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{{Template:ENGR215inprogress|CHANGE THIS TO THE DATE OF FINALS WEEK}}
[[File:TeamWoodenLionsSRCS.jpg|thumb|Team Wooden Lions and the finished solar station.]]


==Abstract==
{{Project data
There should be an image near the top.
| made = yes
The purpose of this project was to troubleshoot the previously made solar robot charging station and find out why it no longer worked. After getting the station back in working order it was needed to be made waterproof as it will be subject to coastal weather conditions where it rains a lot. The station will be implemented at Zane Middle School in a teachers classroom and will recharge the classes robots and hopefully inspire the children in the classroom and spark their interest in renewable, clean energy. This page will provide the details of the project and the final results.
}}
 
{{Device data}}
 
== Abstract ==
 
The purpose of this project was to troubleshoot the previously made solar robot charging station and find out why it no longer worked. The client requested that the station be made waterproof after getting the it back in working order. The station will be re-implemented at Zane Middle School in a classroom and will recharge the classes robots. The station is designed to inspire the children at Zane Middle School and spark their interest in renewable energy. The final product is a working solar robot charging station that is resistant to water.
 
<gallery> File:Before photo of SRCS.jpg|thumb|middle|The previous solar-powered robot charging station before being fixed and upgraded by team Wooden Lions </gallery>


== Background ==
== Background ==
Team Wooden Lions was formed during Lonny Grafman's (link his page and class etc.) 2018 Spring Engr215 design class at Humboldt State University to come up with a solution to fix a previously designed solar robot charging station. As time has passed, the school now has many projects that have been implemented and are used by students and faculty. The station is used in a classroom at Zane Middle School in Eureka, California to recharge their robots, reduce their carbon footprint, and to provide an educational and inspirational impact on the middle school children. After years of use the station no longer worked after being left out in the rain so Team Wooden Lions needed to troubleshoot the station to figure out what was wrong with it first and then get it back in working order. Once the station was working again it needed to be made waterproof as it is subject to coastal weather conditions. Outside what was required the team wanted to also try and improve the station where possible.
 
Team Wooden Lions was formed during [[Lonny]]'s Spring 2018 [[Engr205 Introduction to Design]] course at [[Cal Poly Humboldt]] to come up with a solution to fix a solar robot charging station from a previous ENGR 215 class. The station was used in a classroom at [[Zane Middle School]] in Eureka, California to recharge their robots, introduce renewable energy principles, and provide an educational and inspirational impact on the middle school students. After a few years of use the station no longer worked after being left out in the rain. Team Wooden Lions were tasked to troubleshoot the station to figure out what was wrong with it and then get it back in working order. The station was made to be waterproof to ensure it does not meet the same fate as before.The team also worked to improve the station where possible outside of the client's requirements.


== Problem statement and criteria ==
== Problem statement and criteria ==
The solar-powered robot charging station no longer functioned that a previous engineering class made. The station needed to first be fixed so that it worked again and then needed to be made waterproof as it is subject to coastal weather conditions. The team's budget is $325 and needed to be completed within the timeline of the engineering class. After meeting the requirements our team persevered to improve the station as best we could. Below is a list of criteria that our team came up with that we thought would improve the station and help us meet the client's needs.
 
====Criteria====
The station needed to first be made operational again and then made waterproof as it is subject to coastal weather conditions. The team's budget is $325 and needed to be completed by May 2018. After meeting the requirements, our team worked to improve the station in new ways determined by our team. Below is a list of criteria that both meet the clients needs and the team's improvement goals.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
==== Criteria ====
!Criteria
 
