Interesting video - and thanks for the manual, I'm sure lots of people will find it interesting. The issue with MPPT is that last word - tracking. It's a software based thing that isn't implemented into this module. Photovoltaics and wind turbines change all the time with the conditions. The software needs to track the IV curve constantly to produce the maximum power. These so called MPPT modules don't track the maximum power and therefore five minutes after setting the MPPT pot, you could be losing a great deal of power as the IV curve changes.
From the BQ24650 datasheet "When the input is powered by a solar panel, the input regulation loop lowers the charge current so that the solar panel can provide maximum power output." So this thing is capable of tracking. It doesn't need an external microcontroller, all the logic necessary to do this is contained inside the chip.
any solar panel MPP is characterized by a certain voltage level. The BQ24650 monitors that voltage and pushes for maximum current while maintaining the input voltage level constant. As soon as that voltage drops, it cuts back the current. That is the tracking part and it's all done internally, no need for any micro. If I am wrong, please correct me :)
I believe you are correct. I've read through the datasheet and it makes a fair bit of sense. I shouldn't have commented before reading a little further. There are a number of DC-DC modules which include an MPPT pot and no micro controller - at first I thought this was the same. Thanks for your explanation and response.
Thanks for the review, at first when I spotted these on ebay I thought they were the same as those crappy DC converters with a tracking pot, I didn't know the IC had MPPT built-in... Neat, I'll have to try one.
only need add external MOS-FET + larger inductor to boost make this tiny yewel work for kW range ! ==> any further developments with enlarged power since 2016 ? ==> any final conclusion wheter or not it performs true MPP-Tracking on real solar rig ?
Little too late, but anyway. This is not truly mppt controller. You need to set the input voltage threshold. In true mppt the module/device will do it itself by comparing the input power by output power and adjust itself by loading the input as much ad posible without the power dropping. But considering the price of this module and the efficiency of it (around 90%) its not bad.
This particular module can do up to 5A, limited by the value of the shunt resistor used and other aspects like thermal dissipation and mosfet/inductor specs. However the BQ24650 can do up to 10A with different external circuitry.
I built a charger system with the red colored version of this board 3 years ago, it's still working! (25W panel, 16.4V/70Wh Pack) I can't find the original size boards on eBay anymore. There are larger size boards using the same controller IC but they are preconfigured for specific output voltages and have no potentiometer to set minimum input voltage.
I have commercial 3S2P nominal voltage 11.1V Li-Ion packs with a protection circuit and 12V solar modules. Can this device be used to charge 3S2P packs properly, and is a 12V solar module sufficient? If not, what would have to change? Thanks for the concise video without nasty background music.
Unfortunately I didn't get much sun at my window when I recorded this video... It's much easier to configure using an adjustable power supply and then just operate with solar panel and validate the configuration.
Hi, I've also got 40W PV panels, at the moment I'm using simple buck converter to charge my USB power banks, but I want to upgrade it to 12V storage. Considering to buy this module. Cold you please tell me if its worthy?
For 40W STC this module should do an splendid job due above 90% efficiency. For power backs is far more optimum (less $) to use USB buck convertors from 7-28V input. Cheers
Hi, I have a 30w panel and 14ah lead acid battery. I've changed from a cheap pwm solar charge controller to this mppt module and after 2 weeks of use I'm very satisfied. I use it mainly for charging power banks and aa, aaa ni-mh battery recharge.
great work. I wonder: Can we use this modul without any battery. I just need to have 5volt output from a 18volt sunlight panel to charge my mobile phone and powerbanks.
I am looking for 12V stable voltage from a 12V 100W solar panel, without connecting to a battery. The total max load is about 36W (12V, 3A) only, which need to be worked during daytime only.
There are other cheap modules, with mppt and dc-dc conversion, but without charging function, this is what you need. I would recommend this module with a small 12V battery (5 Ah) for buffering, it's more reliable. Solar Power is not so steady as expected and you will probably waste energy, because your application can not consume 100% of the power which was available. Getting 36W from 100W panel is not easy (this depends at your location).
