Battery Sensing and switching for Bedini Systems
Started by Ewhaz · · 15 posts · last reply 16 March 2008
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#1 ·
I've created a small circuit to sense the voltage of the batteries, both charging and power, and switch when one of two conditions is met. Either A) the power battery drops below a certain voltage, or B) the charging battery reaches a voltage.
However I'm not all that great as a circuit designer, I found a few ideas off the net and threw them together. If any one sees any obvious flaws, or definite improvements I would very much appreciate it. Also I could use a little help with selecting the right values for the resistors, etc.
First we start with the main circuit. We have an SCR supplying the power to the charger, and the SCR is triggered by voltage from a Zener Diode (D1). The Zener diode is hooked up across a voltage divider (R1 & R2) to fine tune the cutoff voltage.
An NPN Transistor (q1) is also in line for sensing/switching from the charging battery side. It's isolated frome the charging battery by an opto-isolator (The 4n25 diagram was the only one the program had) which is controled by the PNP (q2) and NPN (q3) switch on the charging side. In that situation, the Zener diode is used to send the base of the PNP transistor high, which would cut off the NPN transistor (q3). The NPN transistor is set up in a self powered loop to keep itself triggered so long as it has power and once turned off will have to be reset by the momentary NO switch.
Under normal charging situations, once the reset switch is pressed, the circuit will continue to keep Q1 open until the battery reaches whatever charge your looking for, at that point the PNP is biased and cuts power to the circuit which will not reset without the switch and power from the PNP transistor.
I'm also looking to design a circuit that will interface with the computer.. (though I have to learn to program first).. So that some A/D converters can be read directly into the computer, log the data and even control the switching of the circuit as well.
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#2 ·
RE: Circuit to auto switch.
We have the same dream
It has been done here ->
Directory:Bedini SG:Replications:Monsieur Bonheur-SG - PESWiki
See Battery Swapper schematic .
Directory:Bedini SG:Replications:Monsieur Bonheur-SG - PESWiki
I have looked around there is another circuit to shut off the power after the voltage on the primary reaches X amount.
I think you need to be part of this group before you can see the files.
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#3 ·
The Peswiki schematic, but I was unable to find the files to upload to the chip in order to make it run. Looks good though. It looks though it will be a long long project for me as I need to learn how to do all this first, which is going to take a bit.
It would just be nice to have a basic circuit that controls the charger to prevent trouble when your not around. This especially considering Peter's recent admition that the effect of charging the batteries on the bedini systems disapates completely after 2 days. In this state, its easy to see how there is so much contradictory information out there, of course no one can see them if the requirements are very specific.
If I can find those files, I'll build that circuit since I know where to get the chips and componants. That will hold me over temporarily till I can manage to program something more robust and interactive. I would like something that logs the voltages and controls the switching all at once for easier data collection. -
#4 ·
And whilst we are at it we are going to test this relay circuit on RF"s fan kit.
See here we made the Fan kit to be able to accept the relay circuit.(plug in) Now don't know how many bugs are on it, will soon find out when it doesn't work
Attached Files -
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#5 ·
Guys sorry for the double post, now what about the attached 4 battery rotator system, what we really need is to find some circuit which can close the loop, IE- let one rest whilst one charges as JB says.
I have not been able to find any circuit yet but thats what we should work on IMO.
AshAttached Files -
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#6 ·
OK!!!!! enough already.
Ok, next on my agenda is to build an automatic battery swapper.
I have completed the SSG, the SSG with a generator, and the RV prime mover, next is this battery swapper. I want to walk away from the SSG and let it mind itself.
I think I will attempt this in 2 directions. Number 1
( the link I posted before )
See Battery Swapper schematic .
I will order these parts and start in.
Also at the same time I will build the relay that Rick suggests for a standard double throw switch.
I do know I will need help... think I will post this in the bedini group, I am sure they want it as bad as I do.
I will have to learn the pic language, but all in due time. -
#7 ·
I'm expecting an Atmel training board soon, this swapping circuit will be one of the first things I work on. I wish the guy had posted something on the program, but all he does here is just show the schematic. -
#8 ·
Ok this might be a way to go...
I found this board...
Serial Relay Output / Opto Input ( Basic Stamp, PICAXE) - eBay (item 360012731950 end time Mar-10-08 10:20:42 PDT)
It is like a high level language (Basic ) with relays built in.....