!Weight
{| class="wikitable"
!Constraints
! Criteria
! Weight
! Constraints
|-
|-
|Safety  
| Safety
|10
| 10
|Must be “safety approved” by multiple teachers at the school
| Must be safety approved by multiple teachers at the school.
|-
|-
|Durability
| Durability
|9
| 9
|Must be durable enough to not break while moving it and withstand middle school kids. Must be able to also withstand the climate conditions, most importantly the rain.  
| Must be durable enough to not break while transporting and withstand middle school kids. Must be waterproof.
|-
|-
|Mobility
| Mobility
|8
| 8
|Needs to move around a classroom easy enough by a teacher or students. Must be able to move with ease by a teacher in various terrains such as dirt, grass, concrete, etc.
| Needs to be easy to maneuver around a classroom by a teacher or students, as well as various terrains such as dirt, grass, concrete, etc.
|-
|-
|Security
| Security
|7
| 7
|The robots are worth over $400 and so the school would benefit from some sort of a locking system while they are being charged
| Locking capabilities to securely store Zane Middle School's $400 robots.
|-
|-
|Capacity
| Capacity
|6
| 6
|Must charge at least 6 robot batteries, each 2200mAh
| Must charge at least 6 robot batteries, each 2200mAh.
|-
|-
|Cost
| Cost
|4
| 4
|$325 max
| Budget of $325.
|-
|-
|Versatility
| Versatility
|3
| 3
|Many attachments can be added to the station to make it more versatile. But in the end, all that must be made is at least the waterproof solar-powered robot charging station that was requested by the client.  
| The team was given the option to increase versatility past the waterproofing requirement.
|-
|-
|Aesthetics
| Aesthetics
|2
| 2
|
|
Must look at least as professional as the previous project
Must look at least as professional as the previous project.
|}
|}


== Description of final project ==
== Description of final project ==
Photos and descriptions. Use gallery.


Include a how to use and maintain section. See the how to template below.
The solar powered robot charging station consists of the basics needed to generate solar energy. Four solar panels are mounted to the top of the station, which is connected to the charge controller that regulates the charging of a power-storage battery. The charge controller is used to protect the electronics by regulating the power delivered to the devices and keeps them from overheating. The charge controller also provides the level of charge that the battery is at. The battery is a 12v, 35Ah, deep-cycle solar battery. All the electronics are routed together through the bus bar which then goes through a voltage regulator to bring the voltage from the 12v battery down to a usable 5v for the usb and robot chargers. Everything is housed in a metal tv stand that is waterproofed by epoxy in the gaps. A door and lock was installed on the front to protect all the electronics from theft and water damage.
The solar powered robot charging station consists of the basics needed to run solar. 4 Solar panels are mounted to the top that is connected to the charge controller. The charge controller is used to protect the electronics by regulating the power and keeping it from overheating and provides the level of charge that the battery is at. The charge controller is then wired to the battery and the chargers. The battery is a 12v 35Ah deep cycle solar battery and powers the chargers. All the electronics are routed together through the bus bar which then goes through voltage regulator to bring the voltage from the 12v battery down to a usable 5v for the usb and robot chargers. Everything is housed in a metal tv stand that is waterproofed by epoxy in the gaps. A door and lock was installed on the front to protect all the electronics from theft and water damage.


===Prototyping===
== Alternative Solutions ==


Use a gallery of prototyping photos and lessons learned.
Ten designs have been written up in order to come to a decision for the final design.


{| class="wikitable"
! Image
! Description
|-
| [[File:Treasure Chest design for SRCS.png|180px]]
! Treasure Chest: The body of the station is replaced with a wooden body that can withstand the weather conditions of Humboldt County. This design opens up like a treasure chest with a lock in the front for security. The solar panels are secured on top of the station to avoid being thrown off when the lid is open.
|-
| [[File:Renewables design of SRCS.jpg|180px]]
! Bang for the Buck: After replacing all devices that are no longer functioning, a power inverter to power any device a student or teacher may have.
|-
| [[File:RC Station design for SRCS.png|180px]]
! R/C Station: The station is able to be moved around from a controller to make the station easier for transportation.
|-
| [[File:Renewable design for SRCS.jpg|180px]]
! Renewables: A small wind mill and hand crank are installed to supply more power to the station.
|-
| [[File:Interactive Education Design of SRCS.jpg|180px]]
! Interactive Education: Transparent material is installed in order for the students to see and understand the circuitry of the station. A page of explanations are also provided with the station for the students.
|-
| [[File:Jack be nimble Jack be quick design of SRCS.jpg|180px]]
! Jack be Nimble Jack be Quick: The station has new wheels installed that can be taken off road and has a system to keep it locked in place. The station also has collapsible arms to hold attachments.
|-
| [[File:Secured design of SRCS.jpg|180px]]
! Secured: The station would be made out of durable materials to keep out weather and thieves. The solar panels would have a cage with a lock and all ways to access the system would have locks.
|}
== Costs ==


