A charge controller performs two important functions:
1. Protect the batteries from over charging - The controller uses a logic circuit to prevent pushing the batteries higher than 15 volts. This prevents the power source(solar or other) from boiling off the electrolyte and ruining the batteries.
2. Boost low input voltages to maximize battery charging - This is done with complex electronics and DC-DC conversion. It is often advertised as "maximum power-point tracking". This technology can often increase the charging potential of a solar array by more than 30%. The method is certainly proprietary company for company, but basically the controller increases the voltage until the maximum available current is utilized.
For Example: The sun is just coming up and the solar array is putting out a potential of 11v. On a directly connected system no current would flow because the 11v is less than the 13v required to charge the batteries. If you were to short circuit the array through a multi-meter, the array may have a current of 8 amps. When the charge controller is added to the system it converts this 11v at 8amps into 13v at 6amps. This voltage potential is now greater than the battery potential and charging begins. Thus the benefit of a charge controller is that it takes the useless 11v power and converts into usable 13 volt power.
Check out charge controllers in our online store. Each one has a pdf specifications that can help you learn more about their use and operation.
http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx
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