Recent posts

#1

The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Replacing FETs on Classic ...

Last post by boB - May 30, 2024, 06:11:45 PM

Thank you very much for the hand-holding.  It wouldn't have happened without.

Unless advised otherwise, I am re-using the thermal FET pad.  It was pliable with no visible damage or dryness.
I was also able to re-use the blue beads on two of the the drain leads.

There is only so far I can push the testing at the moment.  I boosted my 32V bench supply to various higher voltages but was only getting ~280W at best.   Tomorrow, under close supervision, I will connect it to one of my arrays. It is supposed to be a sunny day.   I have an IR temperature sensor, so will check temps periodically.

Now...  where the heck is my torque screwdriver for the 18 in-lbs required on the FET Clamp.

I was going to say use a torque wrench if you have one.

And use the tried and true star pattern method.  Well, as best as you can because it isn't a car tire.

Good news on being able to reuse the amo beads and the insulator.

We could probably have provided those if they were not in decent shape I would think.

Glad the FET drivers and gate resistors didn't need replacing either.

Good job !

boB

#2

Lead Acid (Sealed and flooded) / Re: Proposed Solar Charging Re...

Last post by boB - May 30, 2024, 06:05:05 PM

Besides, whatever you have said on this forum might be considered as published now ?

I talked to Hillary Clinton. You apply for the Patent and I will start deleting posts and emails. 

I LOVE it Barry !

OH !  And better contact the Japanese ambassador !

#3

Lead Acid (Sealed and flooded) / Re: Estimating Battery Bank Ca...

Last post by ClassicCrazy - May 30, 2024, 05:59:48 PM

You would also have to factor in the lead acid battery temperature because that may not be constant.  Midnite calculates that in for it's SOC estimate reading.
I think these days most people have or will soon be moving on to lithiums from lead acid batteries.
So the way to know capacity is with counting down the ah from when the batteries are at the top charge. With lithium you can more easily see that top from the voltage and when the current drops off.
And it doesn't matter too much if they don't even get filled all the way up regularly since there are no sulphation concerns.
Larry

#4

The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Replacing FETs on Classic ...

Last post by Vic - May 30, 2024, 05:47:41 PM

Hockey,  GREAT WORK!!

Vic

#5

Lead Acid (Sealed and flooded) / Estimating Battery Bank Capaci...

Last post by Barry Fields - May 30, 2024, 05:07:13 PM

Just because your Battery says it's capacity is (example) 215AH, doesn't mean it still is 215AH.

Traditional methods to test capacity require a nearly complete discharge of the battery.
Ponder the attached discharge chart.

By monitoring the discharge current (or ah) and the time for Battery voltage to drop between two set-points,
an estimate of AH capacity without a complete discharge.

This would be done infrequently between the hours of 11PM and 3Am (whent the charge controller is not busy with MPPT).

Comments appreciated

#6

Lead Acid (Sealed and flooded) / Re: Proposed Solar Charging Re...

Last post by Barry Fields - May 30, 2024, 04:11:45 PM

Besides, whatever you have said on this forum might be considered as published now ?

I talked to Hillary Clinton. You apply for the Patent and I will start deleting posts and emails. 

#7

The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Replacing FETs on Classic ...

Last post by Hockey - May 30, 2024, 02:25:23 PM

Thank you very much for the hand-holding.  It wouldn't have happened without.

Unless advised otherwise, I am re-using the thermal FET pad.  It was pliable with no visible damage or dryness.
I was also able to re-use the blue beads on two of the the drain leads.

There is only so far I can push the testing at the moment.  I boosted my 32V bench supply to various higher voltages but was only getting ~280W at best.   Tomorrow, under close supervision, I will connect it to one of my arrays. It is supposed to be a sunny day.   I have an IR temperature sensor, so will check temps periodically.

Now...  where the heck is my torque screwdriver for the 18 in-lbs required on the FET Clamp.

#8

Lead Acid (Sealed and flooded) / Re: Proposed Solar Charging Re...

Last post by boB - May 30, 2024, 12:38:59 PM

Go for it !

If things go as well as I expect, might MidNIte apply for a "process patent" that could be licensable to other solar companies? Just a thought.

Patents are expensive and time consuming so probably not.

Build one up and sell them ?  Besides, whatever you have said on this forum might be considered as published now ?

boB

#9

The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Replacing FETs on Classic ...

Last post by boB - May 30, 2024, 12:37:09 PM

4 FETs replaced:  Q9, Q7, Q11, Q13.

After replacing these 4, PV+/PV- impedance = 1MegaOhm.   A good sign!

Connected a 12v Battery, set my bench supply to 32V, 4A and connected it to  PV terminals.  Success!   Photo attached.

Will give it a better workout tomorrow.

I'm going to bed.  It's 2:30am. 

This is great news !

You might get the general temperature of the FETs to make sure they are all getting similarly warm ?

Every-Other FET is a High-Low-High-Low type of thing so there may be alternating differences in temperature.

One of those pointed thermal sensors work for that if you have one in your medicine cabinet.
boB

#10

Lead Acid (Sealed and flooded) / Re: Proposed Solar Charging Re...

Last post by Barry Fields - May 30, 2024, 09:40:00 AM

Go for it !

If things go as well as I expect, might MidNIte apply for a "process patent" that could be licensable to other solar companies? Just a thought.