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

This document summarizes a capstone design project to create a solar tracker. A team of mechanical and electrical engineering students designed the tracker to face the most illuminating light source in order to maximize solar panel output. The design requirements called for smooth, simultaneous two-degree movement in multiple dimensions, a light weight and compact design to be easily portable, and an autonomous system that can power itself indefinitely. The team's concept design incorporated a Pro-E CAD model. Design evaluation and testing found the stepper motors could not provide the specified torque levels. While some targets were not fully met, the overall design was determined to meet customer requirements.

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patel ketan
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155 views15 pages

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

This document summarizes a capstone design project to create a solar tracker. A team of mechanical and electrical engineering students designed the tracker to face the most illuminating light source in order to maximize solar panel output. The design requirements called for smooth, simultaneous two-degree movement in multiple dimensions, a light weight and compact design to be easily portable, and an autonomous system that can power itself indefinitely. The team's concept design incorporated a Pro-E CAD model. Design evaluation and testing found the stepper motors could not provide the specified torque levels. While some targets were not fully met, the overall design was determined to meet customer requirements.

Uploaded by

patel ketan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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


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
Project Background
Solar Panel Output
Design Requirements
Customer Requirements Engineering Requirements
 Movement  Movement
• Smooth Transitions • Slow Rotation & minimal Jerk

• Simultaneous in 3-D • 2 Degrees of motion

 Demonstrational
 Demonstrational
• Light Weight, Compact
• Easy to Carry
• Intriguing, Grasp Attention
• Futuristic Appearance
 Special Requirements
 Special Requirements
• Functions Autonomously
• Functions by it self
• Faces most illuminating light
• Tracks Light
• Self-Contained
• Self-Contained
• Can Power itself indefinitely
• Self-Sustaining (Power)
Design Targets
Requirement Product Target
Holding Torque (N*m) ~2

Weight (lbs) 40
Cost (dollars) 300
Power Consumption (J) >10000 †
†
Dependent on use
Rotational Freedom 180*180
(degrees*degrees)
Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5
Steps to Operate (#) 4
Concept Design
Pro-E Design
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
Design Evaluation
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
Does it work????
Stepper motors were unable to provide specified torque

The Problem

•Stepper Motor Rated Torque 0.280 N*m


•Experimentally Observed Torque 0.019 N*m

Overall the motors are providing 7% of their


rated torque and unable to turn either shaft
Product Evaluation
Requirement Product Target Product Result Goal Met
Holding Torque (Nm) 2 <2 
Weight (lbs) 40 27 
Cost (dollars) 300 366 
Power Consumption (J) >100,000 † ~3000 †
†
Dependent on use

Rotational Freedom 180*180 180*180 
(degrees*degrees)
Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5 7.5 
Steps to Operate (#) 4 3 
Conclusion
Customer Engineering
Requirements Requirements Engineering
..Targets

Design
Product Design Phase
Evaluation

The Mechanical Engineering portion of this


project is complete and meets our customer’s
requirements
Questions????

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