Solar Panel Charging

[nav2049]

Hello, 

I am deploying a thingy 91-x sensor outdoors to record acceleration data. I am reaching out requesting recommendations on what kind of solar panel would be able to charge the sensor. Also if it is recommended to have a power bank that is charged by the solar panel and then have it charge the thingy 91-x. 

Thank you, 

Nicolas Vargas

[Asbjørn]

Hello Nicolas,

 

Depending out the output power you are using, the active mode for the nRF9151 could be in the range of 80mA and for some modes above 150mA, with averages about 90mA. Let's assume a worst case scenarion, you need to have a solar panel able to charge 90mA across time. 

 

You'd want to have some margins there as it will deterierate across time and you'd want some capacitance and possibly a battery to take the peaks. 

This example here:https://www.elfadistrelec.no/en/5w-solar-panel-5v-100ma-55-70mm-seeed-studio-313070004/p/30118363 should deliver 0.5W at perfect conditions, but I'd expect that to be struggling to keep up with the highest power modes across time. It could be a starting point for investigations.

 

It's not something we have tried and tested, but it would be my suggested stsrting point. Make sure you add enough capacitance as this is only able to deliver 100mA and not the peak 150+mA. So you need some buffer.

 

Best regards

Asbjørn