QRPworks
SolMate
Manual rev 1.1 Page 9 of 11
Theory of Operation
At the heart of SolMate is a very efficient DC-DC Power converter which
transfers up to 90% of the panel
’s energy to the battery. The power
converter is controlled by a microprocessor which performs the
Maximum Power Point Tracking, collects and tabulates data, and drives
the LCD display.
The SolMate controller works from below 1 Watt to 25 Watts of output
(35 Watt STC rated solar panel). No adjustments are needed as the
board is fully automatic and will adapt to any panel within its
specification limits. Our customized Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) routine adjusts the power transfer over 2500 times per second
to yield maximum performance even in partial shading of the solar
panels from shadows (clouds, trees, utility poles etc.).
Rapid sunlight changes on a partly sunny day are not a problem either.
The microprocessor monitors input and output parameters while always
seeking the maximum power possible. There are two control loops
working together to get every last watt of power from the solar panel.
The result is up to
two times
the Power than a PWM charge controller
would deliver with the same solar panel.
SolMate uses a sophisticated spread spectrum modulation technique to
reduce EMI to a virtually undetectable level across the ham bands.
PWM charge controllers are notorious for their high levels of EMI,
making them unsuitable in amateur radio applications.
