Solar Panel Ipod
Daes anyone know how to charge a device like an iPod or rechargeable batteries with a homemade solar panel?
if so, Please help!
You need enough solar cells connected in series and parallel to provide enough power (in strong sunlight) to charge the batteries.
Each small solar cell will put out a little over 0.7 volts in strong sunlight. It doesn’t matter how big (area) the single cell is — it will still only produce 0.7 volts. BUT… the larger the area, the more current you will get.
So, lets say your battery pack is 3.6 volts (pretty standard for Lithium ion packs). That means you will need at least; 3.6 divided by 0.7 = 5.1 cells in series. 5 cells will not produce quite enough voltage, so you need at least 6 cells in series to produce voltage to even start to charge the batteries (it is good to have a slightly higher charging voltage anyway). If your battery is only 1.2 volts, then you need 2 cells in series (for 1.4 volts total). If your battery pack is some other voltage, then you need to add up 0.7 volt cells until it is over the voltage of the battery pack.
Now, it becomes a matter of how much current do you want, to charge the batteries. The higher the current, the faster the charge time.
You could get one huge solar Panel that is 5 feet by 2 feet, produces 200 Watts, and you could charge your little 3.6V battery pack about 1 minute. I don’t think you were thinking of that. LOL
You need to figure out how many individual cells you want to use in groups of 6 (in series), and connect those groups of 6 in series all in parallel to increase the charging current.
Then it is just a matter of connecting the positive output of the solar cells to the positive terminal of the battery, and negative to negative. Then let the sun do the rest of the work.
Since your voltage *is* slightly higher than the battery pack you must carefully watch the temperature of the batteries. When they get very warm, it’s time to pull the plug on the charger.
.
BEST Solar iPod Charger & Solar Cell Phone Charger
|
|
Premium Solar Charger – Ultra Thin Solar Powered Backup Battery and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Device – Also Includes Built-in LED Reading Light and Window / Windshield Suction Cups $27.99 The XTG Technology Ultra-Slim “Solar Portable Battery and Charger” is the perfect solution for emergency power and power on the go. The XTG-SOL1500 includes: Built-in Lithium Ion battery that can be charged using the provided USB cable or using sunlight via the solar panel. USB output to charge your cell phone, smart phone, Mp3, Bluetooth headset and more on the go (using your device’s existing… |