I see several max amp version of boards like these. If my battery has max 6A charge current and my panel has more than 6A output, should I choose the board with 5A or I am ok with the 8A version?
Are you using this? I am looking for a MPPT charge controller for my 80W panel these days, and this seems to be a good and low cost option. I would like to hear your latest comments if you have been using this board since this video. Also there is a new version of it now, with all-smd design, which makes it easier to mount on a heat sink.
The BQ24650 is NOT MPPT ! Is is MPP *adjustable*. There is absolutely NO Tracking algorithm! Only a fixed operating point. It will only be optimal for *one* temperature and *one* degree of illumination. But is is better than PWM and pretty well adapted for that power range, for which a real MPPT controller would need too much power for himself.
Am am using one of these modules to charge 2S Li Ion cells off a 10W 12V panel. I have a problem where on a cloudy day the module never goes into charge mode. Any hints on why this may be?
i ordered this of Ebay and it was sent as unregistered airmail and it never arrived. i got my money back though. then i ordered it at aliexpress for a few dollars more as registered airmail and it came with no problem in 2-3 weeks
I agree. It came a few weeks after i got the refund but it had taken a very long time. Thats why i prefer aliexpress over ebay since aliexpress has more and better option regarding shipping. On ebay many times you cant see if its shipped registered or not or choose it. On aliexpress its very clear what shipping is used as standard and easy to select better shipping. I prefer PostNL if its selectable. Not the cheapest but in most cases its 8-14 days from China to Denmark :) PostSE, Singapore post and similar is mostly 2-3 weeks, 4 in some rare cases. China Post registered airmail use to be faster 1-2 years ago but its gotten slow and unreliable and its now the slowest and worst if registred options. In some cases i have even gotten my money back because it surpassed the 42 days or 8 weeks garanteed by the seller :(
How much can it be changed to load in amps if heat sinks are mounted and where to find the resister and which one to use? Could be cool it it could run 10 amps or maybe even 20 amps with heat sinks under and on and with a fan
I cant seem to figure out to find that info on the TI site ( im not an electronic expert but i can work a soldering iron)? The shunt resistor is the one labeled R 008 by the inductor? What resistor should i use to make it run 10a? i plan to put mine in an aluminium enclosure box with termal pads on the bottom so it participates heat to the aluminium box and then put an heat sink with cooling fan and termal grease on the top side to cool the mosfets and chips. PS i plan to wire the fan to the output so it only spins when there is sun and its charging but time will tell if the fan can handle the 14.4 going to my lead acid batteries. I look forward to later testing the efficiancy of this board against my pwm controller and the epever 10a mppt controller i have in shipping currently.
you seem to be missing some important electronics basis. You shouldn't be worried about your input power as the solar panel cannot forcefully push "power" into your module. I strongly suggest you go through the datasheet pdf. Having a 12V fan connected to a 14.4V source will shorten it's lifespan and it will burn out quite quickly. You could use a 7812 to power your 12V fan from the 14.4V output, but it will always run from your batteries, unless you use a diode to block the reverse voltage. And yes the shunt resistor is the one marked R008.
Did you do some measure of the conversion efficiancy for this board? It lloks interesting. I might try this for my 100 watt panel but i hope the 6a max coming from the panel wont damage the 5a controllet. I already have a pmw controller for my setup but i would like to see if its more efficiant than the pmw. I saw Adam Welch test some small cheap mppt controllers but one of them wadnt suited for my setup and the other one had a horrible conversion efficiancy at around 50-60% :(
Does yours blink when is close to full battery? Mine starts solid red, then starts one blink every few minutes and towards the end it blinks every few seconds. I setup the CV for 13.6V (it's a lead acid battery). I haven't seen a blue light yet
Great video !! May I charge 5 X 3.7v LioN 6000ma batteries while supply 1150ma for a Wireless router with a 20w 12v Solar (I cant find 20W 6/5vdc Solar Panels).In theory it should, but I would like an expert advise. I meant these batteries in parallel... thanks
yup, that should work but you should use a protected lithium cell or at least add an external protection module to your battery, just to make everything safe.
Excellent overview thanks!
