>Bob,
>
>I see an add in Trade a Plane for a solar batter charger run off the
>cigarette lighter. Are these any good or is it just a gimmick?
>
>Regards,
>Tom
Not at all. Cigar lighters on most cars are always hot
which provides a convenient way to pump energy into the
electrical system without getting under the hood or having
any other accessories on.
Most "chargers" are really pretty good "maintainers" as their
output is simply too low to be a practical means for bringing
a really dead battery up to full charge. Also, if left on
too long . . . they can damage a battery. As a maintainer,
the goal is to just offset the battery's internal self
discharge rate . . . something on the order of 30-100 milliamperes
depending on battery age and technology. Anything more than
this will cause water to be driven off.
I'm working on an article whereby one may use a derivation of
our regulated dimmer assembly to put between the solar array
and the battery to be maintained. Also, at OSH last year
I spoke with Mr. Everett Yost who has several booths there
selling all sorts of batteries including solar arrays. He
is going to have some relatively low cost arrays capable of
actually charging a battery . . . on the order of 1 amp output
or so. These will indeed require some sort of regulation.
I'll be working up a handout for him to describe construction
of an appropriate regulator or get it off our website.
Keep an eye on our articles index page for the information to
show up.
Bob . . .
AeroElectric Connection
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