Design and implementation of a microcomputer 8051 system powered by dual batteries charged by solar cells

Single-chip microcomputer systems are becoming increasingly popular in current control and information applications. However, due to their battery energy limitations, these systems have a very restricted operation time or recharge cycle if a single rechargeable battery supplies their power. We propose a design and implementation for the software and hardware of a microcomputer 8051 system powered by a dual rechargeable battery that is charged by solar cells. From a feasibility analysis of the queueing model for the stochastic charging and discharging process of the dual battery system, due to the random characteristics of weather conditions and users' operational behaviour, we confirm that the average operation time for this model can be much longer than that of a single rechargeable battery power supply. The experimental results of our design also show approximately the same results as our model. With a two-thirds utilization ratio, we can obtain an average operation time four times as long in theoretical results, and three and half times as long in experimental results than with a single rechargeable battery power supply. In addition, the technology trend shows that the power consumption rate for a typical microcomputer system is decreasing and the power generation efficiency for typical solar cells is increasing. Hence, solar cells as the power charging sources for a microcomputer 8051 system supplied by a dual rechargeable battery can be feasible in the near future.