Interesting video - and thanks for the manual, I'm sure lots of people will find it interesting.
The issue with MPPT is that last word - tracking. It's a software based thing that isn't implemented into this module. Photovoltaics and wind turbines change all the time with the conditions. The software needs to track the IV curve constantly to produce the maximum power. These so called MPPT modules don't track the maximum power and therefore five minutes after setting the MPPT pot, you could be losing a great deal of power as the IV curve changes.
Sorry - looking closer at the board on ebay it may well be microcontrolled. If so, why the need for a pot? I've confused myself!
From the BQ24650 datasheet "When the input is powered by a solar panel, the input regulation loop lowers the charge current so that the solar panel can provide maximum power output." So this thing is capable of tracking. It doesn't need an external microcontroller, all the logic necessary to do this is contained inside the chip.
+Adam Welch hello Adam, my thoughts too👍
any solar panel MPP is characterized by a certain voltage level. The BQ24650 monitors that voltage and pushes for maximum current while maintaining the input voltage level constant. As soon as that voltage drops, it cuts back the current. That is the tracking part and it's all done internally, no need for any micro. If I am wrong, please correct me :)
I believe you are correct. I've read through the datasheet and it makes a fair bit of sense. I shouldn't have commented before reading a little further. There are a number of DC-DC modules which include an MPPT pot and no micro controller - at first I thought this was the same.
Thanks for your explanation and response.
Thanks for the review, at first when I spotted these on ebay I thought they were the same as those crappy DC converters with a tracking pot, I didn't know the IC had MPPT built-in... Neat, I'll have to try one.
great video, thanks just what I was looking for.
only need add external MOS-FET + larger inductor to boost make this tiny yewel work for kW range !
==> any further developments with enlarged power since 2016 ?
==> any final conclusion wheter or not it performs true MPP-Tracking on real solar rig ?
Superb post. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide so much information. Thank you kind sir
thanks!
Little too late, but anyway. This is not truly mppt controller. You need to set the input voltage threshold. In true mppt the module/device will do it itself by comparing the input power by output power and adjust itself by loading the input as much ad posible without the power dropping. But considering the price of this module and the efficiency of it (around 90%) its not bad.
@julian illett should review this,
Wow amazing this thing can take 5 or 8 amps, thanks 4 sharing.
This particular module can do up to 5A, limited by the value of the shunt resistor used and other aspects like thermal dissipation and mosfet/inductor specs. However the BQ24650 can do up to 10A with different external circuitry.
So cool, Texas Instruments has always been an amazing company. Thanks for the info VL!
What should be chanced to run 10 a or maybe even more and will it have other consquences besides needing better cooling?
I built a charger system with the red colored version of this board 3 years ago, it's still working! (25W panel, 16.4V/70Wh Pack)
I can't find the original size boards on eBay anymore. There are larger size boards using the same controller IC but they are preconfigured for specific output voltages and have no potentiometer to set minimum input voltage.
David Gunther în general these modules evolve and rarely you când find the same model for more than 2y in a row.
You can find the black board one, they are the newest version
Thank you thank you for the actual instructions sir :-)
I have commercial 3S2P nominal voltage 11.1V Li-Ion packs with a protection circuit and 12V solar modules. Can this device be used to charge 3S2P packs properly, and is a 12V solar module sufficient? If not, what would have to change? Thanks for the concise video without nasty background music.
program means p&o, incremental conductance or hill climbing method
Perhaps testing it on actual solar panel + battery? :)
Would be a great idea i think too
Unfortunately I didn't get much sun at my window when I recorded this video... It's much easier to configure using an adjustable power supply and then just operate with solar panel and validate the configuration.
i have a 50watts panel , basically i can get only 100 to 120 wattshour(measure) per day, i hope this unit can give me more power per day.
It should, please report back with some numbers if you install this module. Thanks!
+VoltLog ok
Hi, I've also got 40W PV panels, at the moment I'm using simple buck converter to charge my USB power banks, but I want to upgrade it to 12V storage. Considering to buy this module. Cold you please tell me if its worthy?
