PDA

View Full Version : Using a shunt to measure solar charge input. Possible?



spudboy
13th May 2016, 02:24 PM
Hi - I have just installed a shunt with a gauge to show me how much charge is being delivered to my batteries from the solar panels/MPPT.

I've connected it all up, and the Volts reads OK (12.8v), but the Amps is always zero.

So, I am thinking the gauge cannot represent negative values, because I am using in in the reverse way it would normally work.

i.e. I am trying to measure how much current is going into the batteries, and normally you'd use it to see how much is going out of the batteries.

Wiring diagram is below.

Should I reverse the two main connectors on the shunt (the fat red and black wires between the shunt and the gauge), to see the current going the other way? Or will that bugger things up?

Cheers
David

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/general-chat/109132d1463116850-using-shunt-measure-solar-charge-input-possible-shuntdiagram.jpg

Eevo
13th May 2016, 02:37 PM
i think you can.
i think its how the guys at work did theirs but they used more than 1 shunt. one for each phase?

spudboy
13th May 2016, 02:38 PM
OK - I'll give it a go.

What's the worst that can happen.....

spudboy
13th May 2016, 03:01 PM
No smoke came out! And now I have Amps reading :D

And it's Friday the 13th and all!

Judo
13th May 2016, 03:07 PM
Happy Friday!! :twobeers:

spudboy
14th May 2016, 09:25 AM
It lasted all through Friday, and it's still working today :D

Now I've got to monitor how much juice is going into the batteries in the midday winter sun.