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trigo(at)mail.telepac.pt
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 Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 10:24 am Post subject: Solar chargers (was System Off Current Requirements...) |
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David
For an electronically ignorant guy, which is the zener diode I should buy to regulate the current from a solar panel?
How should it be installed?
Carlos
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skywagon
Joined: 11 Feb 2006
Posts: 184
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| Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject: Solar chargers (was System Off Current Requirements...) |
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Carlos,
If you are using a solar panel for example that puts out 1/4 amp. max current, then I would use a zener diode that is rated for 1/2 amp or more. I don't know the cost of zeners these days. The higher current types maybe nearly as cheap as the lower current models. Also, you need to buy one that the breakdown step, Vz, occurs at or near 13.2 v. If you can't find one at 13.2 then, get the next larger voltage.
If the next available is too high but is the only available type, then, buy it, and some cheap 1 amp plain diodes as they can be used to bring the zener break voltage back down to the desired 13.2. Each diode connected in series with the zener, will drop the voltage approx. 0.5 to 0.6 volt. Thus, if you have a 14.2 v. zener and put 2 diodes in series with it, the final result will be a zener looking like it is regulating to about 13 to 13.2 v. which is what you are looking for.
You also need a series resister to limit the shunted current in case a short occurs somewhere, At this point, you need to find a buddy that knows electronics and mention the idea to him and he will know how to wire it up or even find a one piece device that is better than a zener that is still cheap. You might wait until Bob returns and ask him the same question as he is super current on all the devices available today. I am a bit of a dinosaur being a retired EE engineer.
Dave
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