Design of a Solar Tracker

By:ME Team-Michael Reed, Michael HayEE Team- Joel Phelps, Carrie Scott

Sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hsu

Capstone Design, Fall 06ME 462, Prof. Dr. Jie Chen

Project Background

• Increase Solar Panel Output

• Maximize Power per unit Area

• Provide Educational

Demonstration of Renewable

Energy

Why should the solar panel face the most illuminating source of light?

Project BackgroundSolar Panel Output

Design RequirementsCustomer Requirements

Movement• Smooth Transitions• Simultaneous in 3-D

Demonstrational• Easy to Carry• Futuristic Appearance

Special Requirements• Functions by it self• Tracks Light• Self-Contained• Self-Sustaining (Power)

Engineering Requirements Movement

• Slow Rotation & minimal Jerk• 2 Degrees of motion

Demonstrational• Light Weight, Compact• Intriguing, Grasp Attention

Special Requirements• Functions Autonomously• Faces most illuminating light• Self-Contained• Can Power itself indefinitely

Design TargetsRequirement Product Target

Holding Torque (N*m) ~2

Weight (lbs) 40

Cost (dollars) 300

Power Consumption (J)†Dependent on use

>10000 †

Rotational Freedom (degrees*degrees)

180*180

Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5

Steps to Operate (#) 4

Concept Design

Pro-E Design

Design Evaluation• Areas of concern were analyzed

using ANSYS workbench

• The main concern was whether the materials used in the design would be sufficient to hand the expected loads and forces on the system

• The loads applied were gravity and a 65 mph wind normal to the solar panel

• The system weight, size and functionality was also evaluated

Design Evaluation

Final Product

Added Features

• Lockable door Safety Feature

• Battery Charger In case of long periods of

inactivity

• Clear Display Casing

• Water Resistant With addition of cocking to the

case

Does it work????

The Problem

Stepper motors were unable to provide specified torque

Overall the motors are providing 7% of their rated torque and unable to turn either shaft

•Stepper Motor Rated Torque 0.280 N*m•Experimentally Observed Torque 0.019 N*m

Product EvaluationRequirement Product Target Product Result Goal Met

Holding Torque (Nm) 2 < 2 Weight (lbs) 40 27 Cost (dollars) 300 366 Power Consumption (J)†Dependent on use

>100,000 † ~3000 †

Rotational Freedom (degrees*degrees)

180*180 180*180

Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5 7.5 Steps to Operate (#) 4 3

ConclusionCustomer Requirements

Engineering Requirements

Engineering ..Targets

Design PhaseDesign EvaluationProduct

The Mechanical Engineering portion of this project is complete and meets our customer’s

requirements

Questions????