Mothership's technical advance in new models

February 02, 2005, 10:15:37 am

Hi, folks!

I's interesting that even if we are allways complaining about something (and I have been one of the most vocal), but the Newtons, step by step, keep getting their models better and better...
The most recent news are about solar panels and controllers. LD just adopted the AM Solar's system, including their 100W high voltage panels and HPV-22 controller.

Let me explain the meaning of "high coltage" panels: "Normal" 12v panels, like the 85 wattt BP panel LD was using in their models, have 36 cells.
With 36 cell panels, they generate, when under ideal conditions, more than 12V. This "over voltage" was lost, till it was invented the MPPT type charge controllers, which converted the extra voltage in extra amps to "milk" more power from the same panel.

AM Solar went a step further: They designed a 100w panel with 44 cells. These extra 8 cells boost the voltage to a peak of 21.5 volts, and the HP-22 controller, which is an excellent MPPT type charge controller, converts the extra voltage in up to 7.5 A, against around
4.5 A in a combination of a common 36 cell panel and common charge
controller.

This combination makes the 100w AM Solar Panel produce an amperage equivalent to a 120-125w 36 cell panel.

And this is the new LD solar system: 1 or 2 AM Solar 44 cell, 100w and HPV-22 charge controller.

I think that the new system will bring a boost of around 40% in charging capacity, if compared with the old systems.
Meabwhile, in SOBland, 100 grand-plus Chinooks offer an optional 50w panel...

More info can be found in amsolar dot com

Eudoro "in high amperage mode" Lemos, Jr.

PS For our many new members, in our group's own slang, SOB is "some other brand"

Re: Mothership's technical advance in new models

Reply #1 – February 02, 2005, 10:32:30 am

Yahoo Message Number: 50259

"LD just adopted the AM Solar's system, including their 100W high voltage panels and HPV-22 controller."
Outstanding! The combination of the higher-voltage panels and MPPT (maximum power point tracking) charging controller really packs a punch--this is a BIG improvement!

Hats off to the Newtons. :-)

Andy Baird

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February 02, 2005, 10:15:37 am

Reply #1 – February 02, 2005, 10:32:30 am

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