IMHO Excellent. This is defining things down to a "T"
I've arrived at a preliminary conclusion. The Cheapowatt can only be used realistically on a load (battery) in which is can achieve absorbsion voltage limit instantly without it exceeding wattage potential. As a slow charger it fails the test. The Cheapowatt must be utilized in such a fashion that inherent load limitations protect it against self destruction. The Cheapowatt must be protected by a 30-amp output fuse. A 30-amp breaker will not protect the unit.
This leaves the Cheapowatt in a position where multiples must be used in order to meet criteria to INHERENTLY limit current and in a separate issue limit wattage output. Protection must, again, be inherent. This is a function of total battery capacity, and charger sizing. This limitation makes the Cheapowatt far less attractive to most users. Utilization would have to incorporate too many restrictions, conditions and risk for a vast majority of the market.
But the Cheapowatt does have a niche. Charging to absorbsion voltage set point instantly while maintaining unit wattage within maximum limits. Component unit failure can be handled with individual fuses. Failure of one unit will cause a Christmas tree bulb sequence of fuses opening and thus total shutdown of output.
Purchasing the "required" number of Cheapowatts to size a battery bank correctly makes this unit attractive to a select few.
But allow me to share with you my thoughts regarding the other power supplies and the idea of controlling constant current: It isn't going to happen. Current will be both voltage and load resistance sensitive. There is no feedback circuit in these power supplies that would allow management of current.
A power supply should be taken open-circuit, voltage set, shut down, connected then enabled any +- deviation from open circuit adjustment setpoint and under load setpoint must be noted and compensated for by tweaking the potentiometer. This is called droop and it is not uncommon. The goal you seek is the E value under load. The open circuit setting of voltage is to establish a known voltage baseline, it won't be that far off of the loaded voltage setting value.
AMPERAGE CONTROL is most easily done by installing a calculated resistance within the battery charging leads. Voltage drop is adjusted with the potentiometer. There is not going to be an earth shaking variance of I current between value points of say 14 to 16 volts. A 100 watt power rheostat (Ohmite) can be employed if uncanny precision in amperage control is required.
I am eagerly awaiting the testing of the MegaWatt then the MeanWell. This isn't to merely satisfy curiosity. If one or the other does what i think it's going to do, I want one!
And Landyacht thanks again for sacrificing a unit for science. You receive a lofty, seldom awarded ¡Olé! from Mexicowanderer
