Software for arduino controller for 3.3-15v supercaps impulse welder. Output current up to 2000A (but probably about 1500A) due to connectors.
#Basic device info Primary use: impulse welder for think sheet metals Secondary use: portable power source (for example for powerful lamp or car starter) Tertiary use: solar battery buffer (increases life of lead solar battery) Forth use: low power solar energy harvester (with built in solar batter)
Max power: about 30kJ in 4 seconds Example power: 100Wt 12v lamp gives light for a few minutes
#Hardware (draft) 6 LSUC capacitors 3000f * 2.7v 6 on-capacitor overcharge protectors (2A dischargers) Arduino nano Bare 16x2 lcd display 2 encoders (one with button) PSU 15v 3a PSU 5v 1a Current Limiter module ( example https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32902533475.html LTC3780EG LTC3780 DC-DC 5-32V to 1V-30V 10A Automatic Step Up Down Regulator Charging Module Power supply module Boost) Arduino current sensor module Arduino voltage sensor module Automatic impulse sensor - usev oltage divider with 4.3 zener diode for protection
Hint: If dont have current limiter, use 1-2 powerful resistors (with optional mosfets or relays to turn then off when charge current is becoming low enough). You need to limit current because when capacitors are discharged - they will act as short circuit. Another option is to use old linear PSU (with heavy transformer, rectifier bridge and few caps) - they work way better with shortcircuits, just make sure transformer is strong enough. Also, if you plan to use stronger chargers (up to 200A), it's better to use 500W+ resistors like 0.5-1 Ohm (use Ohm law to calculate required resistance and power), it'll be cheaper then finding proper current limiter.
#Setup
run setup.bat
#Build
run build.bat
#Other
Detect COM port by arduino-cli board list
#Issues/Todos
- Fix charge voltage diff when relay is on/off
- Replace charge relay with MOS switch
- Refactor Gate and other trash code (public stuff)
- Make Gate async or at least display it's status on display)
- Add buzzer, use it for impulse and auto delay feedback (stuff when its not handy to look on display)
- Improve value changer (add change dynamic scale on display)