Solar panels and item water pump 4546

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Kaytee
 
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Solar panels and item water pump 4546

Post by Kaytee »

We 2 have solar panels .5W, 5 V and 100mA. Will they power your small water pump - item 4546.

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sj_remington
 
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Re: Solar panels and item water pump 4546

Post by sj_remington »

Possibly, but perhaps only under conditions of full noon sun, with the panels wired in parallel and directly facing the sun.

The startup current of brushed DC motors is typically 5 to 10 times higher than the normal running current. As a general rule, choose a power supply capable of supplying significantly more current than the maximum you ever expect to draw.

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Solar panels and item water pump 4546

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

sj_remington is correct about the startup current. This is especially true for a submersible pump which will be starting under load.

A large capacitor wired in parallel with the pump should help a bit with the startup current demands. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1589

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Kaytee
 
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Re: Solar panels and item water pump 4546

Post by Kaytee »

Thank you ! Your comments were very helpful!

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