"Kris Krieger" <me@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:X9udnZAE58lEr_3VnZ2dnUVZ_jmdnZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "Tom Biasi" <tombiasi***@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in
> news:CrydnV3Ospmxm_3VnZ2dnUVZ_vninZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>>
>> "Kris Krieger" <me@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
>> news:HN6dnUa5Bpt2esLVnZ2dnUVZ_h3inZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>> Apologies in advance if this is a dopey question, but, when it comes
>>> to recharging batteries, and using a solar cell to do that, what I've
>>> been assuming, based on th info that peopl ehere have kindly
>>> provided, and also that I've foind on-line, is that teh mA output of
>>> the solar cells should not exceed 2/10ths to maybe 3/10ths of the
>>> battery's mA rating, and teh voltage produced by the solar cells
>>> should be as close as possible to the total voltage of the battery or
>>> batteries. But I wanted to check whether that assumption is correct,
>>> becasue I think I'm getting closeto getting some parts and trying a
>>> couple of assemblies.
>>>
>>> Thanks In Advance!
>>>
>>> - Kris
>>
>> Hi Kris,
>> Different batteries need different charging conditions.
>> Look at the specs for your batteries.
>> The charging requirements will be discussed.
>> Some batteries may say: Charge at .1c for 10 Hrs.
>> This means to charge them at one tenth the AH rating for 10 Hours.
>> The VPC (volts per cell ) will also be specified.
>> For example: NiCads are about 1.2 VPC and can charge at about 1.3-1.5
>> VPC (follow manufacturers specs) at .1 -.3 c. (again, follow specs.).
>
> Ah, OK, that at least gives me a ballpark figure - thanks :) !
>
> (I do try looking all these things up via Google before posting
> questions, but often, I don't know the terms that will get me the
correct
> *type* of answer - IOW, if I want info about charging, I don't want to
> look at endless lists of people selling battery chargers, but the latter
> is the sort ofthing I've been having to trudge through...so even just
> getting the right terminology has been a huge help).
>
>> So if you have a 12 volts NiCad pack that would be a 10 cell NiCad
>> battery. If you are using lead acid cells, the numbers are different.
>> Keep in mind that photo cell manufactures inflate their specs by using
>> bright sunlight averages.
>>
>> Tom
>>
>
>
> THe Max I'll use will be 4 1.2V NiMH batteries, for small lighting
> units. What I'm trying to figure out is how to avoid "cooking" the
> batteries ;) by putting in *too much* voltage, but I also want to take
> into account the very thing that you mentioned, i.e. the "brightest
> possible sunlight" rating for the cells.
>
> I had bought some Malibu NiMH batteries at WalMart, but now i'm looking
> at ordering something more along the lines of Energizers (for example,
> http://www.rei.com/product/719570?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-
> product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=B42A264C-BE3F-DD11-98CA-001422107090
> &mr:referralID=NA or these
>
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Duracell-AA-Rechargeable-Batteries-4-Pack-
> DC1500B4/sem/rpsm/oid/52666/catOid/0/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) or one
of
> the other known/name brands, because just today I read some cautions
> regarding "bargain" batteries.
>
> I at least found some interesting LEDs at
> http://www.optekinc.com/viewparts.aspx?categoryID=53
, some of them
claim
> to put out 18,000umc average using 20mA and typical "forward" voltage of
> 3.4, so that I can run off of a reasonable LED driver (considering some
> Maxim items, or the "Micro-Puck").
>
>
> ANyway, I'll look around and see whether ther eis info about recharging.
> THis is good to know because, assuming I can do what i'm intending, and
> call sell the units, I can also incoude costomer info as to the best
> replacement batteries, should replacements be necessary.
>
> Thanks again :)
>
> - Kris
>
>
When you search you may try something like "solar battery charging
tutorial"
When you add 'tutorial' you will get better hits on your search.
BTW: NiMH have very fussy charging characteristics.
May I suggest deep cycle sealed lead acid.
Tom
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