A CHARGE CONTROLLER?

Greetings to you!
After my post on how to completely ignore the ongoing epileptic power supply in nigeria but embrace the ongoing fully equipped uninterrupted power supply from the Almighty, i got several email from my readers asking to know:
*what a solar charge controller is
*how to use them and
*and if they can not have their uninterrupted power supply without the charge controller.

Am sure this post will give answers to you questions and also add more knowledge to you past experience with charge controllers

NOW LETS START,




*WHAT IS A CHARGE CONTROLLER?
A charge controller,also known as battery regulator or even known as charge controller is a device or apparatus use to limit the rate at which electric current is drawn from or is added to electric battery.A charger controller prevents overcharging and some also protect against
over voltage , as such can reduce battery performance or lifespan, and may pose a safety risk. A charge controller may also prevent battery from completely draining which is also known as deep discharging a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to protect battery life. 

So The terms "charge controller" or "charge regulator" may refer to either a stand alone device, or to control circuitry integrated within a battery pack, battery-powered device, or battery charger.

Stand alone charge controllers

This are they type of Charge controllers sold to consumers as separate devices, often in conjunction with  wind power or solar generators, for uses such as RV, boat, and off-the-grid home battery storage systems. In solar applications, charge controllers may also be called solar regulators. Some charge controllers / solar regulators have additional features, such as a low voltage disconnect (LDV), a separate circuit which powers down the load when the batteries become overly discharged (some battery chemistries are such that over-discharge can ruin the battery).

A series charge controller or series regulators disables further current flow into batteries when they are fully charged. A shunt charge controller diverts excess electricity to an auxiliary or "shunt" load, such as an electric water heater, when batteries are full.

Simple charge controllers stop charging a battery when they exceed a set high voltage level, and re-enable charging when battery voltage drops back below that level

Integrated charge controller circuitry

Circuitry that functions as a charge regulator controller may consist of several electrical components, or may be encapsulated in a single microchip, an integrated circuit (IC) usually called a charge controller IC or charge control IC.

Charge controller circuits are used for rechargeable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, portable audio players, and interruptible power supplies, as well as for larger battery systems found in electric vehicles and orbiting space satellites and also used for solar power charging of battery