1. Design of a Solar Tracker
Capstone Design, Fall 06
ME 462, Prof. Dr. Jie Chen
By:
ME Team-Michael Reed, Michael Hay
EE Team- Joel Phelps, Carrie Scott
Sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hsu

2. Project Background Why should the solar panel face
the most illuminating source of light?
Increase Solar Panel Output
Maximize Power per unit Area
Provide Educational Demonstration of Renewable Energy

3. Project Background
Solar Panel Output

4. Design Requirements Customer Requirements Engineering 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

5. Design Targets Requirement 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

6. Concept Design

7. Pro-E Design

9. 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

10. Design Evaluation

11. Final Product Added Features Lockable door Battery Charger
Safety Feature
Battery Charger
In case of long periods of inactivity
Clear Display Casing
Water Resistant
With addition of cocking to the case

12. Does it work????
Stepper motors were unable to provide specified torque
The Problem
Stepper Motor Rated Torque N*m
Experimentally Observed Torque N*m
Overall the motors are providing 7% of their rated torque and unable to turn either shaft

13. Product Evaluation   Requirement 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
Rotational Speed (rpm) ~5
7.5
Steps to Operate (#) 4 3

14. Engineering Requirements
Conclusion
Engineering Requirements
Customer Requirements
Engineering ..Targets
Design Evaluation
Product
Design Phase
The Mechanical Engineering portion of this project is complete and meets our customer’s requirements

15. Questions????