Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 14:22:07 -0500
From: Ken Kifer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Solar powered Libretto
Well, I have my solar panel hooked up to my nicad batteries, it's
working well, and I'm intending to get started on my trip on Friday
morning.
Following the advice of members of this group and with additional
support by David Hettel, I was able to get everything fixed up, for
which I am deeply grateful.
With the setup that I'm using, the power from the panel (16.5 volts, .6
amps, 10 watts) runs into 12 5.7 Ahr batteries. I discovered since I
got the panel that its unloaded current can get higher than the stated
figure, but the highest the batteries have gotten is 16.58 volts,
although theoretically they should charge to above 17 volts.
The panel is thus charging the batteries at a 1/10 rate, which means 14
hours to a full charge, and I can do that in a day and a half by moving
the panel around here at home, although when traveling by bike, I will
be in the full sun for less than 7 hours per day.
After disconnecting the panel from the batteries, I can then hook them
to the Libretto via a Targus Auto/Air Adapter. I have not tried a
maximum runtime test, but I've worked over two hours each night without
draining the batteries, which will be more than sufficient for my use
during the trip.
I will have to watch my voltages and usage, as I could overcharge the
battery during the day or overdrain it at night. The solution in either
case is to unplug the batteries from the panel or laptop. If the
voltage should climb above 16.5 volts, I will use a little light to
"drain" it.
What's really great about this is that I will be able to camp far from
civilization and still use my laptop.
I wrote more about this at
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/touring/laptop.htm
Again, thanks for the good advice. I would not have been able to have
figured out all these issues by myself. When I get back, I'll be sure
to report the results.
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