|
NSF-funded Research Project Uses Solar Power to Extend Broadband Internet Access into Remote Areas |
Each system consists of four 80-watt solar panels, which measure approximately 57” by 20” by 2”; four independent 94-AH gel cell batteries; a charge controller; and a DC-DC converter. The overall system is capable of generating a peak power of 320 watts, which is able to continuously power a device consuming around 32 watts.
"The solar panels are connected to a charge controller that disconnects the panels when there is not enough electromotive force to charge the batteries. During that time the radios and amplifiers receive their power solely from the batteries," explains Todd Hansen, who designed the HPWREN solar-powered stations.
"Once the sun is up, the panels (at times) begin to charge the batteries in an excess of 20 amps," Hansen continues. "Most of this power goes into the batteries, however, a small amount of power is taken to power the radios and amplifiers. At this point, the panels are powering the radios and recharging the batteries from the drain of the night before."
For more information about the HPWREN solar-powered stations, please refer to http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/solar.html. General project information is located at http://hpwren.ucsd.edu.
The HPWREN project is based on work sponsored by the National Science Foundation and its ANIR division under Grant Number ANI-0087344.
-KMB
Updated Fall 2002
|