Electronics and a change in voltage

In summary, the person is designing a solar powered rc plane and has an electric motor assembly and a solar array that outputs 7.5 volts. They want to know how much current the solar array would need to produce in order to achieve 111 watts of power and if this setup would work. They also ask how to measure the maximum current that their battery can supply. It is suggested that they match their panel and motor for optimal results and that a small battery could provide emergency backup.
  • #1
dmriser
50
0
Hello,

I am designing a solar powered rc plane as a project. I have an electric motor assembly intended to be used with an 11.1 volt battery. My solar array outputs around a steady 7.5 volts. When configured with a battery the motor drew around 9-10amps of current under full load. Making the output around 111 watts of power. What strength of current would I need the solar array to output to achieve this power? And would this even work? I have calculated around 20amps (approximate). This is far above the output of my solar array in terms of current.

Also, how could I measure the maximum current my battery can supply if I want to include one. I assume that because of the thickness of the wires and other parameters my battery cannot give an infinitely strong current and deplete it's power almost immediately.. But how would
I measure it's peak current outflow? I hope I have asked these questions in a clear manner and some one may be able to give me some information. This is not homework, just for fun and knowledge. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
A 7.5 volt source would have to be capable of producing 15A of current, without a drop in the voltage, to provide 110 W of power.

However, your motor will draw considerably less than that current at 7.5 V, given that it draws 9-10A at 11V.
 
  • #3
That helps thank you.
 
  • #4
...note that it will also output less power (thrust) at the lower voltage.
 
  • #5
You need to measure how many Amps your solar panel can give you at its normal output voltage. You haven't yet given enough detail of the setup for anyone to give a reliable opinion about how feasible it is,
 
  • #6
The solar array can give ~7.5 volts with 2 amps of current. However, I'm not in need of the full power of the engine for flight.
 
  • #7
Afaik, solar powered flight is a bit marginal. i.e it has to be engineered right for it to work as there's barely enough energy from available panels. This implies, to me, that you really need your panel and motor to be matched as well as possible.
There are many 12V panels available and also many 12V motors and it may be that you will need to pair them up if you want reasonable results. I think the available power per square meter is much the same for any output voltage.
It appears that you have a panel and motor (?) so why not try it out? If you don't have a panel yet then select a 12V panel of the right dimensions. (New models seem to be arriving almost every week.) There isn't much point in carrying a massive battery on board as that will significantly add to the payload but a 'small one' could give you emergency backup for a minute or two - to land, for instance.
 

FAQ: Electronics and a change in voltage

What is voltage and how does it affect electronics?

Voltage is the measure of electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is a key factor in determining the flow of electricity through a circuit. Changes in voltage can affect the performance and functionality of electronic devices, as it determines the amount of current that flows through them.

How does a change in voltage impact the lifespan of electronic devices?

A significant change in voltage can potentially damage electronic devices and shorten their lifespan. If the voltage is too high, it can cause overheating and burn out the components. If the voltage is too low, it may not provide enough power for the device to function properly. It is important to ensure that electronic devices are operated within their recommended voltage range to prolong their lifespan.

Can a change in voltage cause malfunctions in electronic devices?

Yes, a change in voltage can cause malfunctions in electronic devices. If the voltage is not stable, it can cause fluctuations in the flow of electricity, leading to errors or failures in the device. This is why voltage regulators are often used in electronic circuits to maintain a stable voltage and prevent malfunctions.

How does voltage affect the efficiency of electronic devices?

Voltage plays a crucial role in the efficiency of electronic devices. If the voltage is too low, the device may not receive enough power to operate at its optimal level, resulting in reduced efficiency. On the other hand, if the voltage is too high, it can cause excessive heat and energy loss, also decreasing the efficiency of the device.

How can voltage be changed in electronic circuits?

Voltage can be changed in electronic circuits using various components such as resistors, capacitors, and transformers. These components can be used to step up or step down the voltage levels, depending on the requirements of the circuit. Additionally, voltage regulators can also be used to maintain a constant voltage in a circuit.

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