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Thermal Solar Panel Protection

Thermal Solar Panel Protection. Project Team: Krista Miller Sohaib Hasan John Helme. What is the problem?. Passive solar panels collect energy in the form of heat. In warm weather, it is possible for the temperature of these panels to exceed a desirable limit. Normal Solutions.

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Thermal Solar Panel Protection

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  1. Thermal Solar Panel Protection Project Team: Krista Miller Sohaib Hasan John Helme

  2. What is the problem? Passive solar panels collect energy in the form of heat. In warm weather, it is possible for the temperature of these panels to exceed a desirable limit.

  3. Normal Solutions • One solution is to “dump” hot water and add cold water. • Another solution is to use a “large” thermal mass like a swimming pool or the earth. These options are not always viable.

  4. Problem Statement • The maximum temperature that a passive solar panel can reach must be controlled. • The temperature control system must work without using additional water. • When not active, the control system shall not interfere in the efficiency of the solar panels.

  5. Solution Constraints: The solution must: • Work on any number of panels. • Have both an automatic and manual control. • Have user adjustable temperature setting. • Have a maximum cost of $200 per panel.

  6. Summary of Solutions

  7. Solution Statement Blinds will be automatically positioned to cover a solar panel before the panel temperature reaches a critical level. Each solar panel will: • Have a complete and independent blind system. • Have adjustable temperature controls. • Be controlled by a single override control.

  8. Power Manual Override Microcontroller M Motor Controller System Diagram Position Sensors 1-3 Temp Sensor Increment Motors

  9. Solution allows for some ‘play’ with the universal joint – won’t bind as easily. Mechanical System Diagrams

  10. Mechanical Linkage • Constructed From: • Pulley or Gear • 2 machined spacers • Connector to Solar Panels (pre-fabricated) • Screws …but will it hold up to our motor forces?

  11. Stress Tests: Affect of a Motor on Assembly Parts Safety Factor: >200 for each piece Deformities: Shown on a 5000:1 scale

  12. Cover • Heavy Duty Premium White Tarp • Blocks Sunlight • Water-resistant • Rot-proof • Dust-proof.

  13. DC Motors & Motor Driver: • Motor • Denso 730557-7030 • 12V, 3.3A • 163 RPM • 100 oz in torque • Motor Provides: 100oz*in = 2.84 N*in Motor Requirements: Torque test using spring scale: Starting Torque = 2.0 N*in Continuing Torque = 1.0 N*in

  14. Electrical System Diagram Microcontroller Power Supply Signal Conditioning/CJC Signal Amplification

  15. Electronics Overview • Microcontroller • Freescale HCS08 • 10bit A2D converter • Ease of use • Inexpensive • Available Code • Position Switches • SPST Momentary Roller Switch Open Limit Switch (in back) Covered Limit Switch Mid Position Limit Switch

  16. State Diagram Microswitches Panel open Panel 1/2 open Panel closed Thermocouple Temperature Motor close Motor open Override Switch Open Close Reference Variables Standard close temperature Critical close temperature Standard open temperature These values will be set using potentiometers on the controller circuit.

  17. Budget for Major and Minor Components

  18. Schedule, Personnel Assignments, Milestones

  19. Summary • Solution: Solar panels will be automatically covered when they reach a set temperature. • Solution Constraints: • Controller and motor for each panel. • Open, close and power off override controls. • Demonstration system estimated cost of $185. • Problem: The temperature of the solar panels must not exceed a maximum temperature. • Constraints: • Must work on any number of panels. • Must have both an automatic and manual control. • Must have a maximum cost of $200 per panel.

  20. For More Information Our Website: http://www.vtc.edu/elm/projects/2006-2007/Adaptive_Maze/New%20Website/index.htm AET Solar Panel Website: www.aetsolar.com

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