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Small-Scale Solar Power

Small-Scale Solar Power. Solar Power Rangers. Project Definition. Small Scale, non-photovoltaic, 20 Watts at 12 V continuous. Competition: Photovoltaic Applications: 3 rd world countries, disaster relief. Our Approach. Collection. Conversion. Storage. Design vs Prototype.

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Small-Scale Solar Power

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  1. Small-Scale Solar Power Solar Power Rangers

  2. Project Definition • Small Scale, non-photovoltaic, 20 Watts at 12V continuous. • Competition: Photovoltaic • Applications: 3rd world countries, disaster relief

  3. Our Approach Collection Conversion Storage

  4. Design vs Prototype • Design for the final product • Prototype key components of the design to assess concept feasibility • Final Result: two distinct products

  5. Final Product

  6. Parabolic Trough • Features • Why? • End-plates • Reflecting Material • Heat Transfer Mechanism

  7. Trough Mature technology Ease of construction ONE degree of freedom/tracking Set once per day according to date and global position Dish Relatively young technology More difficulty in physical realization TWO degrees of freedom/tracking Why a Trough?

  8. Features Parabolic Open-ended End-plates

  9. Alignment

  10. Reflective Film • Southwall/ReflecTech • Southwall film is enhanced with environmental inhibitors to protect the silver from oxidation and PSA for easy application • Nominal reflectance = 94% *Courtesy Southwall Technologies

  11. Evacuated Glass Solar Tube • Apricus Tubes • Dewar’s flask configuration • Al-N/Al coating • Absorptance > 92% • Non-wicking heat pipe • 30° Elevation

  12. Trough Recap • Provides heat focusing method • Utilizes developed and proprietary products • Nominal efficiency expectancy • 94% reflectance x 92% absorptance = 86.5% efficient • Results of tests in conclusion

  13. Stirling Engine: Rationale No phase change required Effective over wide range of energy inputs

  14. Stirling Engine:Virtual Model

  15. Stirling Engine: Virtual Demonstration

  16. Stirling Cycle T∞ Tb • Assuming Qin = 267 W, achieve Wout = 67 W • This means 40 W electrical • Maximize efficiency of cycle • Appropriate engine sizing • Maximize power delivered to flywheel • Proper sizing of linkages • Minimize DT across heat sink • Proper choice of fin dimensions

  17. Heat Sink Number of fins N and thickness t ExpectedDT = 13 oC

  18. Cylinder Dimensions D, L, S

  19. S = 0.833 L

  20. L = 12 in D = 5 in

  21. Links Link lengths r2, r3 • Tavg = 65.2 N-m, w = 9rpm • P= 61.4 W r2 = 6 in r3 = 8 in

  22. Stirling Engine:Feasibility • Nominal Case • h = 26% • Qin = 267 W >> Wout = 69.5 W

  23. Prototype

  24. Calorimeter • Measures thermal power output • Ideal calorimeter has zero heat loss • Insulated thermos with lid • Convection inside calorimeter • Measure T after stirring water

  25. Stirling Engine • Bought versus build yourself • Engine Issues • Tolerances • Seals • Thermal Expansion

  26. Embedded Intelligence Logic Yes Engine Rotating? No ΔT ≥ 20 °C Light LED No Yes

  27. Lessons Learned • Solar Collection Test Results • Desired Power ≥ 175 W/m2 • Average efficiency of 78% • Trough vs. Dish, revisited

  28. Lessons Learned, cont. • Engine configuration • Binding due to moments • Alternatives? Rhombic Drive Basic Crank-Slider Image from Wikipedia

  29. Conclusions • Feasible • Will be able to meet power requirements • Continuing Development • Not competitive for small scale applications • High manufacturing cost • System placement • System complexity

  30. Questions The Solar Power Rangers are: Phillip Hicks, Kevin Kastenholz, Derek Lipp, Paul Nistler, and Rachel Paietta

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