Weekly Team Update
On the week of 10/31, The Full-Scale Solar Team is working on building a solid assembly for the canopy system. This assembly will provide a much more detailed design on how the solar panels will be attached to the canopy.
Here is the preliminary design concept for the canopy fixture that will support up to 9 solar panels on it. We've discussed ways to attach the solar panels to the canopy, after having another meeting with our instructors we have come up with more ways that we potentially want to use to support the solar panels. Possible methods include industrial grade adhesives, industrial velcro, even a sheet metal clamp with piranha like teeth to clamp onto the underside of the solar panels. We will be coming to a conclusion to what system to use by the end of this week.
Here is the progress for the canopy with actual joints found on mcmaster, this assembly will be done before our class on the 7th. Other considerations to take into our design is the wind loading conditions experienced here in SJ, we got feedback that if the design does not react well to the wind speeds it can be a concern for total failure. We are also still in regular talks with the guideway team for a finished assembly in order to place our design on top and see how it all comes together. They are currently experiencing some difficulty with the CAD models but we hope for further development by the end of the week. We are all coming together and working diligently to bring about a successful design by the end of the semester.
Here is the preliminary design concept for the canopy fixture that will support up to 9 solar panels on it. We've discussed ways to attach the solar panels to the canopy, after having another meeting with our instructors we have come up with more ways that we potentially want to use to support the solar panels. Possible methods include industrial grade adhesives, industrial velcro, even a sheet metal clamp with piranha like teeth to clamp onto the underside of the solar panels. We will be coming to a conclusion to what system to use by the end of this week.
Here is the progress for the canopy with actual joints found on mcmaster, this assembly will be done before our class on the 7th. Other considerations to take into our design is the wind loading conditions experienced here in SJ, we got feedback that if the design does not react well to the wind speeds it can be a concern for total failure. We are also still in regular talks with the guideway team for a finished assembly in order to place our design on top and see how it all comes together. They are currently experiencing some difficulty with the CAD models but we hope for further development by the end of the week. We are all coming together and working diligently to bring about a successful design by the end of the semester.
Full Scale Solar Team,
ReplyDeleteWhat are the dimensions of the solar panels you will be using? How big is that solar canopy design that you've created?
When designing the mounting solution for the solar canopy to be attached to the guideway, be sure to HIGHLY consider ease of assembly... The past year's solar team had to struggle each time when putting on the solar canopy as it took a precise mounting location which was hard to achieve, then getting bolts to fit into the right spot. How can you accommodate to make this easier for your team?
How heavy is your canopy? This should also be considered as you may have to resort to a forklift to raise your canopy up.
How about assembling it and mounting it while the guideway is still on the floor, then using a forklift to raise the entire guideway and your solar at the same time?
Lots of options to consider!