=== Costs ===
This is a table explaining what we spent on the station and where we got the materials used.
Use [[Help:Table_examples#Cost_Table]].


==Testing Results==
{| class="wikitable"
! Quantity
! Material
! Source
! Cost ($)
! Total ($)
|-
| 2
| Hinges
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 5.69
| align="right"| 11.38
|-
| 1
| Padlock
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 9.49
| align="right"| 9.49
|-
| 3
| Epoxy Caulk Bottles
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 8.54
| align="right"| 25.62
|-
| 2
| Cans of Spray Paint
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 3.79
| align="right"| 7.58
|-
| 1
| Caulk Gun
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 3.79
| align="right"| 3.79
|-
| 1
| Wire Stripper
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 12.34
| align="right"| 12.34
|-
| 2
| Vinyl Weather Strip (*ft packages)
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 5.12
| align="right"| 10.24
|-
| 2ft
| 12 Gauge Wire
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 0.66
| align="right"| 1.32
|-
| 2
| Lift Handles
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 4.74
| align="right"| 9.48
|-
| 1
| Spool of Soldering Wire
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 11.75
| align="right"| 11.75
|-
| 1
| Metal Cutting Saw Blade
| Harbor Freight Tools
| align="right"| 21.64
| align="right"| 21.64
|-
| 1
| Charge Controller
| Amazon
| align="right"| 19.99
| align="right"| 19.99
|-
| 1
| Trickle Charger
| Amazon
| align="right"| 16.26
| align="right"| 16.26
|-
| ~
| Screws and Hardware
| Ace Hardware
| align="right"| 16.72
| align="right"| 16.72
|-
| 1
| 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle Solar Battery
| Walmart
| align="right"| 71.90
| align="right"| 71.90
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="4" align="right" | '''Total Cost'''
| align="right"| '''$249.45'''
|}


==How to build==
== How to build ==
Use [[Template:How_to]]


[[File:Circuit Diagram.PNG|thumb|center|425px|A basic design to create a simple solar powered charging unit.]]


== Maintenance ==
== Maintenance ==


The previous station was poorly maintained and is one of the reasons why it failed so quickly so this section will include how to keep the station working for years to come.
The previous station was poorly maintained and is one of the reasons why it failed. This section will include how to keep the station working for years to come.
 
=== Schedule ===


This is when to maintain what.
=== Maintenance Schedule ===


;Weekly
;Weekly


*Charge the battery fully in sun once a week
* Charge the battery fully in sun once a week
 
* If there is not enough sun plug the battery into the provided trickle charger
*If there is not enough sun plug the battery into the provided trickle charger
* Connect trickle charger to battery first, then plug in. When both lights are green the battery is charged


-(Input the different color codes of trickle charger)
   
   


;Monthly
;Monthly


*Clean the solar panels with just water if possible and if that doesn't work then just soap and water.
* Clean the solar panels with just water if possible and if that doesn't work then just soap and water.
 
