Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | Sun Tracking Solar Panel Array for Arctic Applications |
Ashhal Shamsi Brandon Ewan Zayd Saeed |
Sowji Akshintala | design_document1.pdf final_paper1.pdf other1.pdf other2.pdf presentation1.pdf |
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| STUDENTS Ashhal Shamsi -ashhals2 (In Person) Zayd Saeed - Zsaeed2 (In Person) Brandon Ewan - bewan2 (Online) #Problem: Solar energy is quickly becoming part of the solution to the world’s energy needs but not every region has access to efficient solar energy. One such region is in the arctic. Places like Alaska do not have many residential solar panel installations. To bring solar energy to the arctic a more efficient and affordable solar panel system is required. #Solution Overview: To make a more efficient solar panel array in the arctic the solar panels need to be able to accurately track the sun’s movement across the sky throughout the year. One problem with this tracking system is that for a portion of the summer the sun does not set so the array needs to be able to calculate and track the sun’s movements. The sun’s position will be calculated using a set of equations on a controller that will use the time of day, time of year and latitude as inputs. The controller will then output the correct position to a set of motors attached to the solar panel array which will position the panel to best capture the light from the sun. The controller will be powered by the solar panels making the system self sufficient. The power consumed by the controller and the motors also needs to be minimal so the panels are as efficient as possible. For this system to see residential use the system also needs to be compact and lightweight as it will most likely be installed on rooftops. #Solution Components: Subsystem 1: Solar Panel Array The solar panel array will have solar panels mounted to a frame that will have the freedom of motion needed to position the panels in the position that the motors will need to move it to. The solar panel array will also consist of the mounting material used to mount the entire structure to the rooftop or wherever the panel array is to be installed. On the backside of the panels will be a small enclosure that will house the necessary controller components as well as the power and motor control systems. Ideally this enclosure will be waterproof to protect it from the elements. Subsystem 2: Tracking system The Tracking system will consist of a microcontroller that will calculate the sun’s position in the sky. The sun’s movement follows a set path across the sky throughout the year and this path can be accurately modeled using a few equations. These equations can calculate the sun’s position as well as the optimal tilt angle of the panel array using the time of year, time of day and the latitude of the solar panel array. After calculating the correct tilt angle and the sun’s position the controller will send an output to the motors telling them how to move to best position themselves to receive the most sunlight. The motors and the controller will be powered by the solar panel array. There will also be a small battery that will serve as a backup in case the solar panel cannot provide sufficient power to the tracking system. #Criterion for Success: The solar panel will efficiently and accurately track the sun across the sky throughout the year. The motors and control system should also ideally consume ~10% of the maximum energy output of the solar panel. The entire system should be lightweight and able to be installed on a variety of rooftops. |
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