UNDERSTANDING CHARGE CONTROLLER IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
In renewable energy system, charge controllers are very important in every installation. There function is to protect your battery from over changing and inverse flow of current from the battery and make sure everything runs efficiently throughout the lifespan of the installation. The charge controller is in between the solar panel and the battery bank.
TYPES OF CHARGE CONTROLLERS
There are two main types of charge of controller. There are:
1. PWM ( Pulse Width Modulation )
2. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
Both technologies are used to protect the battery from damage, although they are use differently.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation): This type of charge controller is less effective and it uses variable pulse charging. When using the PWM the voltage of the solar panel must be the same as the voltage of the battery bank (that is voltage in = voltage out). In most cases this charge controller is used for small installation system. PWM controller regulates the flow of energy to the battery by reducing the current gradually and this process provides a series of short charging pulse to the battery.
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking): MPPT is more effective and efficiency than the PWM. It tracks the maximum voltage and current from the array and it supports different voltage in than out. MPPT can convert the input voltage from the solar panel to meet with the voltage of the battery. This type of charge controller is more expensive and it last longer than the PWM.
VOLTAGE AND AMPERAGE RATING OF A CHARGE CONTROLLER
Charge controller comes with different voltage. A charge controller can be 12volst, 24volts and 48volts. PWM charge controllers are between 12volts and 48volts and MPPT charge controller can be as large as 48volts and above.
The amperage rating of a charge controller can be between 1 to 60amps while the voltage rating can be between 6 to 60volts. When choosing your charge controller for you solar installation system you need to choose wisely because you need a controller that is large enough to contain and regulate the power and current coming from your solar panel into your inverter.
DO I NEED A CHARGE CONTROLLER FOR ALL MY SYSTEMS?
Yes! You need a charge controller for all your solar inverter installation systems that will help you to monitor and regulate the voltage and current that comes into your battery bank.
HOW DO I GET TO KNOW THE AMPS OF THE CHARGE CONTROLLER TO USE?
Getting to know the amps of the charge controller to be use is of the biggest challenges when it comes to the choose of charge controller to be use.
Note: Power = Voltage x Amperage (P=VI)
Amperage = Power/Voltage } of the solar panel
After getting the Amperage of the charge controller to be used using the formula above, increase your results by 25% because you will need a charge controller that can take all you power even if you are to increase the solar panel array in the future.
In conclusion, it is important to put all consideration in place when we are try to setup our solar installation system and choose wisely our charge controller type. It is the brain and the heart beat of our system.
For your affordable and cheapest solar installations in Nigeria contact Ogad Technological Solutions via whatsapp: +2348166189144 or visit our website for details.
Our Offices:
Ondo Address: Capricorn Junction, Futa South Gate, Akure. Ondo State.
Lagos Address: 2, Kazeem Alolade Street, Gemade Estate. Egbeda Bustop. Alimosho. Lagos State.
Written By:
Oduwaye Aaron
TEAM LEAD (OGAD TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS)
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