Best Low-Cost Charge Controller?

[goboatingnow]

Since PV panels are primarily current sources almost any panel with a sufficient voltage can be connected to a 12 v battery even high voltage ones. It's just that for high voltage ones the 12v operating point is very inefficient ( or more inefficient ). Hence if you loose your mppt controller you can still use the PV panel.

Dave

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Since PV panels are primarily current sources almost any panel with a sufficient voltage can be connected to a 12 v battery even high voltage ones. It's just that for high voltage ones the 12v operating point is very inefficient ( or more inefficient ). Hence if you loose your mppt controller you can still use the PV panel.

Dave

Small pirating here to say hello to a friend--

Hi Dave-- how have you been? I still struggle with time that has prevented me from assembling the watermaker. All---make that most--of the software is completed and tested with the exception of the motor. Have all piece parts including the pressure vessels except for the actual filters. I intend to use a step motor, first with up/down manual controls and later with feedback to track the water temperature. Just need to start assembling the thing ASAP. MOre later--

Foggy

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by foggysail

Small pirating here to say hello to a friend--

Hi Dave-- how have you been? I still struggle with time that has prevented me from assembling the watermaker. All---make that most--of the software is completed and tested with the exception of the motor. Have all piece parts including the pressure vessels except for the actual filters. I intend to use a step motor, first with up/down manual controls and later with feedback to track the water temperature. Just need to start assembling the thing ASAP. MOre later--

Foggy

hopefully - pictures or it aint happening


keep going Foggy, Im up to my neck in micro controllers as I started a new business, keeps me away from too much sailing now ,,,,waaahhh

Dave

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

hopefully - pictures or it aint happening


keep going Foggy, Im up to my neck in micro controllers as I started a new business, keeps me away from too much sailing now ,,,,waaahhh

Dave

Next week when I get home I will send some pictures of my displayed data and if you're bored, a copy of 1000 lines of source code

Foggy

[cwyckham]

I was just looking at the Morningstar sunsaver for my application. Warning! It has an automatic equalization in flooded mode. I have AGM batteries which like to have the 14.4V setting of a flooded battery, but don't like to be equalized. I'd have to put it on Gel mode which only has 14.1V. Not the best controller for my application.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by foggysail

Next week when I get home I will send some pictures of my displayed data and if you're bored, a copy of 1000 lines of source code

Foggy

great PM me when you get a chance, id like to see the components

where did you get the pressure vessels?

dave

[foggysail]

Dave--

I will get back to you, I hijacked this thread so I am pushing my luck--

Foggy