design of a solar tracker
DESCRIPTION
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?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Design of a Solar Tracker
By:ME Team-Michael Reed, Michael HayEE Team- Joel Phelps, Carrie Scott
Sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hsu
Capstone Design, Fall 06ME 462, Prof. Dr. Jie Chen
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Project Background
• Increase Solar Panel Output
• Maximize Power per unit Area
• Provide Educational
Demonstration of Renewable
Energy
Why should the solar panel face the most illuminating source of light?
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Project BackgroundSolar Panel Output
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Design RequirementsCustomer 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)
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
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Design TargetsRequirement Product Target
Holding Torque (N*m) ~2
Weight (lbs) 40
Cost (dollars) 300
Power Consumption (J)†Dependent on use
>10000 †
Rotational Freedom (degrees*degrees)
180*180
Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5
Steps to Operate (#) 4
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Concept Design
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Design Evaluation• 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
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Design Evaluation
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Final Product
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
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Does it work????
The Problem
Stepper motors were unable to provide specified torque
Overall the motors are providing 7% of their rated torque and unable to turn either shaft
•Stepper Motor Rated Torque 0.280 N*m•Experimentally Observed Torque 0.019 N*m
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Product EvaluationRequirement Product Target Product Result Goal Met
Holding Torque (Nm) 2 < 2 Weight (lbs) 40 27 Cost (dollars) 300 366 Power Consumption (J)†Dependent on use
>100,000 † ~3000 †
Rotational Freedom (degrees*degrees)
180*180 180*180
Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5 7.5 Steps to Operate (#) 4 3
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ConclusionCustomer Requirements
Engineering Requirements
Engineering ..Targets
Design PhaseDesign EvaluationProduct
The Mechanical Engineering portion of this project is complete and meets our customer’s
requirements
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Questions????