Hello; I'm new to the forum. I have a hobby-project idea where I need to "throtle" power output from PV solar panels & need advice on circuit design. Concept: I have 2 panels which have approx 10 amps output (each) with full sunlight. I have only one panel hooked up at the moment to a MPPT charge controller, equally rated at 10 amps. Naturally, as sunlight intensity varies thru-out the day, so does panel output. My idea is to hook up both panels in parallel, then as combined power output (from both paralleled panels) increases beyond 9.5 amps, excess power (beyond 9.5) is diverted to a branch circuit (as not to overload the MPPT). Therefore, with increased sunlight intensity, the MPPT will be supplied with a maximum sustained 9.5 amps, and the excess power is diverted to another circuit where variable power is not a crucial factor. I need a way of "throttling" the excess amperage, without the use of PWM. I was thinking about using a shunt (where the paralleled panels join) to measure the combined amperage, and using the voltage drop as a reference voltage to "throttle" a power transistor's base, inevitably allowing the excess current to flow thru its Emmiter-Collector junction to the branch circuit. (The branch circuit will be connected "upstream" from the MPPT).
Now, before members suggest me simply getting another MPPT which can handle 20 amps, this is a hobby experiment, a learning experience, & for reasons I could write a short-story beyond the Forum's scope. …I just need to "throttle" excess amperage beyond 9.5 to a branch, as the sunlight intensity varies thru-out day. Any suggestions?
My background is 20 years of automotive diagnostics & some simple circuit design. I'm a novice... but have enough background in Ohm's + Kirchoff's Laws, voltage drop, resistance, etc. Thanks in advance. Schrimpieman.
Now, before members suggest me simply getting another MPPT which can handle 20 amps, this is a hobby experiment, a learning experience, & for reasons I could write a short-story beyond the Forum's scope. …I just need to "throttle" excess amperage beyond 9.5 to a branch, as the sunlight intensity varies thru-out day. Any suggestions?
My background is 20 years of automotive diagnostics & some simple circuit design. I'm a novice... but have enough background in Ohm's + Kirchoff's Laws, voltage drop, resistance, etc. Thanks in advance. Schrimpieman.