Solar Battery Charger with TLC339 and BUZ11
This solar battery charger is designed to charge sealed lead-acid batteries using solar panels. It provides automatic charging control and prevents battery discharge back into the solar cells.
Circuit Operation
- The BUZ11 N-channel MOSFET acts as a switch to connect the solar panel to the battery, preventing reverse current flow when sunlight is absent.
- The TLC339 voltage comparator monitors the battery voltage and controls the MOSFET, stopping charging when the battery reaches the preset voltage.
- Charging automatically resumes when the battery voltage drops below the previously set threshold, maintaining proper battery charge without manual intervention.
Key Features
- Automatic solar charging for sealed lead-acid batteries
- BUZ11 MOSFET prevents battery discharge to solar panel
- TLC339 comparator provides precise voltage monitoring
- Automatic start/stop based on battery voltage thresholds
- Safe, maintenance-free operation
Construction Notes
- Ensure the solar panel voltage is slightly higher than the battery voltage for proper charging.
- Use a heatsink for the BUZ11 MOSFET if charging at higher currents.
- Keep battery and solar panel wiring short and of adequate thickness to reduce voltage drops.
- Adjust the TLC339 voltage reference carefully to set proper charge and float thresholds.
- Optionally, add a small fuse or polyfuse in series with the battery for extra safety.