For 40W STC this module should do an splendid job due above 90% efficiency. For power backs is far more optimum (less $) to use USB buck convertors from 7-28V input. Cheers
Hi, I have a 30w panel and 14ah lead acid battery. I've changed from a cheap pwm solar charge controller to this mppt module and after 2 weeks of use I'm very satisfied. I use it mainly for charging power banks and aa, aaa ni-mh battery recharge.
Can anyone help me with this circuit design
great work. I wonder: Can we use this modul without any battery. I just need to have 5volt output from a 18volt sunlight panel to charge my mobile phone and powerbanks.
yes you can, but get a car phone charger and connect pv
How about float charging for lead acid batteries.
How does it work on this board?
I am looking for 12V stable voltage from a 12V 100W solar panel, without connecting to a battery. The total max load is about 36W (12V, 3A) only, which need to be worked during daytime only.
There are other cheap modules, with mppt and dc-dc conversion, but without charging function, this is what you need. I would recommend this module with a small 12V battery (5 Ah) for buffering, it's more reliable. Solar Power is not so steady as expected and you will probably waste energy, because your application can not consume 100% of the power which was available. Getting 36W from 100W panel is not easy (this depends at your location).
For 36W load from 100W solar power simply use an step down DC-DC convertor. It does the perfect job with less than $4. Cheers.
Good afternoon.
Tell me how you can adjust the charging current can not understand.
Thank you.
Charging current is set by on board low value resistor. You have to desolder it and put a new one to adjust charging current.
Do you know any MPPT boards like this for higher currents? (10-20Amps? )
I know there are various other MPPT controllers out there but I couldn't recommend any. A search for MPPT on ebay does reveal a bunch of listings.
I see several max amp version of boards like these. If my battery has max 6A charge current and my panel has more than 6A output, should I choose the board with 5A or I am ok with the 8A version?
This kit is ready made kit or we have design it.
The board needs a way to be mechanically connected to a heat sink. Some screw holes please.
yes, it would help to have some mounting holes.
Hi. Where can i order the green one? I currently find only the blue version.
Is there a difference?
Thank you. Nice work
Thank you :).
Are you using this? I am looking for a MPPT charge controller for my 80W panel these days, and this seems to be a good and low cost option. I would like to hear your latest comments if you have been using this board since this video. Also there is a new version of it now, with all-smd design, which makes it easier to mount on a heat sink.
I am not using this, I just ordered and now it sits in a box :-)
The BQ24650 is NOT MPPT !
Is is MPP *adjustable*. There is absolutely NO Tracking algorithm! Only a fixed operating point.
It will only be optimal for *one* temperature and *one* degree of illumination.
But is is better than PWM and pretty well adapted for that power range, for which a real MPPT controller would need too much power for himself.
Am am using one of these modules to charge 2S Li Ion cells off a 10W 12V panel. I have a problem where on a cloudy day the module never goes into charge mode. Any hints on why this may be?
Unless I disconnect and reconnect the input, then it charges fine.
So this module can be used to Solar charge a LiFePO4 cell if the charge voltage is adjusted to 3.6 volts?
Bill
yes according to the datasheet it can charge Lead Acid, Li-Ion/Li-Polymer, LiFePO4
Can't tell if the minimum charge voltage can be adjusted down for a single LiFePO4 cell (3.6vdc). Can it?
Is there a Float Charge?
Thank you,
Bill
I am looking for a wind model
i ordered this of Ebay and it was sent as unregistered airmail and it never arrived. i got my money back though. then i ordered it at aliexpress for a few dollars more as registered airmail and it came with no problem in 2-3 weeks
As a guy who orders stuff from China daily I got used to this, it happens from time to time. The important stuff I always get with registered airmail.
I agree.
It came a few weeks after i got the refund but it had taken a very long time.
Thats why i prefer aliexpress over ebay since aliexpress has more and better option regarding shipping.
On ebay many times you cant see if its shipped registered or not or choose it.
On aliexpress its very clear what shipping is used as standard and easy to select better shipping.
I prefer PostNL if its selectable.
