Parallel solar charger

thingiverse

The parallel solar charger is designed for conservation charging of standard lead batteries. This device combines a solar charger, a distributor for up to three batteries in parallel and a convenient OEM connector for accessing the batteries. It is designed for a Phoenix Contact connector which is installed with the Cristec CPS3 OEM charger on bord of Bavaria Cruiser yachts. This connector is very conveniant as it allows to charge all batteries on bord via one plug. However it is very hard to find this connector. I tried with retailers (Conrad, Reichelt) as well as with the producer, but none would sell the connector individually. Minimum quantity was 50! So I had to come up with one for myself. This charger includes a few electronic parts (Schottky diodes and fuses) to protect and balance the batteries. The diodes stop the most charged battery from cross charging the other ones and ensure that always the lowest battery is charged first. This allows to conservation charge all batteries with just one small solar panel (15 W will do). The whole project is described in detail on my website: http://www.oe1cgs.at/ladeverteiler-fuer-solar-erhaltungsladung/ (Deutsch) In addition to the printed parts and a simple PWM solar charger you will need the following items (bill of materials: - 4mm dia. brass rod, 140 mm Long - 4 nuts M4 to be glued into the connector - 2 nuts M3 to be glued into the connector - 4 screws M4*10 mm with flat hat - 4 self-tapping screws 3x12 mm - 4 self-tapping screws 3x6 mm