Abstract
A new battery charge regulator and discharge controller ideal for small (up to 5 Kwp) stand-alone photovoltaic systems, has been designed and developed. This unit is of a Shunt-Switch type and its operation is based on the width modulation of the battery charging current pulses (P.W.M.). It presents an ideal battery charging characteristic (battery voltage and current versus time), because it offers continous battery charging current regulation. For increased reliability, the photovoltaic generator is divided into two subarrays and the battery charging current is controlled through two independent power sections, incorporated in one regulator. Besides, each power section consists of only solid state power semiconductor switches (Power MOSFETs and Schottky power diodes), which are mounted on a large heat sink outside the enclosure, for natural convection. The new unit exhibits a very reliable operation, even at high ambient temperatures. It also possesses two backup protection circuits against battery overcharge, as well as battery deep discharge. The battery voltage is temperature compensated and the maximum/minimum allowable limits, as well as the “load reconnect” battery voltage, are adjustable. The regulator has also been protected against reverse battery connection, short circuits and lightning induced surges.
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