Background
Many schools, health centers, and other medical or humanitarian operations need better lighting, batteries, and device chargers that are portable and reliable. Since 2011, the nonprofit We Care Solar has worked with NGOs and development organizations around the world to help install Solar Suitcases in places where they are most needed.
The Solar Suitcase is a portable power unit with multiple functions. Standard kits are equipped with either two plastic-backed 20-watt solar panels or one 50-200 watt aluminum glass solar panel. They come with a 12 volt LFP battery, two LED lights, two rechargeable headlamps, USB slots, a AA/AAA battery charger and roof/wall mounting kits.
We will be constructing a solar suitcase using materials provided by the HSU Engineering department and the Schatz Energy Research Lab.
Problem statement
The objective for this project is for our team to construct a portable photovoltaic system or 'Solar Suitcase' and run the lab during class where we will teach about Photovoltaics and how to construct our portable Pv-cell suitcase. We also seek to revamp the design to potentially find ways to make it more intuitive or helpful to the users.
Project Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used to assess the success of this project. These criteria were chosen by the group working to instruct the rest of the class about the Solar Suitcase. The scale (1-10) represents the importance level of meeting the constraint of each listed criteria.
| Criteria | Constraints | Weight (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Students must be able to assemble and test the Solar Suitcase during the allotted lab time. | |
| Concepts | Students must achieve an understanding of the function of each component and how each component fits into the entire system. | |
| Purpose | Students must be aware of the overarching purpose of the Solar Suitcase Projects | |
| Functionality | Each solar suitcase must be completed and operational |