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==Abstract==
==Abstract==
''The objective of this design project is to provide Six Rivers Charter School with a photovoltaic system capable of charging electronic devices while also serving as an educational device. The photovoltaic station will be used by students to charge their phones and provide education on solar power, energy efficiency and consumption. It will also be the focal point of a space for students to come together as a community.
''The objective of this design project is to provide Six Rivers Charter School with a photovoltaic system capable of charging electronic devices while also serving as an educational device. The photovoltaic station will be used by students to charge their phones and provide education on solar power, energy efficiency and consumption. It will also be the focal point of a space for students to come together as a community.
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[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Solar]]
[[Category:Photovoltaics]]
[[Category:Six Rivers Charter School]]
[[Category:Six Rivers Charter School]]

Revision as of 13:27, 18 December 2018

Abstract

The objective of this design project is to provide Six Rivers Charter School with a photovoltaic system capable of charging electronic devices while also serving as an educational device. The photovoltaic station will be used by students to charge their phones and provide education on solar power, energy efficiency and consumption. It will also be the focal point of a space for students to come together as a community.


Background

Towards the beginning of the Fall 2018 semester, our team was tasked by Six Rivers Charter High School to create an educational photovoltaic system for their campus. Six Rivers Charter School is in Arcata, CA at 1720 M St. They are a small charter high school, who’s mission statement is: “Through communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, Six Rivers is a community that strengthens dependent learners into independent and interdependent learners. In valuing the whole student, Six Rivers provides opportunities for success within and beyond school” (Perry, 2016). They share the campus with Arcata High School, with whom they work with to provide their students with the full scope of classes needed to achieve a High School diploma (AHS, 2015). Ron Perry, the principle of Six Rivers Charter School, presented the criteria for our project on Friday, September 21. His main objective for the solar installation is to create a space for his students to come together as a community during school breaks, where they can charge their electronics and learn about solar power in a safe, relaxed environment (Ron Perry, Interview, September 21, 2018).


IOCo2018Logo.png
Six Rivers' desired mounting location.


Problem statement and criteria

The problem our team was tasked to solve was to invite use to a relatively unused part of Six Rivers' campus by creating and installing an educational photovoltaic system. To best determine how to solve this problem, IO Co. came up with a list of criteria and constraints. Criteria are specific elements of the project that can be judged subjectively to find the best solution to the problem at hand. Constrains are the parameters that the criteria must follow to ensure the client’s needs are addressed. After creating these two lists, our team then assigned weighted values (1-10, 10 being the most valued) to each criterion relative to their importance in the projects final design.


Criteria Constraints Weight
Safety Doesn't shock students or damage phones 10
Durability 2 year minimum lifespan 9
Education Provides basic knowledge of PV charging 9
Aesthetics Looks nice and invites use 7.5
Maintainability Serviceable by existing maintenance crew 6
Cost $400 maximum cost 2

With this information our team was able to decide upon a final project design.

Description of final project

This section describes the decided upon design from the criteria section and its application at Six Rivers Charter School. Subjects of interest include a description of the final product, cost analyses, as well as implementation and performance results.


Solution Description

The final design our team decided upon is the 'Watts' Up Bulletin Board. The overall design can be described in four sections: 1) the solar array and its mounting system, 2) the structure of the retaining box, 3) the internal electronics and its connection to the external USBs, and 4) the educational and bulletin board display.

Mounted and completed 'Watts' Up photovoltaic system.


The Solar Array

The solar array utilized for this application is a three PV solar module system wired in parallel. Each panel is rated at 35 watts to produce a maximum combined power of 105 watts and a maximum voltage output of 18 volts. Mounting the solar array required the use of a frame constructed out of wood 2×4s and an assortment of nuts, bolts, and washers as shown below.


Retaining Box

The base of the retaining box is constructed out of 2x5's with a (bathroom wood name) backplate. Inside the base is a vinyl liner stapled to the 2x5's to keep internal electrical components out of the elements. Around the rim of the base is weather stripping to create a watertight seal when the door is closed. Connected to the base with two hinges is a red balau framed acrylic door.


Internal Electronics

The internal electronics of the Solar Bulletin Charger begins with the positive and negative leads being fed into the retaining box from the PV solar array. The reason this type of setup was chosen over one with a charge controller and battery is threefold: 1) it requires the least amount of maintenance with nothing needing to be turned on or off before or at the end of the day, 2) removing the charge controller, battery, and inverter reduces the chance and cost of future maintenance, and 3) it provides more efficiency of power by removing intermediate components while still being accessible to charge students’ phones at times of the day when they will be present.

Internals Diagram


Educational and Bulletin Display

On the faceplate beneath the LCD Meter Reader, an engraved placard will be mounted. On this placard, information regarding voltage, current, power and energy will be accompanied by visuals to help the user gain a better understanding of how their phone is being charged.


Prototyping

Solar Array Prototyping Process

The initial design was to have the 3 panel array mounted at an angle to maximize the systems efficiency. While visiting the Schatz Energy Research Center (SERC) we took an image of their ground-level solar array's mounting system to replicate on the wall at Six Rivers. However, due to weight issues, we decided on mounting the array flat against the wall.

