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Have a good idea for a new product for SFE or Olimex? Let us know!
By swe_jb
#136594
:idea: Breakout board MPPT (Maximum power point tracking) charger LT3652. With a breakout board users would be able to build robust chargers+battery packs that always will deliver. ( The only chargers that comes close is GoalZero and Genasun but both has severe limitations )

MPPT charger ( with function similar to a "Imax b6"..but simpler )

Charger fetures:
* Solar panel ( (6v), 12v, 24v )
* Thermoelectric generator
* DC adapter 12v ( + step up in order to behave as a Solar panel..)
* Programmable Charge Rate
* Programmable Float Voltage Up Li-Ion/Polymer, LiFePO4, SLA, NiMH/NiCd Chemistries

Background:
If you expect to charge in cloudy days you sooner or later will prefer 12v at least 10-20watt. I measured 200mA from 21watt powerfilm (rollable) with a sky covered with clouds this summer in Sweden ( charging a GoalZero battery which seems to have MPPT alogrithm ) It' would be nice with a charger ready for SERIOUS action ... ( not just a toy )

I nice complement could be Thermoelectric generator combined with a wood gas stove
( copper rod through the stove connected to TEG )
http://www.tellurex.com/products/power.php
http://youtu.be/0Ys5IUE2Xg0
http://biolitestove.com/BioLite.html



I'm not alone take a look at candlepowerforums, modernoutpost
http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/app_power_hiking.html

:idea: LT3652
with jumpers select float voltage and max charge current ( I believe in "keep it simple stupid" equals reliable )
* MPPT
* Input Voltage Range: 4.95V to 32V
* Programmable Charge Rate Up to 2A
* Resistor Programmable Float Voltage Up to 14.4V Accommodates Li-Ion/Polymer, LiFePO4, SLA, NiMH/NiCd Chemistries

http://cds.linear.com/docs/LT%20Journal ... imDrew.pdf
http://cds.linear.com/docs/LT%20Journal ... Celani.pdf
http://gsg-elektronik.de/?id=79