Making Devices

Open Source projects where we struggle with engineering, electronics, coding and who knows what else... The solar charger uses the energy from a solar panel (using MPPT) to charge a Li-Ion rechargeable battery and provide an stable 5V - 0.6A output.

Table of Contents

1. About The Project
   • Built With
2. Build one
3. Usage
4. Roadmap
5. License
6. Contact
7. Sponsor

About The Project

The solar charger uses the energy from a solar panel (using MPPT) to charge a Li-Ion rechargeable battery and provide an stable 5V - 0.6A output. The project was created to test a small circuit before using it with other projects.

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Built With

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Build one

Documentation is updated.

1. Get the gerber files for the latest version: V1.0
2. Send them to a PCB manufacturer (Our Sponsor is PCBWAY)
3. You should solder all the components in the board. (The schematic is available here v1.0)

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Usage

As soon as you connect a battery, the output voltage will be activated.

Protections:

• Solar Panel

  • Input voltage from 3V to 20V. It has over-voltage protection (OVP).
  • NTC Sensor: The charging process is compatible with the JEITA temperature standard for Li-Ion batteries, limiting the charge of the battery depending of the temperature of it.
  • Protection for short-circuit in the battery.

• Battery

  • Overcharge Detection Voltage at 4.2V (25mV accuracy)
  • Overcharge Hysteresis Voltage Range. (Release at 4.1V)
  • Overdischarge Detection Voltage at 2.5V.
  • Overdischarge Hysteresis Voltage Range. (Release at 3.0V)
  • Discharge overcurrent detection voltage.
  • Short current detection voltage.
    Note: You may want to select a different AP9214 configuration depending of your battery type. We have tested the AP9214L-AE-HSB.

• Output

  • Voltage fixed at 5V +-1.5%
  • Undervoltage protection.
  • Overvoltage protection at 5.7V
  • Overcurrent and shortcircuit protection (+1A). It will recuperate when the shortcircuit is released.

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Roadmap

• Assembly New Board
• Test with electronic Load.
• Validate ratings

See the open issues for a full list of proposed features (and known issues).

State: Project FINISHED - 12/09/2023

Priority: High

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License

Distributed under three licenses:

• Hardware
• Software
• Documentation

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Contact

Making Devices - @MakingDevices

Project Link: https://github.com/makingdevices/SolarCharger

Other Links: LinkTree

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Sponsor

PCBWAY is the most professional PCB manufacturer for prototyping and low-volume production to work with in the world. With more than a decade in the field, They are committed to meeting the needs of their customers from different industries in terms of quality, delivery, cost-effectiveness and any other demanding requests. As Sponsor of Making Devices, they will be in charge of all the PCBs for MDV, allowing both of us to grow together in a long term partnership. We hope you take them into account for your both personal and professional prototypes or products.