Buck Gizmo -Volts vs Amps ? UPDATED
Update 5 Nov. (It didn't work out as hoped) I got my little gizmo, see close-up photos here http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-DC-15A-Converter-Buck-Adjustable-4-32V-12V-to-1-2-32V-3-3V-5V-24V-Step-Down...
Forum Discussion
I try to look at it just like an ac-dc power converter, i.e; a charger/psu.
120v and say 8a (960 VA's) IN , and 14.8v and say 60a (888 W's) OUT. So, where did the 72 VA's go? Heat dissipation. This is why a 120v to 12v converter, like the one for your laptop, gets hot. And at higher amps, heat sinks and fans are required to keep the circuitry from burning up.
I guess with the amps being so low on solar, over heating isn't a huge concern. But as with all electronics, keeping that solar controller cool could very well extend its lifespan, if not improve it's efficiency.
120v and say 8a (960 VA's) IN , and 14.8v and say 60a (888 W's) OUT. So, where did the 72 VA's go? Heat dissipation. This is why a 120v to 12v converter, like the one for your laptop, gets hot. And at higher amps, heat sinks and fans are required to keep the circuitry from burning up.
I guess with the amps being so low on solar, over heating isn't a huge concern. But as with all electronics, keeping that solar controller cool could very well extend its lifespan, if not improve it's efficiency.
