(→‎Discussion and next steps: added categories)
(removed "materials needed to build" section (nothing was under it))
Line 53: Line 53:
Alongside the outlet, there is a mural, an educational display, and a display solar panel. The mural is an artistic depiction of solar power painted onto the wall of the copy room. The educational display is a brief description of the design and a simple explanation of solar power systems. The display solar panel is identical to the panel on the roof, and functions as a back-up panel as well as an educating device.  
Alongside the outlet, there is a mural, an educational display, and a display solar panel. The mural is an artistic depiction of solar power painted onto the wall of the copy room. The educational display is a brief description of the design and a simple explanation of solar power systems. The display solar panel is identical to the panel on the roof, and functions as a back-up panel as well as an educating device.  
<br />
<br />
 
[[File:LasCalabazas_ChargingStation.jpg|thumb|center|Figure 2:Solar Charging Station|450px]]
 
[[File:LasCalabazas_ChargingStation.jpg|thumb|center|Figure 2:Solar Charging Station|500px]]


== Costs ==
== Costs ==
 
<center>
===Design cost===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Quantity !! Material !! Source !! Retail Price ($) !! Price Paid ($)
! Quantity !! Material !! Source !! Retail Price ($) !! Price Paid ($)
Line 148: Line 145:
|align="right"| '''$269.92'''  
|align="right"| '''$269.92'''  
|}
|}
</center>


===Project Hours===
[[Image:DesignCostHours.PNG|thumb|450px|Figure 3:Total hours-235 |center]]
[[Image:DesignCostHours.PNG|thumb|Figure 3:Total hours-235 |right]]


==Testing Results==
==Testing Results==
Once the installation of the solar PV system at Redwood Coast Montessori was complete, the team was successfully able to verify the working condition of the system. After turning on both the breakers, the final test was to turn on the loads, which successfully worked with both charging ports occupied.
Once the installation of the solar PV system at Redwood Coast Montessori was complete, the team was successfully able to verify the working condition of the system. After turning on both the breakers, the final test was to turn on the loads, which successfully worked with both charging ports occupied.
==Materials needed to build==


==How to build==
==How to build==
{{How to
{{How to
  |title= How to Connect the System
  |title= How to Connect the System

Revision as of 02:26, 24 December 2014

Fig 1: Las Calabasas de la Revolucion Solar Charging Station poster

Abstract

The Solar Charging Station is a solar powered system that charges cell phones and other low volt small electronics able to plug into a USB port.The purpose for the charging station is to educate the students and staff of Redwood Coast Montessori of solar power.It was designed in the Humboldt State University Engineering 215 Fall 2014 by the team Las Calabasas De La Revolucion.The team is comprised of Jillian Freiheit, Julia Gomez, Javier Hinojosa, and David Rivera.

Background

The client for our project is Redwood Coast Montessori (RCM). It is a public charter school located next to the Manilla Sand Dunes in Arcata, CA. Founded in 2005, the program started out with one classroom on a traditional public school campus in Eureka, CA. In June 2012, the Arcata School District approved Redwood Coast Montessori’s charter application to become a K-8 independent public charter school beginning on July 1, 2013. The Montessori style of teaching acknowledges that children in early childhood need to develop their cognitive abilities through experiences with their senses and different materials. As they grow, Montessori students at an elementary age apply what they have learned to real world experiences.

Problem Statement

Redwood Coast Montessori has two 100 watt solar panels but has no use for them.

Objective

The objective for the project is to implement a functional solar powered system that educates the students and staff of Redwood Coast Montessori, as well as the public, of solar power, solar panels, and the importance of solar as a renewable energy.

Criteria

Together with the client our team came up with a set of criteria to decide on our final design. The criteria for the project are weighted on a scale of 1-10. Ten being the most important and 1 being the least important.Safety is defines as will not cause serious harm to students and staff;how likely it is to cause electrical burns or damage to persons or structures. Maintainability is defined as the ability to be maintained by school staff; he extent to which the project requires attention from staff. Educational value is defined as the extent to which the project is thought-provoking; how well it educates the students, staff, and the general public of solar power. Aesthetics is defined as how aesthetically pleasing the design is and how well it blends with natural environment. Cost is defined as the total amount of money used to build and maintain the design. Light pollution is defined as the extent to which it pollutes the night sky with light radiating from light sources. Theft is defined as it must be safe. Usefulness is defined as the frequency it is used by the children, staff and public.

