In this article, we are going to have a beginner project on how to design a solar power regulator printed circuit board. This solar charger is a very important board that will enable you to have your solar-charged to the maximum power output that is intended.
In modern technology, solar panels are charged by the use of the Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) technology. This is a technology that charges our solar panels by tracking the direction of the sun to ensure that the solar concentrates at a point where there is maximum power output. Sometimes this technology proves not enough especially when the sun is not available for example during cloudy and rainy days. Since we still need to use our solar we have to charge them. Therefore, this solar charger will be of very significance in such situations. The LT3652 is DC to DC converter microcontroller that will help us in providing the most efficient charge tracking to our solar batteries. This will make solar panels most efficient and reliable in providing power to our homes.
In comparison to other charging regulators, this happens to be the most efficient. It can do DC to DC power regulation.
The schematic below incorporates the LT3652, which is a very critical component in the design. The converter will play the key role of lowering down, increasing, and changing DC, to AC and then back to DC to charge the solar battery
The schematic file above is converted into a PCB file.
After being done with the design, I need to fabricate it. Now I have to communicate with manufacturers who can help me in doing the fabrication.
To solder the components that I have utilized in my PCB, I need to order them for purchase. To do that perfectly, the Bill of material commonly known as BOM will play the key role. This can be generated from the same design tool that you used.
To generate this file from KiCAD;
· Go to file, then fabrication output, and select BOM file as shown below
· Click on it to generate an excel file save it. When you open the excel file, this is what you get. You need to edit it to fit your manufacturer’s requirements.
To generate the Gerber files, go to Pot as shown below
· Click on the icon, to open up the pop-up window below, then hit on the plot.
· You will have generated your Gerber files.
This brings us to the end of this simple Solar power regulator PCB design.
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