Posted by Piccolo Pete on July 26, 2005, 6:12 pm
> Piccolo Pete wrote:
> >
> > Google tells me I don't need a charge controller for this amperage.
> > However, I did find a schematic for a charge controller rated up to 1a @
> > 12vdc. Probably cost me about 5 bucks to make.
> >
> >
> Oh,that sounds interesting,care to share the circuit/URL? :-)
http://www.solorb.com/elect/solarcirc/srl1/index.html
There may be some other little circuits on the main page that you may be
interested in as well.
Posted by Bill Kaszeta / Photovoltaic Re on July 25, 2005, 12:11 am
>I was given 4 batteries. They are velcroed together (two each) to form what
>I suspect to be a 12 volt configuration so that the two cells together are
>about the size of a small car battery. I believe them to be 6 volt lead
>acid batteries only because they have a Pb recycle label on them. The only
>other marking I can find on them is the number "971226B", but a google
>doesn't help with that number. They are black cased, 6.5"x7"x3" with sturdy
>lead terminals.
"971226B" is likely a date code. These are likely 7+ year old batteries that
have been abused. Recycle them. You are not likely to get any useful
energy storage from them.
Bill Kaszeta
Photovoltaic Resources Int'l
Tempe Arizona USA
bill@pvri-removethis.biz
Posted by Windsun on July 26, 2005, 12:56 pm
If they have been sitting around for 2 years they have a 99% chance of being
pretty much shot.
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>I was given 4 batteries. They are velcroed together (two each) to form
>what
> I suspect to be a 12 volt configuration so that the two cells together are
> about the size of a small car battery. I believe them to be 6 volt lead
> acid batteries only because they have a Pb recycle label on them. The
> only
> other marking I can find on them is the number "971226B", but a google
> doesn't help with that number. They are black cased, 6.5"x7"x3" with
> sturdy
> lead terminals.
> I've had them sitting in my garage for about 2 years and forgot about them
> until just recently when I decided to start doing some solar/wind
> projects.
> I measured the output at about 5 volts so that is why I came to the
> conclusion that they were 6 volt units. They seem to hold a charge at
> about
> 7 volts from a trickle. I didn't want to, but I accidently left one
> charging over night at that level...
> I have 2 solar cells rated at 5 watts each - putting out about 13.5vdc at
> .450 amps max.
> I also have 2 old (but mint condition - because I never used them) TC25G
> generators. I made a small turbine for one, but haven't done the gear box
> yet.
> My questions are:
> 1. Got any clue of where I can find specs on these batteries?
> 2. Do you think they would be good for a small solar/wind system?
> 3. In a 12 volt solar configuration (2 batteries in series - to form one
> 12
> volt battery - giving me a total of two 12 volt batteries), what would be
> the recommended solar configuration?:
> a. should I put both 12 volt batteries in parallel with both solar
> cells in parallel (with a diode on each solar cell, of course)?
> b. should I charge each 12 volt battery separately from one solar cell
> each?
> 4. Do I need a charge controller on such a small system?
> 5. Do you have a link to any good sites with DIY charge controllers (I
> can
> read schematics and do electronics fairly well)?
>
XML site map
> >
> > Google tells me I don't need a charge controller for this amperage.
> > However, I did find a schematic for a charge controller rated up to 1a @
> > 12vdc. Probably cost me about 5 bucks to make.
> >
> >
> Oh,that sounds interesting,care to share the circuit/URL? :-)