Can a $9 Solar Controller Replace a DCDC Charger?
G'day I'm Cahn and in this video I am testing a question I got asked about whether a cheap $9 Solar Charge Controller can replace a DCDC charger without costing nearly as much...
On paper it sounds possible... You've got an input, an output and a 30A rating...
So, I figured I'd better explain why it could be a bad idea!
I test a PWM Regulator as well as MPPT Charge Controllers and DCDC on the bench with a power supply and both LiFePO4 Lithium and AGM batteries to show that once again, Ohm's law matters!
I cover:
The PWM Problem: Why connecting an alternator directly to a PWM controller is a recipe for "magic smoke."
Current Limits: Why a "30A" rating doesn't mean the controller will actually limit the current coming from your alternator.
The MPPT Test: Can a better regulator handle the job, or does the lack of a "boost" converter ruin the plan?
Buck vs. Boost: Why you actually need a DCDC charger to correctly charge a battery from an alternator.
The Result: Well... any machine can be a smoke machine if you operate it wrong enough!
If you’ve ever wondered if these cheap "hacks" actually work, or if you're just looking to save a few bucks on your 4WD or camping setup, this one is for you.
Timestamps: 0:00 - The $9 Question
1:06 - The Test Setup
3:40 - How PWM Regulators actually work
5:04 - Let’s add 60 Amps...
7:13 - Well, that failed.
7:33 - Testing an MPPT Regulator
11:00 - Why you actually need a DCDC Charger
15:11 - Final Verdict
Massive shout out to my channel members for supporting these tests!
Have a question or a suggestion for the next test? Drop a comment below.
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