Solar Powered LaptopSatellite Link for Rural African Use Team 3: Marquise Abbey, Matt Jastrezbski, I

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Solar Powered Laptop/Satellite Linkfor Rural
African UseTeam 3 Marquise Abbey, Matt
Jastrezbski, Ian McLaurin, Almir Mujkic, Nick
TramSponsor Lenovo Facilitator Dr. Dean Aslam
Testing
Design Requirements
Abstract

• Objectives
• Provide power for a laptop and VSAT
  communications system
• Create a low-maintenance, self-sustaining system
• Ensure system is durable and reliable
• Enclose system to protect circuitry as well as
  end users from potential electrical hazards
• Constraints
• Low-cost
• Simple, easy-to-use interface
• Efficient and low-power internal circuitry
• Thermally sound

The purpose of our project is to design and
develop a low-cost system to provide power to a
laptop and a satellite communications system in
areas of the world that lack the existing
infrastructure to support such devices. This
technology will be used to aid in the social and
economic development of these areas by providing
access to social, educational, economic, and
medical information.
Switch-mode Boost Circuit on Breadboard
Introduction
Switch-mode boost converter tested with power
supply at various input voltages Solar panel
tested under different lighting conditions to
determine adequate power output Charging
circuit tested to ensure proper charging of
battery
Problem Existing solar power systems are
economically unfeasible for deployment in
undeveloped areas of the world. Solution Design
and build a low-cost solar power delivery system
that rivals current solar power solutions.
Results
Technical Approach
System Enclosure with Front Lid Closed
Technical Approach
Switch-mode Boost Converter on PCB
We were able to successfully power a laptop and
provide output power for a VSAT communications
system. With this prototype, we hope to narrow
the technological gap in developing countries by
providing the means to access global information.
The Kyocera 85W solar panel is connected to our
SCC3 solar charge controller to regulate the
charging of our 12V solar batteries. A Bogart
Engineering battery monitor measures the voltage,
current, and battery life remaining in the
batteries. Switches are used to electrically
disconnect the battery from the circuits to
minimize power loss when not in use. Switch-mode
boost converters are utilized to convert the
battery voltage to the necessary 20V needed by
the laptops and the 24V needed by the VSAT
communications system.
System Wiring Diagram
Budget Analysis
Switch-mode Boost Circuit Schematic
Matt Jastrzebski Presentation Prep
Dr. Dean Aslam Facilitator
Almir Mujkic Team Manager
Marquise Abbey Webmaster
Ian McLaurin Document Prep
Nick Tram Lab Coordinator