Solar Modules Modified with Energized Glass: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:27, 13 July 2018

Introduction

Fig 1: Control and Energized Glass solar modules at the Keweenaw Research Center

The goal of this project was to test the feasibility of placing heated glass on a solar module to remove snow. This project was preformed by the the Alternative Energy Enterprise Solar Team in the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018. The team worked with the Keweenaw Research Center in Calumet, Michigan where twelve Yingli 240 solar modules were mounted. Six of the modules were the control group and were left unmodified. The other six modules were retrofitted with Energized Glass (EG), heated glass.

Results

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Fig 2: Temperature testing locations for the Energized Glass to verify consistent temperature

Two experiments were preformed for this project. The first was to ensure that the Energized Glass was properly working. A temperature sensor was placed in nine locations on the solar modules to verify a consistent temperature across the surface. Although both data sets showed variance between panel zones, it was only by about a degree or so. This narrow variance in temperature was found to be sufficient for the scope of this project. From this, it was determined that the panel temperature is fairly constant throughout, and no additional temperature equipment was necessary for further experimentation.

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-=='''Introduction'''==
+=='''Results'''==
+ ‎[[File:TempSenLocation.PNG|thumb|Fig 2: Temperature testing locations for the Energized Glass to verify consistent temperature]]
-I am an undergraduate student at [https://www.mtu.edu/  Michigan Technological University] studying to be an electrical engineer with a focus in power engineering. I have an interest in working with sustainable technology.
+Two experiments were preformed for this project. The first was to ensure that the Energized Glass was properly working. A temperature sensor was placed in nine locations on the solar modules to verify a consistent temperature across the surface. Although both data sets showed variance between panel zones, it was only by about a degree or so. This narrow variance in temperature was found to be sufficient for the scope of this project. From this, it was determined that the panel temperature is fairly constant throughout, and no additional temperature equipment was necessary for further experimentation.
-I am currently a team lead for [http://aee-mtu.org/index.html  Alternative Energy Enterprise’s]  (AEE) Solar Team. We are currently working on a project with Energized Glass (EG).  EG is glass covered in a conductive film, and then the glass is placed on top of a solar module. We are looking into this as an option to melt snow off modules in colder climates. The solar team is also looking into the designing a community solar array for a local company, with a focus in looking into financial parameters.
-I am also a founding member of Electrical and Computer Engineering Club on campus. We are focused on helping students with their coursework, with the motto of “students teaching students”. We started in the fall of 2017 and now have over 50 members. m]