DESIGN, SIMULATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER CIRCUIT
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy has led to the exploration of solar energy for small-scale applications. This project focuses on the design, simulation, and construction of a solar battery charging circuit aimed at efficiently converting solar energy into regulated electrical energy for charging a 12V battery. The system utilizes a solar panel, diode, voltage regulator, capacitor, and battery as its main components, and its functionality was first validated using Proteus 8.0 simulation software. Simulation results indicated that the circuit could maintain a regulated voltage of approximately 12V, with a charging current of 0.72A and ripple voltage below 0.5V, confirming stable operation. The physical construction of the circuit was subsequently performed, and testing under natural sunlight demonstrated successful battery charging from 12.0V to 12.6V over two hours, with safe battery temperature and minimal voltage ripple. Both simulation and hardware results were consistent, validating the design methodology, component selection, and system efficiency. The study concludes that the circuit is reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, offering a practical solution for off-grid battery charging applications. Recommendations include integrating maximum power point tracking (MPPT), monitoring systems, and protection enhancements to improve efficiency and scalability.
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