Solar & LiPO at the "same" time

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dmpyron
 
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Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:14 am

Solar & LiPO at the "same" time

Post by dmpyron »

I'd like to build a device that can use the solar cell when it's available and run off the battery when it's dark(ish). And the battery will be charging at the same time. Right now the power requirements look like Minty Boost will work but if not I can probably find a way to force the solution ("bigger hammer" rule :roll: ).

It's a project for my STEM kids to simulate a satellite in LEO so we (they) need something that will deal with 45 minutes of dark and 45 minutes of sun. They have to figure out what they want to send WRT data. No hints now :D

Thanks muchly

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Solar & LiPO at the "same" time

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

This board will do what you want: http://www.adafruit.com/products/390
It has "load sharing" so it can charge and power the load simultaneously. Unfortunately the new boards are being held up by parts availability and we don't know when we will have them back in stock.

But a read through the design notes will give you an idea of how it works and what to look for in a solar charger.
http://learn.adafruit.com/usb-dc-and-so ... sign-notes

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