A TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED VOLTAGE REGULATOR FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CHARGING SYSTEMS

摘要

A voltage regulator for use in photovoltaic charging of storage batteries includes a temperature compensated reference voltage. The circuitry of the invention permits fixed temperature coefficient and variable temperature coefficient temperature compensated regulation. The voltage regulator comprises an operational amplifier including a linearly temperature dependent current source coupled to an input terminal of said operational amplifier and a voltage source having a selectable voltage which is connected to another input of said operational amplifier, said reference voltage circuit being operable to provide a reference voltage about equal to a maximum charging voltage for said batteries; a comparator for comparing said reference voltage with an output voltage of said photovoltaic array; and a switch responsive to said comparator to inhibit charging whenever said array output exceeds said reference voltage.