   
   


;Every 4-8 years
;Every 4-8 years


*Replace battery depending on how well maintained every 4-8 years. If the battery can no longer hold a charge it is time to replace it. Take the battery to an auto parts store to recycle and they will refund a core fee of about $10-15.
* Replace battery depending on how well maintained every 4-8 years. If the battery can no longer hold a charge it is time to replace it. Take the battery to an auto parts store to recycle and they will refund a core fee of about $10-15.
*If the paint is faded spray paint a new layer on
* If the paint is faded spray paint a new layer on


=== Instructions ===
=== Instructions ===


This is how to maintain. The step by step how to template {{Tl|How to}} is most likely best for this part.  
If LED remote battery runs out, replace with 3V disc battery.


For the picture add one of hooking up the trickle charger. Description: Hook up positive clamp (red) of trickle charger first to the positive terminal on the battery. Then hook up the negative clamp (black) to the negative terminal on battery. (Ask lonny if they can just hook up directly or if panels need to be turned off etc.)
If the charge controller needs to be unplugged, Remove consumer wires, negative and then positive. Then the solar panels in same wire order, and lastly the battery in same wire order. (Refer to circuit diagram)
(Ask lonny if we need to add how to clean the solar panels)
If LED remote battery runs out, replace with (insert battery type)
If the charge controller needs to be unplugged, Remove consumer wires, negative and then positive. Then the solar panels in same wire order, and lastly the battery in same wire order. (Add photos of the individual sections)


{{How to
{{Step
| number = 1
| text = Hook up positive clamp (red) of trickle charger first to the positive terminal on the battery.
| image = IMG 1716.jpg
| caption = Picture of Battery
}}


|title=How to Do Something
{{Step
 
| number = 2
|File:Bpack bike trailer - demo 1.jpg |Backpack frame bike trailer |1 |Do something.
| text = Hook up the negative clamp (black) to the negative terminal on battery.
 
| image = IMG 1717.jpg
|File:Aleiha dish.jpg |Aleiha's parabolic solar cooker |2 |Do something really complicated but made simple, etc.
| caption = Picture of Trickle Charger
}}


{{Step
| number = 3
| text = Plug in the trickle charger to an outlet.
}}
}}


== Troubleshooting ==
== Troubleshooting ==
This is only how to troubleshoot basic operation. For complex issues, the solution might just say contact ________. It should be a table in this format:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Problem
! Problem
! Suggestion
! Suggestion
|-
|-
 
| Items plugged in won't charge.
| Example issue
| Make sure the switch is turned to the "On" position.
 
|-
| Example solution or suggestion
| Battery won't charge.
 
| Make sure all wires are correctly connected in the system. (i.e positive to positive)
|-
|-
| Nothing is working.
| Use multimeter to check readings from charge controller. Solar input~20V, Battery input~13V, Consumer output~12V.
|}


| Does not turn on
== Discussion and next steps ==


| Make sure it is plugged in
Our team successfully fixed and made the station waterproof so it should last into the extended future with proper maintenance and care. The base of the station is extremely sturdy, being made of all rustproof and weatherproof material. Zane Middle School will need to follow the maintenance procedures, as well as replace parts when necessary. Team Wooden Lions was excited to begin the project and is excited to see it in use after working hard to restore the solar station.


|-
<gallery> File:Final PosterTWL.jpg|thumb|middle|Project Poster. </gallery>


| Another issue
== Suggestions for future changes ==


| Et cetera
An upgrade that could be done to the station that would vastly increase its versatility would be to install an AC inverter. Doing so would allow for anything that has a plug to be used with the station. If an inverter is installed, a larger battery storage may be useful if the currently installed one needs to be recharged too often.


|}
Security could be improved by replacing all the screws on the station with security screws thus making it less likely to be taken apart and having its contents stolen. A bigger chain and lock could also be installed to the station as well as thicker or stronger metal on the sides.


==Discussion and next steps==
An RC system could be incorporated into the design to make moving the station as easy as possible and powered by the battery already installed on the station.


One idea our team had that we did not get to implement would be to install more types of renewable energies on the station such as wind power, hand crank, etc. This would likely be more of an educational aspect as they would be small scale but it would further educate and interest the children in clean and renewable energies.


