CONTROLLING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS UTILIZING POLYMER-DISPERSED LIQUID CRYSTAL TECHNOLOGY

摘要

Solar charge controllers are currently a necessary piece of equipment when utilizing the energy from a photovoltaic system for charging purposes. However, a standard solar charge controller available today includes some drawbacks that may be crucial for specific applications. An alternate method of regulating energy from a photovoltaic panel can be accomplished by utilizing polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology. Combining a solar panel with a proper PDLC material allows the input into the photovoltaic panel to be controlled. This method of power regulation can lead to increased efficiency, reduced cost, reduced weight, and increased safety when compared to a standard solar charge controller.