Not the cheapest but in most cases its 8-14 days from China to Denmark :)
PostSE, Singapore post and similar is mostly 2-3 weeks, 4 in some rare cases.
China Post registered airmail use to be faster 1-2 years ago but its gotten slow and unreliable and its now the slowest and worst if registred options.
In some cases i have even gotten my money back because it surpassed the 42 days or 8 weeks garanteed by the seller :(
How much can it be changed to load in amps if heat sinks are mounted and where to find the resister and which one to use?
Could be cool it it could run 10 amps or maybe even 20 amps with heat sinks under and on and with a fan
It can handle 10A maximum with proper heatsinking. The shunt resistor is the one to be changed, details on that are in the datasheet.
I cant seem to figure out to find that info on the TI site ( im not an electronic expert but i can work a soldering iron)?
The shunt resistor is the one labeled R 008 by the inductor?
What resistor should i use to make it run 10a?
i plan to put mine in an aluminium enclosure box with termal pads on the bottom so it participates heat to the aluminium box and then put an heat sink with cooling fan and termal grease on the top side to cool the mosfets and chips.
PS i plan to wire the fan to the output so it only spins when there is sun and its charging but time will tell if the fan can handle the 14.4 going to my lead acid batteries.
I look forward to later testing the efficiancy of this board against my pwm controller and the epever 10a mppt controller i have in shipping currently.
the 10 amps im thinking of is input for the solar panel to use with an 100 watt 6 a panel.
The charging current is less important
you seem to be missing some important electronics basis. You shouldn't be worried about your input power as the solar panel cannot forcefully push "power" into your module. I strongly suggest you go through the datasheet pdf. Having a 12V fan connected to a 14.4V source will shorten it's lifespan and it will burn out quite quickly. You could use a 7812 to power your 12V fan from the 14.4V output, but it will always run from your batteries, unless you use a diode to block the reverse voltage. And yes the shunt resistor is the one marked R008.
Did you do some measure of the conversion efficiancy for this board? It lloks interesting. I might try this for my 100 watt panel but i hope the 6a max coming from the panel wont damage the 5a controllet. I already have a pmw controller for my setup but i would like to see if its more efficiant than the pmw. I saw Adam Welch test some small cheap mppt controllers but one of them wadnt suited for my setup and the other one had a horrible conversion efficiancy at around 50-60% :(
I haven't tested the efficiency of the module, but the controller is a genuine TI part, the datasheet should give you an idea about the efficiency.
i have ordered one. i have no advanced equipment but i have some 6 dollars same watt meters. i will compare it to my 11 dollars pwm controller later
cheapest real mppt 40 dollars ive seen reviewed by Adam Welsh had bad efficiancy. i hope that this one atleast will have better efficiancy than my pwm
Does yours blink when is close to full battery? Mine starts solid red, then starts one blink every few minutes and towards the end it blinks every few seconds. I setup the CV for 13.6V (it's a lead acid battery). I haven't seen a blue light yet
I am not using the module daily so I don't have any info. I suggest reading the datasheet, the operation is described there.
Great video !! May I charge 5 X 3.7v LioN 6000ma batteries while supply 1150ma for a Wireless router with a 20w 12v Solar (I cant find 20W 6/5vdc Solar Panels).In theory it should, but I would like an expert advise. I meant these batteries in parallel... thanks
It depends on what the operating voltage is for that router.. maybe it's best to use another dc-dc converter to power the router.
The router is 3.7v as well (it has a USB port for charging (5v) but battery and operational voltage is 3.7vdc.Very interesting channel you have.
That's not a common voltage to find on a router, are you sure it's 3.7V?
yes it is it has a 3.7v lion battery inside is a Huawei HN5A2H
yup, that should work but you should use a protected lithium cell or at least add an external protection module to your battery, just to make everything safe.
what is the program used in this mppt controller
+Vasanth Rao what do you mean? Check out the datasheet.
No software. It uses a custom mppt charge controller IC.
Chinglish XD
Not sure if this tread is still open. But does this work on a 3s 18650 battery pack?
by knowing the open circuit voltage of the pv panel is it possible to determine the panel wattage