Project Abstract

Abstract
The construction of a solar phone battery charger is a promising project that aims to utilize renewable energy sources to address the growing need for sustainable power solutions in the mobile technology sector. This research project focuses on designing and building a portable charger that can harness solar energy to efficiently charge mobile phone batteries. The charger will be equipped with photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy, which will be stored in rechargeable batteries for later use. The key components of the solar phone battery charger include the solar panels, charge controller, rechargeable batteries, and the interface for connecting mobile phones. The solar panels are responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity, which is then regulated by the charge controller to ensure safe and efficient charging of the batteries. The rechargeable batteries store the generated energy and provide a reliable power source for charging mobile phones even when sunlight is not available. The construction process involves selecting high-quality materials for durability and efficiency, as well as designing a compact and user-friendly charger that is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. The design also incorporates safety features to protect the charger and the connected devices from overcharging, short circuits, and other electrical hazards. Additionally, the charger will be designed to be lightweight and portable, making it ideal for use during travel, camping, or in areas with limited access to electricity. The solar phone battery charger project aligns with the global efforts to promote renewable energy technologies and reduce carbon emissions associated with traditional power sources. By harnessing solar energy to charge mobile phones, this project contributes to environmental sustainability and energy independence. Furthermore, the charger offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for individuals who rely on mobile phones for communication and work, especially in regions with unreliable electricity grids. Overall, the construction of a solar phone battery charger presents a practical and innovative approach to meeting the power needs of mobile phone users while promoting clean energy solutions. This research project not only explores the technical aspects of designing and building a solar charger but also emphasizes the importance of integrating renewable energy sources into everyday technology for a more sustainable future.

Project Overview

Nigeria as the largest country in Africa with a population of about 148 million is facing the challenge of erratic power supply. This is because not less than 60% of the population has limited or no access to affordable electricity, hence there is need to stem the energy crisis in the nation. Due to the increasing population of Nigeria, there has been a corresponding increase in power demand without a reliable supply to meet such. The short fall in the supply of electricity in this country especially in the rural settlement where there are inadequate or no grid systems necessitates the need to explore renewable source of energy. Studies has ascertained that stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system configuration offer an economical substitute to the costly grid extensions in rural areas in the world. Small scale affordable production of solar energy can be used in the charging of phones as well as lighting in the rural areas.

 

Solar power as a renewable energy source, is gaining wide spread acceptance due to the availability of technical know-how and solar resources.     Like all other renewable energy sources, it evidently has numerous benefits over non‐renewable energy sources, such as coal, oil and nuclear energy etc. as an environmental friendly option of power generation it is non‐polluting, reliable and can produce energy anywhere that there is sunlight. Another major advantage is that solar resources are not going to run out anytime soon. When compare with other sources of res, it has some technical and environmental advantages. Solar power is generated using solar panels, which do not require any major mechanical parts, such as wind turbines. These mechanical parts can break down and cause maintenance issues and can also be quite noisy. Both of these issues are virtually non‐existent with solar panels. Also, the solar cells, that connects together to make up the solar panel; can last up to several decades without replacement. However, there is a shortcoming to solar energy production – energy can only be produce when the sunlight is available. To overcome this, usually solar panels are coupled with back up rechargeable batteries, which can store excess power generated during the period of availability and utilize this in providing energy to systems when there is no sunlight. In this way solar power can be used in residential areas especially for charging of phones and provision of light during the night.

In these systems there is need for voltage regulation of the supply voltage form the solar panel as well as a charging circuit for the rechargeable battery. This   is because the solar panel usually produces an output direct current (dc) voltage which is usually more than that needed to charge the phone as well as charge the rechargeable battery. Therefore there is need for voltage regulation.

For the purpose of this project, the load (phone) to be connected only requires dc input, so dc‐ac conversion is not needed. Instead, dc‐dc conversion would be used to provide the correct power to the system from the power generated by the solar panel.