I want a device that will take power from anything - small solar panel, dc motor, any source whether that is sporadic, cycling, dc, ac, and convert that to a constant voltage. I think this may go under the phrase "energy harvesting", but I don't know for sure. It may be called "charge controller", "step up converter", "regulator", I really don't know that either.
Basically I need a device that I can use to take power from just about anything and make it predictable and useful, in an efficient manner. Having as wide a possible voltage range is important, as is efficiency such as the MPPT type technology used with solar panels.
What would a device like this be called ?
The purpose is to be able to use it as a charging source out in the wilderness whether that power comes from a spinning motor attached to a makeshift hydroelectric generator, or a small folding solar panel, or any other power source I can lay my hands on.
I know some electronics, can solder, have built a few micro controller circuits in my day, but I'm not an engineer and wouldn't know very much theory.
Basically I need a device that I can use to take power from just about anything and make it predictable and useful, in an efficient manner. Having as wide a possible voltage range is important, as is efficiency such as the MPPT type technology used with solar panels.
What would a device like this be called ?
The purpose is to be able to use it as a charging source out in the wilderness whether that power comes from a spinning motor attached to a makeshift hydroelectric generator, or a small folding solar panel, or any other power source I can lay my hands on.
I know some electronics, can solder, have built a few micro controller circuits in my day, but I'm not an engineer and wouldn't know very much theory.