Ground-level array from SERC.


Educational Faceplate Prototyping Process

The initial design was to use an Arduino system to measure Voltage and turn LED lights on based on this reading. These would then backlight an educational blurb related to the given voltage. However, this was nixed for financial reasons and replaced by the LCD Meter Reader. Educational Prototyping Process

Costs

Quantity Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
3 35W solar panel Donated (SERC) 0.00 0.00
45 12 gauge wire (50') Ace Hardware (Arcata) 0.69 31.05
1 1/4" heat shrink Ace Hardware (Sunnybrae) 2.99 2.99
1 3/8" heat shrink Ace Hardware (Sunnybrae) 2.99 2.99
1 3/32" heat shrink Ace Hardware (Arcata) 3.39 3.99
1 dielectric grease Ace Hardware (Sunnybrae) 4.99 4.99
2 ring terminal Ace Hardware (Arcata) 3.99 7.98
1 female disconnect Ace Hardware (Arcata) 3.99 3.99
1 waterproof wire nut 5-pack Ace Hardware (Arcata) 4.59 4.59
2 marine grade dual USB socket Amazon 19.44 38.88
1 LCD Meter Reader Amazon 18.99 18.99
1 12V DC ON/OFF switch Pierson Building Center 7.49 7.49
1 24x30x0.100" acrylic sheet Ace Hardware (Arcata) 17.99 17.99
2 lockable draw catch 2-pack Ace Hardware (Arcata) 6.99 13.98
1 hinge 2-pack Ace Hardware (Arcata) 5.99 5.99
1 2x5" scrap wood (10') Donated (team member) 0.00 0.00
1 vinyl sheet (3x3') Ace Hardware Arcata 5.99 5.99
1 outdoor furniture varnish Donated (team member) 0.00 0.00
1 wood caulking Donated (team member) 0.00 0.00
1 conduit (LENGTH) Donated (SRCHS staff) 0.00 0.00
3 2x4" pressure treated wood (8') Donated (SRCHS staff) 0.00 0.00
2 3/4x4" red balau decking (6') Almquist Lumber 12.00 24.00
Total Cost 195.28

Testing Results

After acquiring and assembling all of the internal components and connectors, we tested the systems functionality. All 3 panels had full sun exposure and were able to charge 4 phones simultaneously. The LED meter reader also successfully displayed voltage, current, power, and energy.

Internals test


How to build

File:IOCo2018MountingLocation.png
How to Build the 'Watts' Up PV System


Maintenance

In order for the 'Watts' Up Bulletin Board to stay functional for the longest amount of time, proper maintenance must be carried out. The material in this section describes what type of maintenance tasks need to be done, how often these tasks should be carried out, and how to go about completing these tasks.

Schedule

Breakdown of maintenance tasks and how often to carry them out.

Daily
  • Turn the system on/off
  • Ensure the bulletin box is locked and sealed


Monthly
  • Check solar array and bulletin box for wear and tear


Yearly
  • Clean the solar array.
  • Re-varnish the wood to prevent water damage.
  • Check the internal wire splices for corrosion.


Instructions

File:IOCo2018DrawCatches.JPG
How to Turn the System ON/OFF (Daily or whenever the system won't be used for extended periods of time)


File:IOCo2018DrawCatches.JPG
How to Ensure the Bulletin Box is Locked and Sealed


File:IOCo2018WearAndTearBox.JPG
How to Check for Wear and Tear


How to Clean the Array

Step 1: Rinse the panels with clean fresh water, avoid exposing the panels to chemicals.

Step 2: Scrub the panels with a non-abrasive cloth if needed.


How to Re-Varnish the Wood

Step 1: Select a weather resistant wood varnish of your choosing.

Step 2: Apply to seams of the box with a brush. When applying to faces of wood, be sure to tape off areas where varnish shouldn't be (acrylic panel, hinges, etc.)

Step 3: Re-apply as per your chosen varnishes instructions.


How to Check Wire Splices

Step 1: Visually check where there is shrink-wrapping and look for corrosion, fraying of wires or tubing, or frayed electrical tape.

Step 2: Should a problem with a slice exist, turn the system of and repair the splice by cutting a new section of wire out and connect the wires by solder or twisting.

Step 3: Cover the new splice in shrink-wrapping and dielectric grease on the inside to prevent water damage.


Troubleshooting

Phone Not Charging?

1.) Check that there is daylight.

2.) Make sure the charging cable being used isn't damaged.

3.) Check that the switch is in the ON position.


LCD Meter Reader Not Working?

Refer to the instruction manual in the box or contact customer service (service@bayite.com).

Product Model: PZEM-051


Suggestions for future changes

The main alteration to our final design would be to make a smaller bulletin box. The original design was meant to house a battery, charge controller, etc. After construction of the box we decided to remove the battery from the system leaving the box with a large amount of empty space. Another thing to change would to be replacing the free scrap wood with more aesthetic weatherproof decking.

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