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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)
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 bench top 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]]
- 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
