Design of a load detection circuit using magnetic field–based transistor switch for charge controllers
Authors: Ryann Alimuin, Elmer Dadios, Samuel Mabanta, Karen Salva, Jun Andal, Jesus Niño Pua, and Reynaldo Almoradie
Abstract
This is a design of a load detection circuit using magnetic field – based transistor switch for charge controllers. Charge controllers are mostly used in harvesting energy from renewable sources. It works together with solar panels and the likes to collect and store energy to a battery. It is responsible for the operation of the battery, whether it will charge to store energy or it will discharge to make use of the energy stored. The battery is charged when there is enough energy being produced and it is discharged when the energy is insufficient to supply the power being demanded. This charge controller has two innovative main features. The first one is for the battery charging. Multiple batteries are employed so that more energy will be stored. Conventional charge controllers use only one battery, but once this battery is full the excess energy being harvested is thrown away. To prevent this, another battery will be charged to save and store the excess energy the other one cannot accumulate. The second one is focused in the battery discharging. The load detection circuit aims to guarantee that the energy stored in the battery is being used efficiently. Typical charge controllers let the battery supply the whole system even if no load is connected. This load detection circuit will detect if a load is connected to the system before letting the battery discharge. The battery will be disconnected from the system when there is no load so that the energy will be saved for more practical use. It will allow the battery to discharge for normal operation only when a load is connected to the system.