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Pan-tilt mechanism research (view source)

Revision as of 19:26, 18 March 2021

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The individual solar panels have an aspect ratio of 1:2 (62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches).

There is a large variety of solar panel pan-tilt mechanisms. Here you can find a [general overview of various solar panel tracker ideas](https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/are-solar-axis-trackers-worth-the-additional-investment). </br>[SunWize](https://www.sunwize.com/application-item/solar-panel-mounts/) has a large number of solar panel connectors and brackets. [Solar Electric](https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/panel-mounts-trackers/pole-mounts.html) has pole mounts.

## ~~Potential Design One~~Linear actuation - potential design one

Taking inspiration from [ECO-worthy linear actuator controller](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYAIS9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PGWD9GZZN7953B59Y202?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

Same linear actuators can be found on Banggood [Linear actuators](https://usa.banggood.com/1500N-12V-4681012-inch-Linear-Actuator-Adjustable-Actuator-Tor-Opener-Linear-Actuator-Motor-p-1115476.html?cur_warehouse=CN&ID=566086&rmmds=search)

## Rotational actuation - Potential Design Two

Taking inspiration from [Simplified Solar Panel Pan-Tilt](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:53321)

- It might require sourcing someone for CNC or lathe use

- We don't know what issues we might run into scaling up such a design

## Wind drag on solar panel plate

The calculation below considers the strongest hurricane wind conditions of around 18 m/s (~40 mph) in North Carolina. We calculated a maximum force of 7835 N (1761.378 lb) on the five solar panels.

[[File:Dragforceonsolarpanels_1.jpg|border|thumb|drag force on five solar panels at varying angles approximated]]

F = 1/2 * p * v^2 * A * 2pi * sin(alpha); (p - density of air, v - wind speed, 2pi sin(a) - drag coefficient); density of 10 celsius air - 1.246 kg/m^3; <br>

solar panel dimension - 62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches - 1.58m x 0.8m x 0.0355; area = 1.264 m^2<br>

__Lift on all five panels__: F = 0.5 * 1.246 kg/m^3 * (17.8 m/s)^2 * 1.264 m^2 * 5 * 2pi * sin(a) <= __7835 N__

Lsanten

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