Download - P14421:Smart PV Panel
P14421:Smart PV PanelTeam Leader: Bobby Jones
Sean KitkoAlicia Oswald
Danielle HoweChris Torbitt
AGENDABackground
Problem StatementCustomer NeedsEngineering Requirements
System AnalysisConcept & Architecture DevelopmentEngineering AnalysisRisk AssessmentTest Plan
BACKGROUND
Advance Power Systems◦Jasper Ball◦Atlanta, GA
Snow reduces power output of PV panelsDevelop method to prevent snow from
accumulating in the first place◦Apply current to conductive, heating ink◦Keep temperature of panel surface above
freezing◦Sense presence of snow
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Current State◦Current snow removal techniques make use of
manual labor or mechanical systems that can freeze up when needed.
Desired State◦A robust, automated snow removal system that can
be used for large and small scale PV applications.Goals
◦Prevents snow accumulation◦Easily incorporated into current manufacturing
process◦Used on single panels◦Energy efficient
PROBLEM STATEMENT
RE-FOCUSED SCOPEPrimarily Focused on:
◦Heating Element Layout◦Power Electronics◦Control Electronics◦Sensing Method and Evaluation
Secondary Focus:◦Sensor Integration◦Manufacturing Integration
Working prototype with ink, control and heating systems
Possible sensing methodsTest proof of capabilitiesUser and assembly manualDesign drawingsBOMEdge documentationMSD posterTechnical paper
PROJECT DELIVERABLES
Needs List
Engineering Requirements
Engineering vs. Customer Req.
BENCHMARKING ThermaPAVER
◦ Heat transfer solution◦ Uses pump to push heated water through
tubing in pavement◦ PV collector to power pump
Warmzone◦ Electric Radiant Heating
Radiant heating cables installed under pavement
◦ Hydronic System Combination of hot water and antifreeze
circulates through tubing in pavement Both use an aerial snow sensor that
detects temperature and precipitation
SYSTEM ANALYSIS
FUNCTIONAL DECOMPOSITION
CONCEPT & ARCHITECTURE DEVELOPMENT
ALTERNATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Possible Concepts
Options Sensor(s) Initiate Heating Supply PowerA Sonic, Thermometer Control System Powered by panel outputB Capacitance Sensor Signal BatteryC Optical, Themocouples Switch GridD Heat Vision Clapper HamstersE Humidity Sensor, Thermometer, Optical Cellphone App Geothermal batteryF Laser, Moisture On/Off Switch Wind turbineG Conductivity, Thermocouples Control Signal BatteryH Temperature, Optical, Moisture Control Signal Battery, Charged by panel
Manual Removal
ARCHITECTURE
Control System
Snow Sensor 2
Power Electronics
Snow Sensor 3
Snow Sensor 1
PV Panel 1
PV Panel 2
PV Panel 3
PV Panel 4
PV Panel 5
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
RISK ASSESSMENT
RISK ASSESSMENT CON’T
TEST PLAN OUTLINETest Ink
◦Verify heat dispersion, and ink durabilityTest Control System
◦Verify appropriate output signal and system responseTest Battery
◦Verify battery life/performance and response to coldTest Power/Charging Electronics
◦Verify power output and charging capabilitiesTest Sensors
◦Test different sensing optionsSystem Integration Test
◦Verify all subsystems operate together
SCHEDULE
Questions?
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