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Design of a Solar Tracker

Design of a Solar Tracker. By: ME Team-Michael Reed, Michael Hay EE Team- Joel Phelps, Carrie Scott. Capstone Design, Fall 06 ME 462, Prof. Dr. Jie Chen. Sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hsu. Project Background. Why should the solar panel face the most illuminating source of light?.

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Design of a Solar Tracker

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  1. Design of a Solar Tracker By: ME Team-Michael Reed, Michael Hay EE Team- Joel Phelps, Carrie Scott Capstone Design, Fall 06 ME 462, Prof. Dr. Jie Chen Sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hsu

  2. Project Background Why should the solar panel face the most illuminating source of light? • Increase Solar Panel Output • Maximize Power per unit Area • Provide Educational Demonstration of Renewable Energy

  3. Project Background Solar Panel Output

  4. Customer Requirements Movement Smooth Transitions Simultaneous in 3-D Demonstrational Easy to Carry Futuristic Appearance Special Requirements Functions by it self Tracks Light Self-Contained Self-Sustaining (Power) Design Requirements Engineering Requirements • Movement • Slow Rotation & minimal Jerk • 2 Degrees of motion • Demonstrational • Light Weight, Compact • Intriguing, Grasp Attention • Special Requirements • Functions Autonomously • Faces most illuminating light • Self-Contained • Can Power itself indefinitely

  5. Design Targets

  6. Concept Design

  7. Pro-E Design

  8. Areas of concern were analyzed using ANSYS workbench The main concern was whether the materials used in the design would be sufficient to hand the expected loads and forces on the system The loads applied were gravity and a 65 mph wind normal to the solar panel The system weight, size and functionality was also evaluated Design Evaluation

  9. Design Evaluation

  10. Added Features Lockable door Safety Feature Battery Charger In case of long periods of inactivity Clear Display Casing Water Resistant With addition of cocking to the case Final Product

  11. The Problem Does it work???? Stepper motors were unable to provide specified torque • Stepper Motor Rated Torque 0.280 N*m • Experimentally Observed Torque 0.019 N*m Overall the motors are providing 7% of their rated torque and unable to turn either shaft

  12. Product Evaluation

  13. Engineering Requirements Design Evaluation Conclusion Engineering ..Targets Customer Requirements Product Design Phase The Mechanical Engineering portion of this project is complete and meets our customer’s requirements

  14. Questions????

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