The PWM Solar Charge Controller is a device designed to regulate the voltage and current generated by solar panels to safely charge and maintain batteries. It ensures optimal charging efficiency while protecting the battery from overcharging, deep discharge, and reverse current flow. This controller uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology to maintain the battery at its optimal charge level.
Below are the key technical details for the PWM Solar Charge Controller:
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Manufacturer | PWM |
Part ID | PWM |
Input Voltage Range | 12V/24V auto-detect |
Maximum Input Current | 10A, 20A, or 30A (model-specific) |
Battery Voltage Range | 12V/24V |
Charging Technology | Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) |
Operating Temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
Efficiency | ≥ 98% |
Self-Consumption | ≤ 10mA |
Protection Features | Overcharge, over-discharge, |
reverse polarity, short circuit |
The PWM Solar Charge Controller typically has the following terminal connections:
Pin/Terminal | Label | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Solar Panel (+) | Positive terminal for connecting the solar panel |
2 | Solar Panel (-) | Negative terminal for connecting the solar panel |
3 | Battery (+) | Positive terminal for connecting the battery |
4 | Battery (-) | Negative terminal for connecting the battery |
5 | Load (+) | Positive terminal for connecting the DC load (e.g., lights, fans) |
6 | Load (-) | Negative terminal for connecting the DC load |
While the PWM Solar Charge Controller is not directly programmable, it can be used in conjunction with an Arduino UNO to monitor battery voltage or solar panel performance. Below is an example code snippet to read the battery voltage using an Arduino:
// Example: Reading battery voltage from a PWM Solar Charge Controller
// Connect the battery (+) terminal to an analog pin on the Arduino via a voltage divider
const int batteryPin = A0; // Analog pin connected to the battery voltage divider
const float voltageDividerRatio = 5.7; // Adjust based on your resistor values
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}
void loop() {
int rawValue = analogRead(batteryPin); // Read the analog value
float batteryVoltage = (rawValue * 5.0 / 1023.0) * voltageDividerRatio;
// Print the battery voltage to the Serial Monitor
Serial.print("Battery Voltage: ");
Serial.print(batteryVoltage);
Serial.println(" V");
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}
Note: Use a voltage divider circuit to step down the battery voltage to a safe range (0-5V) for the Arduino's analog input pins.
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Controller does not power on | Battery not connected or low voltage | Ensure the battery is properly connected and has sufficient charge. |
Solar panel not charging the battery | Incorrect wiring or insufficient sunlight | Check the solar panel connections and ensure it is exposed to direct sunlight. |
Load not receiving power | Load exceeds controller's rated current | Reduce the load or use a higher-rated charge controller. |
Overheating | Poor ventilation or high ambient temperature | Install the controller in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. |
Battery overcharging or undercharging | Incorrect system voltage detection | Verify the battery voltage and ensure the controller is set to the correct mode. |
Can I use this controller with a lithium-ion battery?
What happens if I connect the solar panel before the battery?
Can I use this controller for a 48V system?
How do I know if the battery is fully charged?
By following this documentation, you can safely and effectively use the PWM Solar Charge Controller in your solar power system.