I'm trying to find a way to power an arduino via solar with enough battery backup to last several days.
The conclusion I've come to is to create a battery from 12 NiMH cells resulting in 7.2v and 36AH. I estimate the arduino will be using up to about 400mA and running almost constantly.
From the battery I would run a 5v regulator to the arduino.
Now the bit where I'm stuck is how I can charge the battery from a solar panel and ensure that I'm not overcharging it or anything else that might break it.
I've seen a number of posts where people suggest using a buck-boost regulator like this http://m.ebay.com/itm/321234751122?cmd=VIDESC that I would set to 7.2v.
1) Will this stop it from overcharging etc.?
2) will it waste much energy?
2)what voltage panel should I get?
3) would I be better with a 6v or even 5v battery?
The conclusion I've come to is to create a battery from 12 NiMH cells resulting in 7.2v and 36AH. I estimate the arduino will be using up to about 400mA and running almost constantly.
From the battery I would run a 5v regulator to the arduino.
Now the bit where I'm stuck is how I can charge the battery from a solar panel and ensure that I'm not overcharging it or anything else that might break it.
I've seen a number of posts where people suggest using a buck-boost regulator like this http://m.ebay.com/itm/321234751122?cmd=VIDESC that I would set to 7.2v.
1) Will this stop it from overcharging etc.?
2) will it waste much energy?
2)what voltage panel should I get?
3) would I be better with a 6v or even 5v battery?
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