Page 67 - Electromechanical Devices and Components Illustrated Sourcebook

Chapter 3 Power Sources 29

Sun
Side Terminal to
Disconnect
Switch Post Adapter

Solar Panel
Side Terminal Mil. Spec.
Cable Clamp
Charge State
Threaded Stud
Post Cable Clamp Monitor
& Wing Nut

Crimp Cable Clamp Cable Tie Bolt

+ −
90° Cable Crimp Dual Cable
Crimp Rechargeable
Battery

Braided Ground Strap
Figure 3-40 Automotive, Marine, and Deep-Cycle Battery Equipment to
Connectors be Powered

Figure 3-42 Solar Powered Trickle Charger
connectors available. The battery disconnect switch is partic-
ularly handy on equipment that requires regular maintenance.
The braided ground strap is the classic method of grounding
these types of batteries. Figure 3-42 shows how a solar panel is used as a charger
to replenish field batteries. The panel is configured to produce
a voltage and charge rate that will bring the battery up to full
Solar Cells charge with just a few hours of sunlight. The charge circuit
includes a charge state monitor and electronic switch. When
Solar cells have gained a real niche within certain segments of
the battery is at full charge, the solar cell is disconnected.
industry. Although they have never been able to fulfill the
When the battery is at a reduced charge, the solar panel is
promise of free electrical power for the home, they have pro-
connected. In this manner the battery is constantly maintained
vided us with an excellent charging system for remotely
during the day, and even on overcast days. During the night
located equipments.
the battery carries the entire load of the equipment.
Figure 3-41 shows a typical solar panel. These panels are
An excellent example of this type of charger is a solar
generally made up of many individual solar cells connected in
powered calculator, as shown in Figure 3-43. The solar cell
series and/or parallel so that their voltage output is matched to
maintains the battery almost indefinitely. If the calculator bat-
the application. The undivided cells are normally mounted on
tery goes dead, just leave the unit out in the sun or under a
some sort of backing plate. The plate is typically mounted
lamp for a few minutes and you’re back online.
into a frame which is appropriate for the environment where
the panel will be installed.
Solar Cell
Cells Readout

Backing

Output Connector Figure 3-43 Solar Powered Pocket
Figure 3-41 Solar Cell Panel Calculator