Update Intermediate Solar Team 10/5/15

We were able to temporarily mount the mia sole solar panels, in time for the dignitary to see them. We instead used a bracket to hold the panels in place, as opposed to using duct tape. It was just suppose to give an idea on what the full scale model can potentially look like.

The intermediate solar team met with the other teams associated with the intermediate scale. It was to simply get everyone on the same page, as well as what each team needed. Each team is dependent on the other, some teams can not move forward until another team has completed their goal. It is evident in this situation that communication and timing is key to the success of the project.

The goal for the intermediate solar team is to fully power the intermediate scale, model using the solar panels. As for panels we have decided to use the mia sole flexible solar panel, provided to us. We are still going to continue our research on the cylindrical solar module. We might also fabricate a frame for the cylindrical modules as well as the flexible solar panels, just to cover all of the bases. Gus had a good idea on how to mount the flexible solar panel, we would make two frames an the place on in the front and one in behind to sandwich the panel. The frame would be designed in a curved orientation, to fulfill our objective of eliminating a tracking system. We will come up with some frame designs for both the cylindrical module and flexible panel. 

Update From last Class

We were given the responsibility to mount the provided solar panels, provided by the previous group. A dignitary will be arriving on Friday, and we wanted to full scale model to look presentable. The solar panels will be mounted, but only for aesthetics they will not function. We decided that since it was short notice, we will use an adhesive instead of using bolts.

Further research will need to be done on which solar panel will be the best fit. As of right now I believe that the cylindrical solar panel will be the best and I will make a case for them. I am open to other ideas or suggestions from the group, it is a team effort after all. I looked further into the benefits of using a cylindrical solar panel as opposed to a flat panel. The first benefit that would that it would eliminate a tracking system. Also, since the cylinders can be arranged in either a horizontal or vertical fashion with even spaces in between. This would be beneficial to areas where snow occurs, the snow will fall in between the cylinders. Also, the arrangement will help keep debris off the solar panels. A third benefit is that it will be able to collect sunlight from all 360 degrees. In most cases a white background is placed behind the cylinders, that way the sunlight can reflect from the behind on to the panel.

Solar Panel

After meeting with the solar team we decided to improve on the solar panel design from the previous teams design. Last year they had a tracking system, so that the panel is always in direct sunlight. One major problem we saw with the tracking system is that it will be difficult to maintain and repair. We have to keep in mind that there will miles upon miles of track. Another scope we would like to improve on is making the solar mounts more modular. Making the solar panel mounts modular would help with installation and repair.

We decided to look into cylindrical solar units. The cylindrical design helps us eliminate the tracking system. We have not had the chance to contact the manufacturer in regards to customs sizes for length and diameter. Also, we were wanted to know if efficiency will be affected  when the dimensions are altered. From the research we did it looks like the solar units will need to be arranged either horizontally or vertically side by side. This would help us make the solar units into a modular unit. Our idea would be to design a frame that can hold the solar units in the proper arrangement. The image below would gave us our basic idea of our design.

How the Solar Panel System Can Be Improved on the Spartan Superway

Last week the solar team and I decided to improve the design of the solar panel system on the Spartan Superway. The current design incorporates a tracking system, that tracks the position of the sun. The team and I realized that having a tracking system might be difficult to incorporate in the real world. We had to keep in mind the track would stretch for miles, and installing tracking systems would be too difficult. Also, we thought about the maintenance and other issues that might occur in the future.

Ron Swenson showed us a solar panel from last years solar team, that was flexible. We thought that if we are able to form a curve on the solar panel, we would not need a tracking system. All we had to do was design a mount that can support the panel as well as, easy to install. We learned that the flexible solar panel was not very efficient and further examination it looked that the flexible solar panel would be difficult to mount. The flexible solar panel had a protective layer, if the layer is breached water can destroy the solar panel.

I decided to consult Jaston Rivera, he was was a member of the solar team in the previous year. He told me to look into cylindrical solar panels. I researched a few cylindrical solar panels and the way they work is that instead of collecting sunlight in one direction, it collects light from all directions and even diffuse light. Tests show that cylindrical solar panels collect twenty percent more light, compared to a traditional flat panel. If we could find a way to incorporate cylindrical solar panels it will solve our tracking problem, as well as our efficiency problem. I still need to do more research on pricing between the two panels. The image to the right shows an example of cylindrical solar panel. I will still need to do further research to see if the diameter and length can be changed. Also, to see how efficiency is affected by the change in its dimensions.

Introduction

Hi my name is  Jaymie Zapata I am currently a senior at SJSU in the BSME program. My contribution to the Spartan Superway would be working on the solar team. The solar team is looking towards improving the process of installation as well as, improving the over all design. My experiences include working as a quality control inspector, as well as project manager for the San Mateo Foster City school district. Once I heard about the Spartan Superway I immediately jumped at the opportunity to improve the lives of others, by creating a sustainable transportation system. Through this project I hope to bring awareness that the Spartan Superway is viable alternative, and it will be beneficial to everyone.

September 2 Meeting Re-Cap

On September 2, 2015 was our first meeting as the Spatan Superway team. We were shown the different teams to join, in order to ensure the success of the project. I joined the solar team, because of my interest in renewable energy.

The solar team consisted of myself, Augustine Soucy, and David De Ocampo. We briefly met with Ron Swenson to discuss the future of the solar team's involvement of the project. We brainstormed about the certain goals we wanted to see accomplish with the solar panes as well as, established some objectives to help us achieve our goals. I took it upon myself to contact one of the old members of the solar teams Jaston Rivera to see if he had any insight on the current status of the solar panels. We discussed briefly the goals of the team, he was impressed by our plans for the project. He also offered a suggestion in using cylindrical solar panels. We decided to do further research to see if it is viable as well as, help accomplish our goals that we set out.