Experience with Lithium Iron Phosphate Glider batteries?

On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 7:05:57 PM UTC-7, Brian wrote:
Would like to go to a K2 style battery, but have a 10 watt solar panel on the glider. I have yet to get a good answer on how to connect the solar panel to the battery. The BMS would probably prevent overcharging, but haven't got anything that says this is acceptable or what kind or charge controller would work with significantly reducing the charging capability.

Any Ideas?

Brian


Brian,

A 10w solar panel isn't much information. What are the Voltage and Amps?
You probably don't even need a charge controller if your attempting to fly with your Solar Panel hooked up to the battery. Your draw from equipment will be greater than the panels ability to charge it.

Find out what the charging voltage of the battery is and make sure you have something inline to keep the voltage going to the battery at that or less.

10w won't keep up with demand but should help extend the life while flying.

I'm not an electrical expert so take everything above with a grain of salt.

I did start a Lawn Care company using all electric equipment and solar panels on the trailer to keep them topped up.

John

It typically runs about 500ma, about 12.8 volts depending on battery (lead acid ) status.

In flight it definitely not and issue, demand is about 750ma.
However on the ground between flights is the concern where there is no demand. That is the big advantage of the solar panel, as it can top off the battery for the next flight, I rarely have to remove the battery.

I only run the panel on the ground when flying almost daily, otherwise the airplane is in a trailer.
I don't run any controller with the lead acid batteries as it takes a couple days of not flying to get the voltage up over about 14 volts.

Brian