Combining Multiple DC power sources together

Mar 08, 2008 3 Replies
C

I am looking at whether it is possible to do this.



I am going to use multiple DC sources (Focused solar on to a sterling engine. Using a 3 phase star/delta change-over system)



The 1st problem is during low sun when the voltage is less then that needed to charge a battery. Is is possible to connect them in parallel(They will be at different voltages)



Also when connected in series will all the the current get through(from different voltages. diode protected) if the load was great enough?



The 2nd problem is when there is too much sun and the voltage from each engine is to high. Is there an easy way to reduce the voltage and thus increase the current.


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R

It will be much easier to have a switchmode voltage converter. I can change the voltage of your source with a rather high efficiency.

Rene

Ing.Buero R.Tschaggelar - http://www.ibrtses.com & commercial newsgroups - http://www.talkto.net
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T

Or go old-fashioned and use a field-excited generator, although if you're converting from DC to AC you need a switchmode something in there anyway.

I thought sterling engines were constant speed devices? Have you researched how to keep your prime movers at the optimum efficiency when the input heat flow drops?

Tim Wescott Control systems and communications consulting http://www.wescottdesign.com Need to learn how to apply control theory in your embedded system? "Applied Control Theory for Embedded Systems" by Tim Wescott Elsevier/Newnes, http://www.wescottdesign.com/actfes/actfes.html
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