I have a device that used an internal, rechargeable 12v battery pack. Since the device is no longer needed, I was thinking of taking out the battery pack and using that to power other devices. And recharging it with a solar panel.Since the battery pack isn't a single 12v battery, but made up of ten 1.2v batteries connected in series, I am not sure if I would need to connect 12v solar panel to it through a charge controller. I have a 12v charge controller, but since each battery in the pack is 1.2v, would the regulator automatically adjust so the individual batteries arent overcharged or may explode?I also have 2 side questions for you.(a) To make my own battery pack, what would I use to melt the PVC shrinkwrap so it would fit snuggly around the batteries?(b) And if I wanted to solder the tips of each battery, would using a solder iron cause the battery I'm soldering the wire to to explode?
You would need some type of charge controller since it is very unlikely that you can find a solar panel that has the exactly correct voltage output. In addition, NiCad and NiMH batteries should not be over charged. You're not going to find an off-the-shelf charge controller that will balance individual 1.2 volt cells. Most consumer grade devices that run on small rechargeable batteries don't provide that feature anyway. For question (a), a heat gun is used. They look like traditional hair blow dryers, but are much hotter, with the temperature controlled by a dial. For question (b), no, a standard soldering iron isn't going to cause a battery to explode. However, the metal for the batteries usually cannot be soldered. When battery packs are made the tabs and other connectors are attached using an electric spot welder. If you can get tabbed batteries, that would be the way to go.
