Hi all,
I have an electronic cat flap that reads the chip in my cat's neck and only opens for her. It takes 4 AA batteries which last for about 6 weeks. I don't like using so many batteries so I've switched to standard rechargeable AA ones. They're a fairly good brand (Eneloop) but only last for about 10 days.
I'm planning on buying a 6V lead acid 5AH battery which I'm hoping will last a lot longer.
Then I had the crazy idea of hooking up a small solar panel I already have to trickle charge the battery and that way I'd never have to charge it again
With the panel positioned just above the cat flap it gives 9V open circuit on a dull day going up to 10.5V with the kitchen lights switched on. I did think of putting the panel on the outside of the door but it's quite a dim porch area so no real benefit.
So my question is do I need anything more complicated than a 6V regulator between the solar panel and the battery?
If the whole idea of using indoor solar is mad and doomed to failure then please feel free to say so!
It would look something like this with the battery tucked in below the cat flap. Hopefully with fewer dangling wires!
I have an electronic cat flap that reads the chip in my cat's neck and only opens for her. It takes 4 AA batteries which last for about 6 weeks. I don't like using so many batteries so I've switched to standard rechargeable AA ones. They're a fairly good brand (Eneloop) but only last for about 10 days.
I'm planning on buying a 6V lead acid 5AH battery which I'm hoping will last a lot longer.
Then I had the crazy idea of hooking up a small solar panel I already have to trickle charge the battery and that way I'd never have to charge it again
With the panel positioned just above the cat flap it gives 9V open circuit on a dull day going up to 10.5V with the kitchen lights switched on. I did think of putting the panel on the outside of the door but it's quite a dim porch area so no real benefit.
So my question is do I need anything more complicated than a 6V regulator between the solar panel and the battery?
If the whole idea of using indoor solar is mad and doomed to failure then please feel free to say so!
It would look something like this with the battery tucked in below the cat flap. Hopefully with fewer dangling wires!