This document outlines the design and assembly of a solar panel charge controller circuit. It describes the key steps taken which included: 1) Designing the circuit in Multisim software to test functionality and identify errors without building a physical prototype. 2) Assembling the circuit on a breadboard to test operation and get familiar with how the components work together. 3) Creating a printed circuit board (PCB) layout based on the schematic design to build the final product. 4) Connecting the solar panel, battery, and car park control system to power and charge the battery which will then provide electricity to operate the control system.

1. Solar Panel Charge Controller
By Mussa Mussawi
Graded Unit 2
DG2V35

2. Contents
Ø Introduction
Ø Project Purpose – Block Diagram
Ø Circuit Assembly:
Ø Multisim
Ø Bread Board
Ø Strip Board
Ø PCB
Ø Schematic
Ø Circuit Connection to the Battery
Ø Skills Gained
Ø Conclusion
Ø Question time

3. Introduction
I am building a cost effective electricity source by using
the sun or wind. It will charge a 12V acid battery which
will be used to operated a car park control system.
I will demonstrate how I achieved this, what skills I
gained in the process and what I learned about building
a circuit.

4. Block Diagram
SOLAR
PANEL
12V
CONTROLLER TO
RECHARGE BATTERY
DC LOAD
DC/AC
INVERTER
PLC
240 VOLTS
CAR PARK CONTROL
SYSTEM

5. Circuit Assembly
I designed my circuit on the multisim, here I was able to
see my mistakes and correct them without any damage
or cost.
Then I moved onto the bread board which allowed me to
get a feel for how the circuit will actually work.
Finally I assembled the final product on the PCB, allowing
me to see my final product and what I had achieved.

6. Multisim
Ø Computer programme where you build a circuit with the
correct components.
Ø Shows how the components work with each other.
Ø How to connect the components.
Ø It will be a functional schematic.
Ø Helps when choosing the source for the circuit.
Ø Can see the expected out put.
Ø Shows any faults in the circuit.

7. Bread Board
Ø After testing on multisim, I
assembled my circuit on the
bread board.
Ø Pay attention to IC pin numbers
when connecting to circuit.
Ø Input and output of transistor pin
is different on the schematic.
Ø Capacitor polarities must be
connected correctly.
Ø LED connection must be round
the right way.
Ø

8. PCB
Ø Red lines = copper.
Ø Green lines = wire
connection.
Ø Connection based
on schematic
design.

9. Schematic
Ø Deigned on the Express SCH.
Ø Reference to the PCB
connections.
Ø

10. Circuit Connection to the Battery &
Source
Ø 12V Solar connected to
circuit through
diode, fuse and
relay contactor.
Ø Contactor works when
batteries are full.
Ø Extra charge will work
12V bulbs. No waste
of electricity.
Ø Batteries connected
parallel.
Ø Negative terminal
connected to earth.
Ø Output positive
connected to
battery positive.

11. Skills Gained
Ø Learning about the multisim.
Ø Understanding schematic diagrams.
Ø PCB circuit design.
Ø Soldering.
Ø Component Testing.
Ø Circuit Testing.
Ø Logging everything in my note book.
Ø Presenting the final design.

12. Conclusion
This project was very enjoyable as it allowed me
to learn new skills.
It taught me how to use programmes that I will be
using throughout my Engineering Career.
It allowed me to keep track of what I was doing in
order to achieve a final product.

13. Question time?