MPPTs
29-06-2023: Preliminary MPPT Testing
Tested one of the MPPT boards using a power supply (Sparky) and load (Rigol DL3031)
Load set to 25V, power supply to 2A and set to ~8V (max 15V)
Power output around 16W, an efficiency of ~91-92%
Conditions: cloudy, no direct sun, ~22°
Replaced the power supply with a large solar panel
Voltage around 6V and current 7.78mA
Load: ~25V; 0.027A; 0.6-0.7W
Another panel connected in series, power output increased to ~0.8W
When the protective layer from the larger solar panel was removed, increased power output to 0.83W-1.0W
Note: large panel (28 cells) and smaller panel (16 cells)
DCDC
05-2023
During the test, the capacitor discharge circuit started smoking
Once working, DCDC output max is 10.6-10.7V
17-06-2023
R7: 549.5; R8: 4.715k; R9: 1k
So looks like R8 is off as it should be 10k
TR to HV GR it's only 3.511kohms (should be a little over 15kR)
6-2023
Replaced R8 to 10k ohms resistor, but seems like the resistor removed was 10k
Connected back to the power supply and load no change in output voltage
27-06-2023
mosfet gate and drain/source is not shorted
r8 is replaced with 10kohm resistor
30-06-2023
Testing the DCDC output with the replaced resistor (R8)
Test 1: Replaced resistor
CC (Load): 0.100A
Voltage (PSU): 60-100V
Power consumption: ~1.060W
Results:
no resistance across TR and HV GND
outputting ~10.6-10.8 volts from the range
Test 2: Removed R10
no resistance from TR to HV GND
Voltage output is slightly higher, around 10.7V at 60V input
Test 3: Replaced Q2
Same conditions: input voltage 60V
Same output voltage: ~10.7V
Suspected leg 2 of Q2 is not properly connected
when checking conductivity leg 1 & 3 were good
PD
04-07-2023
VBAT and 3V3 rails in working condition, 5V outputs 0.2V
13-07-2023
tested a few times, working fine however the voltage lines incorrect
split moment, drawing too much current at an extremely low voltage and smoke
gound and power are shorted
next steps: find the shorted component (the one that is smoking), use a thermal camera
Controller Boards
Link to FW Progress + States of CB: Table of Boards