Want LiFePo4 charger that can...

[fireofenergy]

Efficiently convert the 16 or so volts from a 30 watt SOLAR panel into the 3.6v needed by (at least a 10Ah) lifepo4 battery. I also want a PCB that can handle the resulting 7 or so amps. I figure an AMC 1400mA driver... for the Xml('s) would complete the setup... That would be cool as I would only need one XML and one Headway or similar battery (instead of the bulky SLA and 3 or 4 XML's) !
Does anybody know how to best find out which parts are best in this setup? Or which company could tell me using their parts?
Thanks :huh:
Edit: I just realized there might not be enough voltage between the battery and the driver... for the 1400mA AMC.
Perhaps, is there a NiMH PCB capable?

 

[Norm]

Moved to Flashlight Electronics - Batteries Included - Norm

 

[Aquanaut]

My Imax B6 Ultimate hobby charger can handle up to 18V input and charge up to 10A your Li ion and other types of batteries with the proper charge profile. There are many other hobby chargers that can do this.

I can't help you with the PCB.

 

[fireofenergy]

Looks like the awesome charger!
Thanks

 

[shadowjk]

Powering a hobby charger from a solar panel, even if/when it works, is probably not what you'd consider "efficient".

 

[Aquanaut]

Powering a hobby charger from a solar panel, even if/when it works, is probably not what you'd consider "efficient".

What is the overhead of using a hobby charger? That is, what percent of the panel's power is not used for charging?

 

[fireofenergy]

I found a "Sky charger" That seems to be the same thing.
In the video here http://www.hobbypartz.com/26p-balancecharger-6200.html He says "at least 20 watts in, for efficiency". So, for solar applications, would need to charge up the bank of lead acids first. I wanted something that could efficiently convert the panel into a charge for the Lifepo4, but for larger scale, this might be the way to go, since the bank of lead acids are soooo much cheaper.
Imagine ALL the house lights powered in this way...

 

[LFP11]

How about this kind BMS:
http://www.all-battery.com/ProtectionCircuitModulefor4CellsLiFePO4BatteryPack15A_33A-32105.aspx