Introduction: Single Solar Cell With Two 18650 As Battery Storage
This is a simple PCB for a direct fit on commercially available 4V to 6V black solar cell tiles with dimensions up to 124mm wide. This PCB features two 18650 Battery management system intended for indoor usage. In particular to be installed on the top or downside of transparent glass windows at a home or office. This PCB, when assembled with a blue solar cell tile, can be used to power a low voltage 4.2V indoor illumination network using ultra-low power micro LED strips. For instance, this one sold on AliExpress.
When connected in series and installed on several windows and networked, can power off the grid with a 4.2V LED illumination on all rooms and compartments at a home or office. During evenings and at night until bedtime. If one intends to use it to power indoors LED illumination during the day is required a High Capacity Power Bank connected to all first tiles of all the series. For instance this power bank here.
One important takeaway about this prototype project is the ability to be installed on any traditional apartment or home in a big city, requiring 124mm of window glass estate, at the top or at the bottom. And it can connect to existing home automation network or systems.
Step 1: Circuit Schematic
The circuit schematic for this project can be found here:
Step 2: Order PCB Fabrication
To order fabrication of this smart device, go to the Gerber File on my Github repository and download all files in that folder. Here's the link:
Next, upload the Gerber files on AllPCB website and place an order.
Step 3: A Brief View of Specifications
- 2x 18650 LiPo battery management system
- the PCB can be connected in series to form a length of solar cell tiles packed together (each with its own single BMS.
- Main ON/OFF switch.
- PCB assembly in series made with a 10-pin header/ socket. For "plug and play" type of installations
- Screw terminal to connect main low power 5V DC line at home/office.
This PCB electronics is now fully tested and working when connected to a 5V solar tile and is able to charge a 4.2V LiPo battery. Mind you, this is the simplest electronics, with a restriction, one of being only useful for 24H energy storage (LiPo), meaning this electronics is only capable of managing the solar electricity collected during the day, to run during evenings and also at night until the battery is depleted. Therefore is suited for indoor LED illumination and even suited to power small smart electronics/devices.
