A Charge Controller Based on Microcontroller in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems

PV systems have spread widely all over the world. Charge controllers are needed to improve the efficiency of the PV systems and to protect the storage batteries. The main function of charge controller in PV systems is to charge the battery without permitting over charge and deep discharge. An intelligent charge controller has been designed with the object of prolonging battery life. The need for and advantages of such charge controllers are discussed and tests have been performed and applied on prototype which is versatile and has provision for more monitoring and control functions than that of the conventional logic and relay controller.