I have created a solar cell datalogger using an Arduino, a light intensity sensor module, SD card module, INA219 current/voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor. Coding all of this is not the issue, but I just want to confirm as to if the attached circuit makes sense and will work (i.e. things won’t get damaged). The temperature sensor, light intensity sensor, and SD card module are separate from the solar cell and I have confirmed that these sensors work 100% using the wiring shown in the attachment. I used a MOSFET as a switch to open and close the solar cell circuit so that I can measure the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage of the solar cell throughout the day (I do not need to know how much current is drawn from a load so I do not have a load attached). My main concern is the wiring of the INA219 sensor and if it is correct. Any help, guidance, or concerns would be appreciated. The solar cell I am using to test the circuit is rated at 5.5V 170mA 1W, but the actual solar cell I will be using will have a much lower voltage and current (i.e. dye-sensitised solar cells). Let me know if any additional information is required to explain the circuit further. The circuit can be found at the following link:
Hi MMB,
I’m a retired EE that is just starting with Arduino controllers. My project is going to be a temperature-controlled battery enclosure for deep cycle batteries for PV solar. I have lots of electronics and PV Solar experience, but none with Arduino yet, or the INA219 chip. So I’ll take a detailed look at your circuit and see if I have any comments. It looks like it’s pretty lo power, but if you’re worried about any issues you can always add in-line fuses. You can get wired fuse holders (12VDC anyway) at an auto parts store, if not at Sparkfun.
BW
MagicManBob:
I have created a solar cell datalogger using an Arduino, a light intensity sensor module, SD card module, INA219 current/voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor. Coding all of this is not the issue, but I just want to confirm as to if the attached circuit makes sense and will work (i.e. things won’t get damaged). The temperature sensor, light intensity sensor, and SD card module are separate from the solar cell and I have confirmed that these sensors work 100% using the wiring shown in the attachment. I used a MOSFET as a switch to open and close the solar cell circuit so that I can measure the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage of the solar cell throughout the day (I do not need to know how much current is drawn from a load so I do not have a load attached). My main concern is the wiring of the INA219 sensor and if it is correct. Any help, guidance, or concerns would be appreciated. The solar cell I am using to test the circuit is rated at 5.5V 170mA 1W, but the actual solar cell I will be using will have a much lower voltage and current (i.e. dye-sensitised solar cells). Let me know if any additional information is required to explain the circuit further. The circuit can be found at the following link:
Hi,
I have checked your wiring and your INA219 V+ and V- wring does not seems write. You need to connect the V+ with the load and in your case V+ is connected with the battery. See the link below for the correct wiring of INA219 with load.
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ina … cessor-3-3
