Solar panels have great potential as energy harvesting power sources, but they need batteries to store the harvested power and provide continuous power during dark periods. This article discusses a unique input regulation loop for a battery charger that simplifies the process of solar panel maximum power point tracking.
The document introduces the LT3652, a multi-chemistry 2A battery charger designed specifically for solar power applications. It explains how the device employs an input voltage regulation loop to maintain a solar panel at its point of maximum power output when illumination levels are insufficient to support full charging requirements.
The text includes a comprehensive design example illustrating how to select component values, such as resistors and capacitors, for a 2A solar-powered charger using two Li-Ion cells. It details the calculation of minimum solar panel requirements and the configuration of feedback networks.
| Maximum Charge Current | 2A |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Solar power applications |
It is a multi-chemistry 2A battery charger designed to extract maximum power from solar panels.
The LT3652 is a multi-chemistry battery charger designed for solar power applications with a 2A charge capability.
The charger automatically enters a precondition mode where the charge current is reduced to 15% of the programmed maximum.