Intelligent Power Management is one of three Carmanah MicroSource™ integration technologies. Using specialized electronics and temperature-compensated charging software, this technology optimizes the battery charge levels over the course of each day using the available solar power. MicroSource™ Power Management is extremely effective at maximizing product performance capabilities and reliability while extending the battery operating life.
The MicroSource™ Power Management system uses a two stage charging process:
- In the initial stage of charging, the system creates a direct connection between the solar panel(s) and the batteries. This enables the system to attempt a maximum charge as early as possible during the day.
- As soon as the batteries reach optimal levels (the float charging level), the system switches to a constant voltage charge mode. This mode ensures the batteries remain at their peak state until LED illumination is activated.
The Power Management system also features a low battery cutoff, which prevents deep cycling and battery damage in the event that the product operates for an extended period of time without receiving any daily solar charging. However, it is very unlikely that the low battery cutoff will ever be triggered. First, Carmanah's battery systems typically maintain between 10 and 14 days operating capacity. Second, with Carmanah's Automatic Light Control (ALC) technology will be managing the product's light output levels in an effort to maintain optimal power storage levels with respect to installation location and any prevailing climatic conditions.
