User:4JasonSingh/Solar Energy Harvesting

=Introduction=

Energy is available in different forms such as thermal energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, chemical energy and nuclear energy. Energy can be converted from one form to another form. There is a steady increase in global energy demand due to increase in population in developing countries. In several developed countries, energy infrastructure is mainly based on depleting fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Risks like nuclear reactor meltdown accidents (Fukushima reactor, Three Mile Island reactor and Chernobyl reactor) and greenhouse gas emission from fossil fuels, are forcing several countries to develop infrastructure for renewal energy sources. Solar energy is an important renewable energy source. Semiconductor photo-voltaic (PV) technology is used in converting energy in sunlight into useful electrical power.

=Problem Description=

In this project you will design, build and test a simple photo-voltaic system to convert energy from sunlight into electrical power that can be used to charge a battery.

=Conceive=

You may use 3 inch x 6 inch photo-voltaic modules (untabbed - ML Solar Company) that are in CL-158 lab. There are some servo-motors available in the CL-158 room and you may use a servo-motor with a controller to rotate a PV module that may track sunlight from morning to evening.

=Design=

As a starting point for your project, obtain datasheets for the untabbed solar cell module and servomotors we have in CL-158 room. You may perform research over the internet and develop a PV system to convert solar energy into electric power.

=Implement=
 * 1) /Develop a block diagram for a system that uses PV module(s) to convert energy in sunlight electric power./
 * 2) /Develop a list of tasks/
 * 3) /Assign tasks among team members of project/
 * 4) /Parts list, Equipment list and Budget/
 * 5) /Prepare a schedule for hardware and software development and testing/
 * 6) /Milestones and Deliverables/
 * 7) /Develop a short proposal with an abstract for the project should cover the six items listed above/
 * 8) /Prepare a design review documents (preliminary design review - PDR presentation on Oct 14; critical design review - CDR presentation on Nov 11)/

=Operate= Complete the tasks assigned to each team member of the project as per schedule decided between team members and class instructor. Record project work details in project notebook and prepare weekly progress report of the project and submit to class instructor. Evaluate progress on project with class instructor. Work systematically on project deliverables and achieving milestones of project.

=Demo= Each team is expected to prepare a presentation and demonstration of the project to general public who will attend the project day. =Next Steps=