Silicon Powder Dispensing System

Team GE:Mike Bauman

Ben Binder-MacleodKait HattonEric Persak

Sponsor Contact: Dave CookAdvisor: Robert Hartman

Presentation Goal

• To present path taken to final design• Detail each subsystem• Validation of concept through testing• Present path forward

Background Information

• PV solar panels• Buy pre-made

silicon wafers and assemble at plant

• Want to produce their our wafers

Current Method

Current Method

Project Definition

• To enhance the silicon powder dispensing method for the use in PV solar panels:– Automate dispensing of silicon– Design a support structure

Specific Wants

Technical Performance Measures

• Level of automation• Convenience of use• Simplicity of device• Shape/Size• Stability

Benchmarking Results

assuredautomation.com/butterflyvalves/index.phpwww.accuratefeeders.com/solidsflowfeeders.html

Powder Dispensing System

Actuator

Pneumatic

Electric

On Structure

Mounting

On Tote

Manual (Button)

Structure

Mechatronics

ElectromagnetSolid Frame

Wheel Track Under Wing

Under Tote

Conveyor Belt

Control System

Time Magnetic

PersonOptical

Load/force

Subsystems

StructureStructure

Mechatronics

ElectromagnetSolid

FrameSolid

Frame

Wheel TrackWheel Track Under Wing

Under Tote

Conveyor Belt

Structure

Actuator

Pneumatic

Electric

On Structure

Mounting

On Tote

Manual (Button)

Actuator

• Bray 70-series Actuator

Control SystemControl System

TimeMagnetic

Optical

Load/forceLoad/force

Control Logic

Whole System

Actuator

Final Assembly

Wheel Alignment Validation

Positioning Validation

Valve Alignment Validation

FEA Validation

Minimum Factor of Safety

For 2 totes correctly loaded4.8

Minimum Factor of Safety

For 1 tote correctly loaded3.8

Extreme Conditions

Minimum Factor of SafetyFor 1 tote loaded at the end

2.6

Minimum Factor of SafetyFor Load place on center beam

4.5

Compared Performance MeasuresTPM Target Values Current Values Final Design Values

Level of automation 3 human interactions >7 human interactions 3 human interactions

Convenience of use < 5 steps > 5 steps 4 Steps

Complexity of device < 4 moving parts 2 4 Moving parts

Shape must fit in plant none fits area

Waste of time < 5 minutes Hours 5 minutes

Accuracy of measurement 1/2 lb none -

Force <10 ft*lb by user by user 100 ft*lb Push of a button

Stability of object <1/4" of movement no stabilization stabilizes tote w/o sway

Strength safety factor 4 n/a 3.8 (1 tote) 4.3 (2 totes)

Reliability 15 years n/a -

Power 110-480V none 120V

Complexity of control 1 switch n/a on/off switch

Adaptability can be refitted very easily redesignable

Cost Analysis

Item Cost

Materials $8,400.00

Labor $600.00

Engineering and Design $7,000

E & D Compensated -$7,000

15% Contingency $1,400.00

Total $10,400.00

Progress Completed to Date

• Wheel track complete• Alignment Testing Complete• Design Drawings Delivered to GE

Path Forward

• Complete Structure• Install Structure into Facility• Install automated control system

Questions?