I want to build a voltage regulator that can handle 30 watts of power input and output with input voltage around 17 volts and an output voltage of 5 volts.
I have a 30watt solar panel and I want to power a bunch of 0.5 watt USB AA battery chargers with it.
I know about the 7805 voltage regulator from Radio Shack but I am not sure how efficient it is. It looks like that regulator can handle up to 5 watts. My thoughts were to build 6 7805 regulators and have the panel feed them all and then have all the regulators feed by chargers. Is this an efficient solution or will I lose a lot of energy to heat this way? Is there a better way to do this?
I would greatly appreciate any help my fellow geeks have to offer.
Thanks!
I have a 30watt solar panel and I want to power a bunch of 0.5 watt USB AA battery chargers with it.
I know about the 7805 voltage regulator from Radio Shack but I am not sure how efficient it is. It looks like that regulator can handle up to 5 watts. My thoughts were to build 6 7805 regulators and have the panel feed them all and then have all the regulators feed by chargers. Is this an efficient solution or will I lose a lot of energy to heat this way? Is there a better way to do this?
I would greatly appreciate any help my fellow geeks have to offer.
Thanks!