Buck Gizmo Test Results
This test was to see how much the amps went up at the output of the buck converter compared with the input amps. This is the gizmo again: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-DC-15A-Converter-Buck-Adjustabl...
Forum Discussion
BFL13, the buck converter steps down the voltage by adjusting the duty cycle of the switch clock (150 kHz).
The basic buck converter is a constant voltage power supply so if the output voltage is higher than the battery voltage, the duty cycle will increase in an effort to raise the battery voltage and it can go as high as 100% if there are no boundary control circuits.
If the CV cannot match the battery voltage level, the solar panel will then be basically connected straight through to the battery bank since the transistor is 100% on, or saturated, which means its acting as a switch.
The buck converter will only have a varying current output if its CV is slightly greater than the battery voltage and then the current will be a function of the battery bank open circuit voltage and the battery banks internal resistance.
So, your results are valid.
The basic buck converter is a constant voltage power supply so if the output voltage is higher than the battery voltage, the duty cycle will increase in an effort to raise the battery voltage and it can go as high as 100% if there are no boundary control circuits.
If the CV cannot match the battery voltage level, the solar panel will then be basically connected straight through to the battery bank since the transistor is 100% on, or saturated, which means its acting as a switch.
The buck converter will only have a varying current output if its CV is slightly greater than the battery voltage and then the current will be a function of the battery bank open circuit voltage and the battery banks internal resistance.
So, your results are valid.
