I'm working on making a solar-powered battery charger, and could use some advice.
To begin, I have a solar panel which I plan to use to trickle charge four rechargeable AAs connected in series. I assume this is possible. When fully charged, they should put out a little more than 6v.
I want to use these batteries to provide a steady 5v current (connected devices will draw a max of 500mA). However, it's clear that the AAs will drop below 5v well before their power is fully discharged. I can't seem to find plans for a voltage regulator that can boost the voltage as well as trim it. This is where I need the most help.
In addition, what could I use to automatically stop the charging when the batteries have reached 6v, as well as cut the discharging when the batteries have dropped below whatever the minimum requirement for the regulator is?
I know I'm a bit of a noob , but I'd really appreciate some advice/links to info on this topic...
qa9b
To begin, I have a solar panel which I plan to use to trickle charge four rechargeable AAs connected in series. I assume this is possible. When fully charged, they should put out a little more than 6v.
I want to use these batteries to provide a steady 5v current (connected devices will draw a max of 500mA). However, it's clear that the AAs will drop below 5v well before their power is fully discharged. I can't seem to find plans for a voltage regulator that can boost the voltage as well as trim it. This is where I need the most help.
In addition, what could I use to automatically stop the charging when the batteries have reached 6v, as well as cut the discharging when the batteries have dropped below whatever the minimum requirement for the regulator is?
I know I'm a bit of a noob , but I'd really appreciate some advice/links to info on this topic...
qa9b