Low Carbon Footprint Hybrid Battery Charger

Henry David Thoreau

"First, there is the power of the wind, constantly exerted over the globe… Here is an almost incalculable power at our disposal, yet how trifling the use we make of it."

Progress

Jan 29, 2008
Today's lab period was spent researching hardware and various subcircuits. We chose the Optima Yellow Top D31 and added specifications for it in the design section of this website. In addition, we found that the battery is readily available at Auto Zone. The battery charging specifications are also listed in the design section of this website. In addition, buck-boost regulators were extensively researched and considered for use in regulating voltages throughout the system. Summation circuitry was also considered to combine the two power sources. More research will need to be done in these areas.


Dec 15, 2007
The past month has been spent writing deliverables and organizing strategies to implement the project. The major components of our project have been picked out based on reasoning covered in the Project Proposal, the major components of our system will include: Before the Fall 2007 semester ends, these items must be ordered. Over the January interim work will be done on developing charger algorithms and charger implimentations. Parts for the chargers will be ordered once the Spring 2008 semester begins.


Dec 11, 2007
Today a matlab file was created to determine the number of P.V. modules we would need in different scenarios. We have posted the file here.


Nov 13, 2007
Several components were researched today with the intention of gaining a realistic understanding of product specifications. We researched batteries, photovoltaic arrays, and wind turbines. Specifically, we were paying special attention to power collection and storage of components. In addition, we tried to gain an understanding of the range of input and output curents our system would be using. Based on our research, and our preliminary understanding of the system, we are currently interested in the components below. The final hours of lab were spent working bugs out of the website template.


Nov 7, 2007
More updates to come as materials for the website are developed!