MPPT is implememented basically by continuously monitoring the Solar panel output current and the voltage.It should be an intelligent system preferebly.
It would be better if you go ahead with the microcontroller application posted earlier.
You can have a look at the Onsemi application note mentioned in the below link in which they use a discrete MPPT tracker.
LT3652 is good IC it can not only support Peak Power Tracking(MPPT) in Solar Applications, can also charge multi-chemistry batteries like Li-Ion/Polymer, LiFePO4, SLA, NiMH/NiCd chemistries.
I checked the datasheet of the Linear LT3652 controller. It looks very promising. It has the major benifit of being a hardware controller, so you don't have to be involved with software programming. You have to consider availibility and price of the LT3652 also.
Lot's of succes!
Best regards,
Enrico Migchels Power conversion design engineer Heliox B.V. Best - The Netherlands www.heliox.nl
Mujahid, it is very interesting project, Can I know what kind solar cell or panel you will deploy in your design? I am not sure if there are any formula to calculate the power of solar cell? For example, the battery capacity is 1000mAH, if I plan to complete the charge within 6 hours, what is the suggested solar cell capacity? This question is also for anyone who has good experience in Solar Power related technology, I expect somebody can help on. Many thanks.
If we need to charge a battery with 1000mAh capacity within 6hrs then a panel with current output equal to 167mA (1000mAh/6) is required. If the charger/regulator circuit requires a minimum voltage (as Vin)of about 5V, then a solar panel with approximately 1W (i.e. 5V*167mA) is required.
