Olimex Support Forum

Microcontrollers => ESP32 => Topic started by: GunnarE on September 05, 2019, 12:08:01 PM

Title: ESP32-POE (ISO) LiPo Battery Charger Control
Post by: GunnarE on September 05, 2019, 12:08:01 PM
Hi Everybody,

Is there a way to control (turn on, turn off) the lipo battery charger
on the ESP32-POE and ESP32-POE-ISO boards ?

I have looked through source code and googled, without any luck.

Thanks,

Gunnar
Title: Re: ESP32-POE (ISO) LiPo Battery Charger Control
Post by: LubOlimex on September 06, 2019, 08:56:37 AM
No there is no software control or enable for this. If you don't need the battery charger at all and you need it removed, maybe unsolder and remove one of the components before it. For example, FET2.

But why would you want to do that? The only reason I can think of, is if you wish to use non-rechargeable battery instead of a Li-Po one.

Title: Re: ESP32-POE (ISO) LiPo Battery Charger Control
Post by: GunnarE on September 09, 2019, 02:06:13 PM
Hi Lub,
Thank you for your reply.

The reason to disable it is this: I intend to use the battery to power a motorized water ball valve. and let the ESP32 keep the battery charged.
The esp32 is powered over its POE.

So my idea is to turn off charging while the valve operates.
I control the valve with a relay, and i guess i can put another relay on the battery charger line.
(as you might be able to tell, i am no pro on this (actually, its only my second project)
My thinking is; When the motor is powered by the battery, i probably would want the battery disconnected from the charger circuit to not damage it.

I am open to any and all suggestions and alternatives.

Kind regards,
Gunnar
Title: Re: ESP32-POE (ISO) LiPo Battery Charger Control
Post by: LubOlimex on September 09, 2019, 02:43:42 PM
You don't need to it. The battery and the charging circuit can handle it.