Solar panels and item water pump 4546
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- Kaytee
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:29 pm
Solar panels and item water pump 4546
We 2 have solar panels .5W, 5 V and 100mA. Will they power your small water pump - item 4546.
- sj_remington
- Posts: 998
- Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2020 4:51 pm
Re: Solar panels and item water pump 4546
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.
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.
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88093
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Solar panels and item water pump 4546
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
A large capacitor wired in parallel with the pump should help a bit with the startup current demands. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1589
- Kaytee
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:29 pm
Re: Solar panels and item water pump 4546
Thank you ! Your comments were very helpful!
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.