simple DC-AC inverter

[drakesou]

Hi all, I am doing a project and I need a simple DC-AC inverter which can convert 1.2v DC to higher AC voltage level (no matter how high is it, maybe 5v or 12v).
Can someone help ? Schematic diagram is welcome !!!
many thx !!!

 

[blueroomelectronics]

How much current?

 

[drakesou]

I am not sure. I am using a 1.2V rechargable battery to store the electricity from solar cell and want to convert it to AC in order to power AC load. Maybe 50mA !

 

[blueroomelectronics]

What's the AC load? A motor, light, radio? Why not use more batteries?

 

[drakesou]

coz this is a small project so one 1.2V battery is selected.

Just suppose the AC load is light.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Sine wave or square wave. You're not going to find much that works down at 1.2V, there is another thread with about the same info. Anything you build will be much larger than a AA battery.
Is this a school assignment?

 

[drakesou]

sine wave is ok. I just want to achieve the AC output while keep the circuit small and simple. any suggestions ?

 

[blueroomelectronics]

What's the load? It will help determine the load requirements. Does it have to be AC?

 

[drakesou]

Actually there is no specific load coz the project is solar energy system and DC-AC converter is built to provide AC in case there is any load.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Then start with a 12V solar panel. 1.2V by itself is near useless except for toys and calculators.
AC for what? What 12V device uses an AC load at 50ma?

 

[drakesou]

12V solar system could be much complex. is there still a way to build a simple DC-AC converter ? Just build it for experiment purpose not for practical.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Actually 12V is common. What model of panel voltage , watts & size are your using?

Edit:
If you can find at least 2.4V the LT3471 can do the job.

Opps it's DC out.

 

[drakesou]

2V 100mA Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Power Module Panel
■Operating Voltage: 2V
■Operating Current: 100mA
■Size: 60 x 60mm / 2.4 x 2.4in

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Buy six panels and connect them in series. Voila 12V
Again why 12VAC not DC? What needs low voltage low current AC? What frequency do you want the AC?

 

[dipmicro]

Google up Joule Thief, it generates AC and works from very low voltages. Put a 2k trimpot instead of 1k resistor and find the best working point for your inductor and load.

 

[colin55]

Here is a simple 3v to 5v. It can be 1.5v to 12v

 

[drakesou]

If I put more cells to increase the input voltage then I have to do the charge regulator which is quite complex. Any suggestions ?

 

[drakesou]

Google up Joule Thief, it generates AC and works from very low voltages. Put a 2k trimpot instead of 1k resistor and find the best working point for your inductor and load.

Thanks for ur advice but can u explain more(better with schematic diagram) coz I searched the internet and it said Joule Thief circuit is used to suck the last remnants of life from a cell and generate AC-like current.

 

[colin55]

Joule Thief is not very efficient because it does not have a capacitor on the high side of the feedback winding.

 

[drakesou]

Joule Thief is not very efficient because it does not have a capacitor on the high side of the feedback winding.

Can u give me any advice on how to build a simple DC-AC inverter ? xxx