====== lamaPLC: MPPT solar charging Controller Modules ======
An **MPPT** (//Maximum Power Point Tracking//) Solar Charge Controller is an intelligent DC-to-DC converter that optimizes the energy harvested from solar panels. Unlike basic controllers, it decouples the solar panel's voltage from the battery's, ensuring the panel always operates at peak efficiency.

**Core Function & Working Principle**

  * **Maximum Power Point Tracking:** Solar panels have a fluctuating //"sweet spot"// (//Maximum Power Point// or **MPP**) where the combination of voltage (V) and current (I) produces the most watts. The MPPT module uses a perturb-and-observe algorithm to //"sweep"// the panel's input, finding the optimal point in real time as sunlight and temperature change.
  * **Voltage Down-Conversion:** If a panel produces 18V but the battery only needs 12V, an MPPT controller converts that //"excess"// 6V into additional amperage rather than wasting it as heat.
  * **Efficiency:** Modern MPPT modules typically offer 98% to 99% tracking efficiency, harvesting up to 30% more energy than standard PWM Controllers.

===== SD05CRMA =====
{{ :actor:sd05crma_1.png?120|SD05CRMA}}
The **SD05CRMA** is a compact //Solar Charge Controller module// based on the CN3163 integrated circuit. It is designed specifically to charge single-cell **3.7V** //Lithium-Ion// (Li-Ion) or //Lithium-Polymer// (LiPo) batteries using solar energy.

**Core Specifications**

  * **Input Voltage:** DC 4.4V to 6.5V (optimized for 5V solar panels).
  * **Output Voltage:** DC 4.2V (standard charging voltage for Li-Ion/LiPo).
  * **Maximum Charge Current:** 1.0A by default.
  * **Operating Temperature:** -40°C to +85°C.
  * **Dimensions:** Approximately 18mm x 10.16mm x 2.7mm

{{:actor:sd05crma_2.png|SD05CRMA}}

**Key Features**

  * **Adaptive Charging:** The module features an //"on-chip adaptive cell"// that automatically adjusts the charging current based on the solar panel's output capability, preventing the input voltage from collapsing.
  * **MPPT-like Performance:** Although linear, its adaptive nature makes it ideal for solar systems with fluctuating power availability.
  * **Adjustable Current:** You can adjust the charging current by replacing R1 with a resistor (e.g., 1.18kω for 1A, 1.47kω for 0.8A).
  * **Status Indicators:** It typically includes two LEDs: "**CR**" (Charging) and "**OK**" (Fully Charged or Constant Voltage mode).
  * **Protection:** Includes overcharge protection, thermal regulation to prevent overheating, and automatic sleep mode when the input source is removed.

**Note:** If your solar panel outputs more than 6.5V (e.g., 12V or 18V), you must use a DC-DC step-down module.

{{ :actor:sd05crma_3.png |SD05CRMA DC-DC step-down}}

===== Energy harvesting topics on lamaPLC =====
{{topic>energy_harvesting}}

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{{tag>energy_harvesting EH mppt modul Solar_Charge_Controller solar SD05CRMA}}
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