Design of a Solar Tracker

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Design of a Solar Tracker
Capstone Design, Fall 06 ME 462, Prof. Dr. Jie
Chen

• By
• ME Team-Michael Reed, Michael Hay
• EE Team- Joel Phelps, Carrie Scott

Sponsor Dr. Andrew Hsu
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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

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Project Background
Solar Panel Output
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Design Requirements

• 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)

• 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 Targets
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Concept Design
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Pro-E 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????
Stepper motors were unable to provide specified
torque

• The Problem

• Stepper Motor Rated Torque 0.280 Nm
• Experimentally Observed Torque 0.019 Nm

Overall the motors are providing 7 of their
rated torque and unable to turn either shaft
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Product Evaluation
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Conclusion
Engineering ..Targets
Customer Requirements
Design Phase
Product
The Mechanical Engineering portion of this
project is complete and meets our customers
requirements
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Questions????