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Pan-tilt mechanism research (view source)
Revision as of 05:11, 15 April 2021
, 05:11, 15 April 2021→Linear actuation - potential design one
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 OneLinear 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)
- Linear actuators are somewhat cheap
- All materials for this design can be bought locally, like Lowe's
- Existing template for this design exists. Maximum load with their actuator and trigonometry is 330 lbs, which is more than enough to carry five solar panels.(We don't have to calculate torque)
Cons:
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)
This design is cute and can be completed as a benchtop experiment. We would calculate the torque to rotate our mass, and then we would program servo rotation with an Arduino. We would need someone to 3-D print the gears and send them to us.
To tilt the solar panels during the day, we could mount them to a rod and rotate the rod, similar to [this mount](https://www.ecodirect.com/Tamarack-Solar-UNI-PGRM-5P1-Top-of-Pole-Mount-p/tamarack-uni-pgrm-5p1.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8fr7BRDSARIsAK0Qqr4xHvMvIqFGFAXQsrLIevLGQ5ZELeIHdAVhUrD0vjdXkz8LiQ_oPp0aAuqpEALw_wcB).
[[File:Simplified_Pan-Tilt.png|500px]]
Pros and possibly also cons:
- We can play around with gear ratios and design to have a super precise movement
- We have to find motors
- It would be a massive mechanical display
- We can use encoders, which would make programming easier in the long run.
Cons:
- 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__
## Encoding a Linear Actuator
There are a couple of ways to attach an encoder to the mount to track actuator position.
## Hinges
https://gatehardwarecenter.com/store/d-d-shut-it-bolt-on-baby-badass-hinge-ci3750.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwgZuDBhBTEiwAXNofRIb2o4CEUGVr_-UUNzYSLvvhYg-rvnCTHGrK9NKjKWzOGlotoMQ9GRoCb3gQAvD_BwE
## Rotary Encoders
### Single Turn Absolute
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Bourns/AMS22B5A1BHASL334N?qs=kt0%2FcWl7YWfoez7BV%252BGENA%3D%3D&mgh=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6qqDBhB-EiwACBs6xzts0adWZ6byjvQkTijiDdVFMMXgs5_Tj4s-2xY4Qmdl2MXhLuwLaxoC9RAQAvD_BwE
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Bourns/AMS22U5A1BHBRL334?qs=Zq5ylnUbLm5JcZY%2FrTiIlQ%3D%3D
### IP 56 or higher
SPI: https://p3america.com/ercf-1-05spi-360-z/
Voltage output: https://p3america.com/ercf-1-0505-360-z/
## Sun angle calculation
[Paper on sun angles](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283051726_A_comprehensive_solar_angles_simulation_and_calculation_using_Matlab)
[matlab function for angles](https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/mlc-downloads/downloads/submissions/5430/versions/1/previews/sun_position.m/index.html)
## Galvanic corrosion
https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/66501/ok-to-separate-steel-from-aluminum-with-bronze-galvanic-action
https://www.decc.com/coating/corrosion-protection/
https://www.decc.com/recent-articles/xylan-coatings-high-performance-fluoropolymers-for-function-in-extreme-conditions/
https://www.indconsupply.com/steel-it-polyurethane-aerosol-black-14oz-1012b.php?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpdqDBhCSARIsAEUJ0hMrgv_CpTaCRKWdalQlww-dn9rOYg4s44rqlBg6lgPckqAKDthed5waAvymEALw_wcB