== Suggestions for future changes ==
== References ==


One upgrade that could be done to the station that would vastly increase its versatility would be to install an AC inverter. This would allow for anything that has a plug to be used with the station. If an inverter is installed a larger battery storage may be useful if the currently installed one needs to be recharged too often. Security could be improved by replacing all the screws on the station with security screws thus making it less likely to be taken apart and having its pieces stolen. A bigger chain and lock could also be installed to the station as well as thicker or stronger metal on the sides. One idea our team had that we did not get to implement would be to install more types of renewable energies on the station such as wind power, hand crank, etc. This would likely be more of an educational aspect as they would be small scale but it would further educate and interest the children in clean and renewable energies. An RC system could be incorporated into the design to make moving the station as easy as possible and powered by the battery already installed on the station.
* Basic Wiring by Time-Life Books, 1994. Accessed Feb. 21, 2018.
* Manipulating the Quantum State of an Electrical Circuit Vol. 296 Issue 5569 pages 886-889 by D. Vion, A. Aassime, and A. Cottet. Accessed Feb. 21, 2018
* Alternating Current (AC) vs. Direct Current (DC) by Shaw Nhymel. Accessed by Feb. 16, 2018 [https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/alternating-current-ac-vs-direct-current-dc]
* Measurement sensors for renewable energy by Soluzione Solare. Accessed Feb 16, 2018 [http://web.archive.org/web/20190310032834/https://www.solarwind-sensor.com/renewable-energy-measurement-sensors/]
* How to choose the best battery for a solar panel system by United States Department of Energy. Accessed by Feb. 16, 2018 [https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-energy-storage/what-are-the-best-batteries-for-solar-panels/]


==References==
{{Page data
See [[Help:Footnotes]] for more.
| keywords = Battery
{{Reflist}}
}}


[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Engr205 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Project testing]]
[[Category:Zane Middle School]]
[[Category:Photovoltaics]]

Latest revision as of 20:29, 22 August 2023

Team Wooden Lions and the finished solar station.
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Made yes
OKH Manifest Download
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Device data
Hardware license CERN-OHL-S
Certifications Start OSHWA certification

Abstract[edit | edit source]

The purpose of this project was to troubleshoot the previously made solar robot charging station and find out why it no longer worked. The client requested that the station be made waterproof after getting the it back in working order. The station will be re-implemented at Zane Middle School in a classroom and will recharge the classes robots. The station is designed to inspire the children at Zane Middle School and spark their interest in renewable energy. The final product is a working solar robot charging station that is resistant to water.

  • The previous solar-powered robot charging station before being fixed and upgraded by team Wooden Lions

    The previous solar-powered robot charging station before being fixed and upgraded by team Wooden Lions

Background[edit | edit source]

Team Wooden Lions was formed during Lonny's Spring 2018 Engr205 Introduction to Design course at Cal Poly Humboldt to come up with a solution to fix a solar robot charging station from a previous ENGR 215 class. The station was used in a classroom at Zane Middle School in Eureka, California to recharge their robots, introduce renewable energy principles, and provide an educational and inspirational impact on the middle school students. After a few years of use the station no longer worked after being left out in the rain. Team Wooden Lions were tasked to troubleshoot the station to figure out what was wrong with it and then get it back in working order. The station was made to be waterproof to ensure it does not meet the same fate as before.The team also worked to improve the station where possible outside of the client's requirements.

Problem statement and criteria[edit | edit source]

The station needed to first be made operational again and then made waterproof as it is subject to coastal weather conditions. The team's budget is $325 and needed to be completed by May 2018. After meeting the requirements, our team worked to improve the station in new ways determined by our team. Below is a list of criteria that both meet the clients needs and the team's improvement goals.

