Solar Cell to usable USB 5V, 1A project

[ninjastrike]

Hello all,

I've been trying to figure out how to power a portable device using solar cells(via standard USB).
Since im producting 1.0 - 1.1V and about 8.5A, i'm thinking of using the Texas Instruments TPS61202 to convert this 8.5A and 1.0 V to a usable 5v and
the Texas Instruments TPS2513A-Q1 to be able to drive my USB charger.

Could anyone tell me if i'm going in the right track?

http://www.ti.com/product/tps61202
http://www.ti.com/product/tps2513a-q1


Cheers!

[Psi]

i imagine 1.0V cells are intended to be connected in series rather than used by themselves.
Boost converting 1.0V up to 5V is never going to be very efficient.


Have a look at the input voltage vs output current graph in the datasheet for TPS61202.
With 1.0V input the maximum output current is under 200mA.

[ninjastrike]

Hey PSI, yea that's true. What do you think the most efficient way to convert this energy?

[wiss]

What is your reason to not have several solar-cells in series?

[ninjastrike]

I want to be able to use it when i'm out say for a camping trip. So size is a design constraint.

Specifications :

Monocrystalline photovoltaic cell

6" x 6"

4.4W @ (STC): 1 000 W/m2, 25 °C

0.55V / 8A

Based on these specs, I would at most be connecting two cells in series.

[wiss]

Unless you already have the cells I would go with something like this (not very cheap...)
http://se.farnell.com/bp-solar/msx-01f/solar-panel-1-2w/dp/654012

While googleing I also found this:
http://www.kjell.com/sortiment/el/batteriladdare/mobilladdare/apple/powerpack-1900-mah-p42041

about 10 USD, 20h of charging-time is hardly impressive and supposedly only iphone/ipad but considering the prise...

[mij59]

Hello all,

I've been trying to figure out how to power a portable device using solar cells(via standard USB).
Since im producting 1.0 - 1.1V and about 8.5A, i'm thinking of using the Texas Instruments TPS61202 to convert this 8.5A and 1.0 V to a usable 5v and
the Texas Instruments TPS2513A-Q1 to be able to drive my USB charger.

Could anyone tell me if i'm going in the right track?

http://www.ti.com/product/tps61202
http://www.ti.com/product/tps2513a-q1


Cheers!

Sorry, the same problem as with the LTC3105, can't handle high input current, as mentioned in the previous thread.

[ninjastrike]

Hello all,

I've been trying to figure out how to power a portable device using solar cells(via standard USB).
Since im producting 1.0 - 1.1V and about 8.5A, i'm thinking of using the Texas Instruments TPS61202 to convert this 8.5A and 1.0 V to a usable 5v and
the Texas Instruments TPS2513A-Q1 to be able to drive my USB charger.

Could anyone tell me if i'm going in the right track?

http://www.ti.com/product/tps61202
http://www.ti.com/product/tps2513a-q1


Cheers!

Sorry, the same problem as with the LTC3105, can't handle high input current, as mentioned in the previous thread.

Are there some sort of current limiters which will be able to either disappate the energy that can be placed in the circuit?

[ninjastrike]

Unless you already have the cells I would go with something like this (not very cheap...)
http://se.farnell.com/bp-solar/msx-01f/solar-panel-1-2w/dp/654012

While googleing I also found this:
http://www.kjell.com/sortiment/el/batteriladdare/mobilladdare/apple/powerpack-1900-mah-p42041

about 10 USD, 20h of charging-time is hardly impressive and supposedly only iphone/ipad but considering the prise...

I've got 10 cells lying around, I want to build it and enjoy the whole process.

[KedasProbe]

This seems to be ok (20Euro)
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5v-1a-solar-panel-5-watt-monocrystalline-solar-cells-solar-panel-camping-solar-powered-phone-charger/1772087476.html

[mij59]

Hello all,

I've been trying to figure out how to power a portable device using solar cells(via standard USB).
Since im producting 1.0 - 1.1V and about 8.5A, i'm thinking of using the Texas Instruments TPS61202 to convert this 8.5A and 1.0 V to a usable 5v and
the Texas Instruments TPS2513A-Q1 to be able to drive my USB charger.

Could anyone tell me if i'm going in the right track?

http://www.ti.com/product/tps61202
http://www.ti.com/product/tps2513a-q1


Cheers!

Sorry, the same problem as with the LTC3105, can't handle high input current, as mentioned in the previous thread.

Are there some sort of current limiters which will be able to either disappate the energy that can be placed in the circuit?

You don't want to waste energy, there's already not much to work with.
Even assuming 100% conversion efficiency, 5V 1A at the output,  means at 1V an input current of 5A.

[wiss]

Did you find this one?
http://www.eleccircuit.com/step-up-dc-converter-1-2v-to-5v-5v-for-micro-computer/

Never tried it, might work...