yopappamon
10 kW
I have a pile of NiMh F cell packs from some Sharper Image ebike battery packs. I've been thinking about using them in a solar power system for my yard lights. Not a big load, just running a small inverter for a few hours each night, solar charged during the day. Charging would require monitoring cell temperature to shut off the charging when the cells start heating indicating fully charged. I would accomplish this with the existing packs thermisters and an Arduino micro controller, turn of the charge with some FET's. Monitor pack voltage with the Arduino, turn off the load when the pack voltage dropped to a preset point.
Charge to 1.4 - 1.6v per cell, so limit the solar panel output to 14 - 16v, current would be limited by the solar panel wattage (probably a 40 watt panel).
The load would be around 20 1.5w led 120v "bulbs", so 30-40 watts.
Have I thought this through well enough? Any holes in my plan?
Charge to 1.4 - 1.6v per cell, so limit the solar panel output to 14 - 16v, current would be limited by the solar panel wattage (probably a 40 watt panel).
The load would be around 20 1.5w led 120v "bulbs", so 30-40 watts.
Have I thought this through well enough? Any holes in my plan?