Criteria[edit | edit source]

Criteria Weight Constraints
Safety 10 Must be safety approved by multiple teachers at the school.
Durability 9 Must be durable enough to not break while transporting and withstand middle school kids. Must be waterproof.
Mobility 8 Needs to be easy to maneuver around a classroom by a teacher or students, as well as various terrains such as dirt, grass, concrete, etc.
Security 7 Locking capabilities to securely store Zane Middle School's $400 robots.
Capacity 6 Must charge at least 6 robot batteries, each 2200mAh.
Cost 4 Budget of $325.
Versatility 3 The team was given the option to increase versatility past the waterproofing requirement.
Aesthetics 2

Must look at least as professional as the previous project.

Description of final project[edit | edit source]

The solar powered robot charging station consists of the basics needed to generate solar energy. Four solar panels are mounted to the top of the station, which is connected to the charge controller that regulates the charging of a power-storage battery. The charge controller is used to protect the electronics by regulating the power delivered to the devices and keeps them from overheating. The charge controller also provides the level of charge that the battery is at. The battery is a 12v, 35Ah, deep-cycle solar battery. All the electronics are routed together through the bus bar which then goes through a voltage regulator to bring the voltage from the 12v battery down to a usable 5v for the usb and robot chargers. Everything is housed in a metal tv stand that is waterproofed by epoxy in the gaps. A door and lock was installed on the front to protect all the electronics from theft and water damage.

Alternative Solutions[edit | edit source]

Ten designs have been written up in order to come to a decision for the final design.

Image Description
Treasure Chest design for SRCS.png Treasure Chest: The body of the station is replaced with a wooden body that can withstand the weather conditions of Humboldt County. This design opens up like a treasure chest with a lock in the front for security. The solar panels are secured on top of the station to avoid being thrown off when the lid is open.
Renewables design of SRCS.jpg Bang for the Buck: After replacing all devices that are no longer functioning, a power inverter to power any device a student or teacher may have.
RC Station design for SRCS.png R/C Station: The station is able to be moved around from a controller to make the station easier for transportation.
Renewable design for SRCS.jpg Renewables: A small wind mill and hand crank are installed to supply more power to the station.
Interactive Education Design of SRCS.jpg Interactive Education: Transparent material is installed in order for the students to see and understand the circuitry of the station. A page of explanations are also provided with the station for the students.
Jack be nimble Jack be quick design of SRCS.jpg Jack be Nimble Jack be Quick: The station has new wheels installed that can be taken off road and has a system to keep it locked in place. The station also has collapsible arms to hold attachments.
Secured design of SRCS.jpg Secured: The station would be made out of durable materials to keep out weather and thieves. The solar panels would have a cage with a lock and all ways to access the system would have locks.

Costs[edit | edit source]

This is a table explaining what we spent on the station and where we got the materials used.

Quantity Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
2 Hinges Ace Hardware 5.69 11.38
1 Padlock Ace Hardware 9.49 9.49
3 Epoxy Caulk Bottles Ace Hardware 8.54 25.62
2 Cans of Spray Paint Ace Hardware 3.79 7.58
1 Caulk Gun Ace Hardware 3.79 3.79
1 Wire Stripper Ace Hardware 12.34 12.34
2 Vinyl Weather Strip (*ft packages) Ace Hardware 5.12 10.24
2ft 12 Gauge Wire Ace Hardware 0.66 1.32
2 Lift Handles Ace Hardware 4.74 9.48
1 Spool of Soldering Wire Ace Hardware 11.75 11.75
1 Metal Cutting Saw Blade Harbor Freight Tools 21.64 21.64
1 Charge Controller Amazon 19.99 19.99
1 Trickle Charger Amazon 16.26 16.26
~ Screws and Hardware Ace Hardware 16.72 16.72
1 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle Solar Battery Walmart 71.90 71.90
Total Cost $249.45

How to build[edit | edit source]

A basic design to create a simple solar powered charging unit.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

The previous station was poorly maintained and is one of the reasons why it failed. This section will include how to keep the station working for years to come.