I am thinking like... this would be much easier than doing the assembly language routine for something as simple as we are doing.. -
#9 ·
I have been looking into a circuit that will utilize voltage to frequency convertors. Then the outputs from those will go through logic that will switch the batteries. I would also like to series batteries to boost voltage then have the capability to parallel them for charging.
But looking at some of your schematics here guys I'm having second thoughts. BTW I noticed a lot of your schematics are really nicely done. What software are you using to draw them? -
#10 ·
RE: this board
Ok I have this board. I ordered it, and it is in my handstheremart wrote:
I found this board...
Serial Relay Output / Opto Input ( Basic Stamp, PICAXE) - eBay (item 360012731950 end time Mar-10-08 10:20:42 PDT)
It is like a high level language (Basic ) with relays built in.....
I am thinking like... this would be much easier than doing the assembly language routine for something as simple as we are doing.. now... where in the world do I get a basic stamp 2 software to program it? Off to the net I go...
Mart
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#11 ·
Split Charge Relay Kit - 12v Intelligent Self Switching
Look what I just found. Is this any good for your needs?
SPLIT CHARGE RELAY KIT - 12V INTELLIGENT SELF SWITCHING on eBay, also, Accessories, Boats Watercraft, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 17-Mar-08 23:07:39 GMT)
Description...
This intelligent self switching split charge relay kit is used for charging a second or third battery from your main vehicle system. This kit is different from our standard split charge relay kit, in that it monitors the main battery voltage and switches the charge to the secondary battery off and on when required. This ensures that the main battery charge is maintained.
Suitable for any 12V vehicle, where a second or third battery needs to be charged
Example of use: If you install a second battery in your vehicle for running additional appliances and need it to be charged from your vehicles existing system. The relay kit is connected between the vehicles main battery and the second battery. The relay controls the charge rate to the second battery to maintain a fully charged state.
What's Included...
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Intelligent Split Charge Relay Kit
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4 Meters 30 Amp Cable
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Fuse Holder & Fuse
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Scotch Locks
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Fitting Instructions
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Full Telephonic Technical Support
The Benefits...
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Connects straight to the main battery + terminal
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Intelligent monitoring of the main battery
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Up to 30 Amp charge rate for 1 additional battery
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Up to 15 Amp charge rate for 2 additional batteries (split)
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No alternator connection required
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Prioritises to protect your main battery -
#12 ·
RE: Switch charger..
Looks cool, but would be hard to switch sets from primary to charging battery, although, if you wanted to say push a charge of only 12 V, till the first battery died then have a second one kick in this might work.
So far I have the Pic, and I have the Basic Stamp 2 program, however, I cant get my silly com port to talk to the board.
I have 2 boards now, the second board they shipped me the wrong power supply so, will have to wait on that one. I have emailed the company to try to find out why board number 1 does not work.
The joys of getting parts to work
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#13 ·
Wonderful news...
I was able to track down they guy with the code, and he is gracious enough to share with us. I am now working on testing the code after I burn to flash
WOOOOO HHOOOOO
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#14 ·
Update...
Relays ordered, Code is working on the pic. -
#15 ·
"help Wanted"
I just bulit the entire thing today but nothing happen. A bad sign is the batteries
are getting warm so something definetly wrong with it. i have good background
knowledge on the bedini motor but still something must be wrong with. If you
can give me some advice ,or maybe i can send u some pic if u can point some
thing out on the pic i going to send u would greatly be please. Didn't want to
solder all of my connection so instead i used alligator clips. Just in case i want to
replace my transistor. I don't know if it matter i solder all of the connection are
not. I want so bad to make the motor run, but the trobleshooting is me making so
upset.
My the parts i pick are the source of the problem here is a list of them
- Power Battery (werker wka12 1.3F 12v 1.3Ah Lead Acid)
- Charge Battery ( YUASA 12V NP2.3-12 2.3Ah)
- Potentiometer 1-Megohm Liner-Taper
- Transistor 2N3055
- Resistor 10K-Ohm 1/2 watt 5% tolerance
- Diode 1N4007 1000V & 1N4001 diode
- Alligator clips for connection expect transistor i solder 1N4007 & 1N4001 diode to the Base with Emitter and collector
-Magnets are facing north
The coil doesn't turn to a eletricmagnet i connect the batteries to it, but it's suppose to arract the magnets to the electricmagnet coil
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