Solar Research
After months of
ordering various parts to try out in this part of the
world, we are pleased to announce the July 2010 edition of the Small
Computing on Solar Handbook. The resource is free
to download.
This resource attempts to compile a wealth of solar knowledge and state
of the art parts suppliers to set up and fully power a small netbook in
a Third-World setting.
This is a constantly moving target, so there will be periodic updates
to this document.
Latest SCOS Handbook »
Find your way, and report
back any new discoveries in your part of the world.
Email: chap777+slr(at)gmail.com
use: @ (this reduces spam)
For the first time in recent memory, advances in solar technology and computer laptop technology have converged such that the goal of language work performed by PNG Mother Tongue Language Workers (MTLW) can be realized in a relatively cost-effective manner by themselves and for themselves – with minimal oversight. This paper primarily concerns itself with hardware issues, while briefly mentioning useful language software tools under development by SIL and other agencies. It does not address national training issues. It is meant as a “handbook” or a guide to collect in one place all the relevant technical issues and potential hardware suppliers useful to SIL administrators who want to set up unassisted, long term, national coworker projects with minimal mentor contact. In short, it is an effort to outline the application of technologies for a sustainable MTLW program and represents the present “state of the art.” This is a constantly moving target since technology changes so rapidly. Be sure to read the latest version available of this document.
Download the Latest SCOS Handbook Here
Solar Technologies
What
are the leading new solar technologies that are actually found in the
marketplace? Which suppliers of solar panels have actually
come
to the US$ 3 per watt price point?
That are the advantages of the new Thin-Film technologies?
When is the Best Time to Work During the Day?
If
you are planning to use Lead-Acid battery technologies as your primary
energy storage device, then when is the best time to arrange your
workday, such that you minimize the battery size required, and help to
maintain the longest possible battery life?
Netbook Characteristics
What
kind of charge curves can we expect from a typical netbook these days?
How large a solar controller would we expect to purchase?
New Technologies
What
modern circuits hold promise to completely eliminate lead acid
batteries to sustain a modern netbook? Is there a
"boost-buck"
circuit that works for 3 amp loads?
Setting up the Best Solar Controller for a Netbook
What's
the theory on the best way to preserve typical lead-acid batteries such
that they live long and happy lives?
What is the "low voltage disconnect" all about and where should it be set for typical modern AGM style batteries?
Why are AGM style batteries so important in the Third-World, such that you would not want any other Lead-Acid battery technology?
Depth of Discharge and Lead-Acid Battery Life
Why is "depth of discharge" such an issue? Which solar controllers actually read the manufacturer's specs for modern lead acid batteries and then try to maintain the best possible conditions for long battery life?
Ohm's Law and How it Relates to Solar Installations
So you fell asleep in High School Physics class? You studied Ohm's Law, but never dreamed it had any practical relevance in your life? If you are working with Photo-Voltaic systems, it helps to understand Ohm's Law a bit better. Find a primer here.