster.
Eager to see your input tomorrow as you said.
I seem to remember something about tin foil... ??
maybe a tin foil hat to cover in case the sun is too hot ?
Pringles:
Ok, I'll purchase a few of these.
The maximum input is 5.5v, my panels are rated to 6v and today I put them into full sun and check the open voltage. It read 6.3v open circuit. I read the datasheet of the SPV1040 and the absolute maximum rating I think it was 5.5v input.What can I do if this thing if it ever goes in direct sun? Should I add the diode so it takes at least 0.7v to be safe even if it will slightly reduce the efficiency? What do you recommend?
Thank you for taking the time to reply and help.
No, You need 6.0 V chip set, for small current you could use SPV1050. Or LT3652 like SparkFun Sunny Buddy - MPPT Solar Charger
Drop a line at @sparkfun.com?
I don't think the SunnyBuddy is appropriate, although it does seem like that chip is a good alternative to the SPV1040. The constant-current charge mode is not necessary for this application.
Why not go for the SPV1050, which allows up to 18V input?
SPV1050 appears to be unobtanium; can't find it sold anywhere aside from a site with MOQ 4000. SPV1040 is available at Digi-Key but it's $4.14 qty 1 :o
It seem both SPV1040/SPV1050 are available at OEM market (China, Shenzhen) ~1.00$ /small qty.
sonnyyu:
It seem both SPV1040/SPV1050 are available at OEM market (China, Shenzhen) ~1.00$ /small qty.
Could you provide a link for these?
I could afford the $4 dollar ones but I got the feeling I'll bust at least one and as a broke college student I'll have to go on a diet.
Also the additional components that I also have to buy.
MorganS:
I don't think the SunnyBuddy is appropriate, although it does seem like that chip is a good alternative to the SPV1040. The constant-current charge mode is not necessary for this application.Why not go for the SPV1050, which allows up to 18V input?
The size of the IC is less than 3mm, 3/25 or 0.12 of an inch.
Chagrin:
SPV1050 appears to be unobtanium; can't find it sold anywhere aside from a site with MOQ 4000. SPV1040 is available at Digi-Key but it's $4.14 qty 1 :o
:o me too.
sonnyyu:
It seem both SPV1040/SPV1050 are available at OEM market (China, Shenzhen) ~1.00$ /small qty.
Still, no link?