Improved photovoltaic battery chargers for lower maintenance and higher efficiency
A novel system controller has been developed and tested, suitable for many remote lead acid battery charging applications. The state of charge of the battery is estimated by integrating the battery current, while the optimum amount of equalization charge is simultaneously estimated. The results are bounded by a temperature compensated voltage limit algorithm to ensure convergence of the model to the actual battery being controlled. The battery therefore requires less watering and will probably last longer. The charging mode is further enhanced by a modular high-efficiency switching DC to DC regulator between the source and the battery, driven by a maximum power controller. This allows the photovoltaic array to operate at its optimum voltage regardless of the battery voltage, enhancing the system output during design-limiting winter months.
- Research Organization:
- TRI Solar Corp., Bedford, MA
- OSTI ID:
- 5489182
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-820906-
- Journal Information:
- Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States), Journal Name: Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States); ISSN CRCND
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
ALGORITHMS
BATTERY CHARGERS
BATTERY CHARGING
CHARGE STATE
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DC TO DC CONVERTERS
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
MAINTENANCE
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MODULAR STRUCTURES
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
REMOTE CONTROL
SERVICE LIFE
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING
USES