Criteria Weight (1-10)
Safety 10
Educational Value 10
Aesthetics 8
Theft 8
Usefulness 7
Cost 6
Maintainability 5
Light Pollution 3

Description of the Final Project

The final project is a solar-powered charging system for powering small devices using a USB socket. Energy is collected by a 100 watt solar panel mounted to the roof of the school.
The energy collected by the panel is directed inside the copy room to a charge controller, which regulates the power flow, and then sent to a 12 volt, 40 amp hour battery to be stored for later use. The battery connects to a USB port mounted to a vintage school desk which was purchased from a local community member. This USB outlet is to be used by the students, staff, and community.
Alongside the outlet, there is a mural, an educational display, and a display solar panel. The mural is an artistic depiction of solar power painted onto the wall of the copy room. The educational display is a brief description of the design and a simple explanation of solar power systems. The display solar panel is identical to the panel on the roof, and functions as a back-up panel as well as an educating device.

Figure 2:Solar Charging Station

Costs

Quantity Material Source Retail Price ($) Price Paid ($)
1 Solar Charge Controller SunForce 32.87 32.87
1 USB Outlet Waytek, Inc. 11.00 11.00
1 Battery Broadway Medical 116.00 20.00
1 Wire Ace Hardware 47.20 47.20
2 Solar Panels CCAT 300.00 Donated
1 Grounding Clamp Ace Hardware 5.99 5.99
10 Grounding Wire Ace Hardware 6.90 6.90
1 Grounding Rod Ace Hardware 16.99 16.99
1 Conduit Ace Hardware 2.99 2.99
1 Desk Craigslist 35.00 35.00
4 Stainless Steel Bolts Ace Hardware 2.00 2.00
4 Stainless Steel Nuts Ace HArdware 1.60 1.60
1 Junction Box Ace Hardware 2.49 2.49
1 Multimeter Ace Hardware 32.99 32.99
1 Velcro Pierson Building Company 7.98 7.98
1 Metal Lightswitch Box Pierson Building Company 2.79 2.79
1 Plastic Lightswitch Box Pierson Building Company 0.85 0.85
2 Disconnect Switch Pierson Building Company 1.70 1.70
2 Fuse Ace Hardware 5.98 5.98
2 Fuse Holder Ace Hardware 7.98 7.98
Total Cost $665.92 $269.92
Figure 3:Total hours-235

Testing Results

Once the installation of the solar PV system at Redwood Coast Montessori was complete, the team was successfully able to verify the working condition of the system. After turning on both the breakers, the final test was to turn on the loads, which successfully worked with both charging ports occupied.

How to build

How to Connect the System

NOTE: Depending on which model charger controller you are using, the order of the wiring will vary. It is important that you follow the installation instructions stated in your charge controller manual.

How to use Solar Charging Station

To use the charging station, first flip the disconnect switch, above the charge controller, to the “on” position. Next, lift the lid of the desk and flip the second disconnect switch to the “on” position. Once the second disconnect switch is put in the “on” position, inside the charging station, the charging port will emit a blue light indicating electricity is flowing through and the charging station is ready to charge devices.

Error in widget YouTube: Unable to load template 'wiki:YouTube'

How to maintain

In order to keep the system operating and running efficiently, periodically check the system. The periodic checks involve inspecting the wires for all aspects of the system, and monitoring the solar charge controller. The panels must also be cleaned once a month, or after a storm in order to maintain panel efficiency. The batteries must also be replaced after their lifespan has ended.

Troubleshooting

Below are details of some problems that may arise in the photovoltaic system and solutions for these problems:

Problem Solution
If the system is not providing power for as long as usual it is due to the batteries becoming worn down. To solve this issue simply replace the battery and connect the wires to the battery correctly.
If charge controller is overcharging battery (verified by measured current through the controller) it may be due to the photovoltaic panel positive and Battery positive wires have been swapped. To solve this issue verify the voltage on photovoltaic panel terminal and Battery terminal are from the correct sources.
If the system does not work it may due to possible wire faulting and/or one or more of the appliances are faulty. To solve this issue thoroughly investigate wires for any visible damage and replace if needed and/or replace one or more components of the system if needed.

Discussion and next steps

The top two criteria for this project are safety and educational value. Being equipped with a grounding rod, multiple fuses, and a charge controller, this project is safe for users from children to adults. Located within the charge controller is a watt meter. From this meter, students will be taking daily measurements of the amount of energy being produced by the system. To bring even more educational value to the project, it is equipped with multiple educational plaques which: explain how solar works, briefly describe how each component contributes to the system and explain the advantages of solar as a renewable energy. Not only can this project be used by the students and staff of Redwood Coast Montessori as well as the community, it is an effective learning tool that makes all of our futures a brighter one.

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.