The simplest solar cell power supply system consists of three parts; a diode, a solar cell panel, and a rechargeable battery. The diode prevents the battery from being discharged through the solar panel when no or little light falls onto the panel. Although the diode is a type of Schottky type, the forward drop of this type may cause an appreciable loss of energy. The present circuit uses a special low-drop diode.
How does the solar cell power supply system work?
The opamp draws only a tiny current on average 20µA. Although it can operate at an allowed voltage of as low as 1.6 V. The gate of T1 requires at least 3.0 V to be switched on. For that reason, the nominal battery voltage is specified as 4.0 V.
To align the circuit, replace the solar panel with a variable regulated power supply with its current limiting set to the value that is safe for the battery. Set the power supply output to a level that is 0.1 V higher than the current battery voltage. Next, adjust P1 so that the output of IC-1 just becomes logic high. Finally, check with an ammeter that the battery is not being discharged when the power supply is set to below the current battery voltage.
Solar Cell Power Supply System Circuit Diagram:
Advantages of Solar Energy
- Renewable Energy Source
- Reduces Electricity Bills
- Low Maintenance Costs
- Diverse Applications
- Technology Development
- Cost. The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high. …
- Weather-Dependent. Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops. …
- Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive. …
- Uses a Lot of Space.
- Associated with Pollution.
