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Make a solar supercapacitor charger and LED jar
I made this just before an overnight camping trip to the coast in bit of a rush, and because of the time limits imposed and the hot weather and solder iron combined - the Sugru was nearly melting in my hands! Other than that it is very simple.
With this in mind, my tip is this: Try not to do it on a hot day and don't leave it to the last minute!
The supercapacitor gets charged with solar power, by connecting two parts together and placing this in the sun.
When charged, the capacitor is connected to an LED lamp and the light is produced (it does fade with time, the more farads more time it stays lit)
Kit
- 4.8V 50mA PowerFilm solar cell (you can use any make, the one with larger current would charge capacitor quicker)
- 1 Diode
- 3V Supercapacitor 20F or more
- 2.9-3V LED module
- 2 X 2.1mm X 5.5mm DC socket female and 1 male connector
- Sugru
- Fin clear film sheet
- Small glass jar with screw on lid
- Moulds (shot glass)
Step 1
Solar
Take a small piece of protective film of the metal strips at the sides, use your DC meter to determine the positive and negative side (cathode, anode). Solder the diode to + and some wire to -, then solder the other end of the diode to + on the DC socket and the negative to -. I find it easier to stick the wire through the hole then solder.
The reason for using the diode is to make sure that electricity flows in one direction. For finishing, cut solar cell shape out of clear film, cut hole for DC socket, fit the panel in and apply Sugru on sides, this step is quite tricky. The reason for using film is to give it more protection as these modules are not waterproofed and not UV balanced.
Step 2
LED Jar
Connect the LED module to a female DC socket by soldering, same as usual + to +, - to -. I used a piece of diode wire as it is nice and sturdy and only needs a short one, so its perfect.
Take the lid of a jar and make a hole in the middle, stick the socket through and screw on the nut and washer (this comes with the socket).
You can go one step further and make it more safe and pretty by making a colourful lid and sleeve of Sugru! To make a sleeve, wrap a double layer of cling film around jar, and then form Sugru around it. When set, remove it, if its not coming off gently run the knife in between the jar and set Sugru to loosen. This not only protects the jar from breaking while travelling, but also works well as a stand for a capsule shaped capacitor enclosure. For the lid, you can make a permanent one by sticking Sugru on it or a removable one, like me, using cling film. This option gives you another option, whether to use this as a lid or as part of lamp when lit. My option again is the latter, so for this you would need to make a hole for the connector by cutting it out with a knife (you can do this when set).
Step 3
Supercapacitor
For this I used a solderless connector, so if you have the same one, just trim the wires a bit, bend the top so it grips better, stick the positive wire (longer one) to + of connector and negative (arrow pointing down) to minus. I used a round piece of black foam and stuck it in between the capacitor and connector, by poking holes in foam then sticking wires through, this makes it more sturdy.
Step 4