Maintenance Schedule[edit | edit source]

Weekly
  • Charge the battery fully in sun once a week
  • If there is not enough sun plug the battery into the provided trickle charger
  • Connect trickle charger to battery first, then plug in. When both lights are green the battery is charged


Monthly
  • Clean the solar panels with just water if possible and if that doesn't work then just soap and water.


Every 4-8 years
  • Replace battery depending on how well maintained every 4-8 years. If the battery can no longer hold a charge it is time to replace it. Take the battery to an auto parts store to recycle and they will refund a core fee of about $10-15.
  • If the paint is faded spray paint a new layer on

Instructions[edit | edit source]

If LED remote battery runs out, replace with 3V disc battery.

If the charge controller needs to be unplugged, Remove consumer wires, negative and then positive. Then the solar panels in same wire order, and lastly the battery in same wire order. (Refer to circuit diagram)

1
Picture of Battery

Hook up positive clamp (red) of trickle charger first to the positive terminal on the battery.

2
Picture of Trickle Charger

Hook up the negative clamp (black) to the negative terminal on battery.

3

Plug in the trickle charger to an outlet.

Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]

Problem Suggestion
Items plugged in won't charge. Make sure the switch is turned to the "On" position.
Battery won't charge. Make sure all wires are correctly connected in the system. (i.e positive to positive)
Nothing is working. Use multimeter to check readings from charge controller. Solar input~20V, Battery input~13V, Consumer output~12V.

Discussion and next steps[edit | edit source]

Our team successfully fixed and made the station waterproof so it should last into the extended future with proper maintenance and care. The base of the station is extremely sturdy, being made of all rustproof and weatherproof material. Zane Middle School will need to follow the maintenance procedures, as well as replace parts when necessary. Team Wooden Lions was excited to begin the project and is excited to see it in use after working hard to restore the solar station.

  • Project Poster.

    Project Poster.

Suggestions for future changes[edit | edit source]

An upgrade that could be done to the station that would vastly increase its versatility would be to install an AC inverter. Doing so would allow for anything that has a plug to be used with the station. If an inverter is installed, a larger battery storage may be useful if the currently installed one needs to be recharged too often.

Security could be improved by replacing all the screws on the station with security screws thus making it less likely to be taken apart and having its contents stolen. A bigger chain and lock could also be installed to the station as well as thicker or stronger metal on the sides.

An RC system could be incorporated into the design to make moving the station as easy as possible and powered by the battery already installed on the station.

One idea our team had that we did not get to implement would be to install more types of renewable energies on the station such as wind power, hand crank, etc. This would likely be more of an educational aspect as they would be small scale but it would further educate and interest the children in clean and renewable energies.

References[edit | edit source]

  • Basic Wiring by Time-Life Books, 1994. Accessed Feb. 21, 2018.
  • Manipulating the Quantum State of an Electrical Circuit Vol. 296 Issue 5569 pages 886-889 by D. Vion, A. Aassime, and A. Cottet. Accessed Feb. 21, 2018
  • Alternating Current (AC) vs. Direct Current (DC) by Shaw Nhymel. Accessed by Feb. 16, 2018 [1]
  • Measurement sensors for renewable energy by Soluzione Solare. Accessed Feb 16, 2018 [2]
  • How to choose the best battery for a solar panel system by United States Department of Energy. Accessed by Feb. 16, 2018 [3]
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Keywords battery
Authors DantheNatureMan, Ejv15, Stephen Schafer
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 6 pages link here
Aliases ZaneMiddleSchool SolarRobotChargingStation, Zane Middle School Solar-Powered Robot Charging Station
Impact 715 page views
Created April 24, 2018 by DantheNatureMan
Modified August 22, 2023 by Lonny Grafman
Cite as DantheNatureMan, Ejv15, Stephen Schafer (2018–2023). "Zane Middle School solar robot station 2". Appropedia. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
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