By default, FIRST tracks use batteries to power the cars, we have modified the power rail to no longer use batteries but a power supply. I find this a little more ecological than using batteries that will end up in the trash, finally in recycling. I found this more ecological, but in the end, do we really know the origin of the electricity in our power outlet?
So I wanted to take the idea further and provide green electricity. An energy solution that requires no batteries, no connections, completely autonomous: A solar source.
The principle:
The solar panel sends the current to the charger
The charger sends the current to the battery.
The charger module is responsible for delivering the current to the circuit at the right voltage. To do this, it uses the current stored in the battery and the current that comes from the solar panel.
I used:
- 1 solar panel 6V 0.5A at 6.71€
- 1 charger – discharger module at 3.20€
- 1 battery protection module at 1€
- 1 battery 1.4A at 3.80€
Tests carried out:
- charge the battery. A small light indicates that it is charging. It is better with full sun but it also charges with fog outside by putting the panel in front of the window but it is less efficient. When the battery is full, the charger lights the diode in green.
- I masked the solar panel and I made the 2 cars of the track run. The 2 cars ran for 1 hour and 20 minutes before losing speed and stopping!
- I put the battery back to charge, the cars are running again.
So here is our circuit running on solar energy. Of course, you will need to recharge the battery on a sunny day to be able to play, or take advantage of a sunny day to drive on the circuit.