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Solar panel output enhancement circuit

  • US 4,847,546 A
  • Filed: 03/23/1988
  • Issued: 07/11/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for charging a battery exhibiting variable charge state voltage levels from the output of a solar cell energy source exhibiting variable voltage levels and substantially constant current, comprising:

  • a step-down circuit including solid-state switch means actuable between conducting and non-conducting states, connectable in switching relationship with said source output, inductor means coupled with said switch means and connectable in charging relationship with said battery for conveying current thereto from said source when said switch means is in said conducting state, and unidirectional conducting means connectable in charging relationship with said battery for conveying current from said inductor means when said switch means is in said non-conducting state;

    switch control means responsive substantially only to said source variable voltage levels for actuating said switch means, when enabled from a disabled condition, at switching rates controllably varied to substantially maintain a predetermined high value of said voltage levels exhibited by said source so as to optimize energy transfer to said battery; and

    charge monitoring means responsive to said battery charge state voltage levels for selectively enabling said switch control means to effect charging of said battery to a fully charged condition.

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