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Collegeof ENGINEERING

BRMHS Power Generation Lab KitTeam Wired Up

Construction Milestone 1

Needs Statement

A system is needed to provide a hands-on teaching method of multiple renewable energy sources to high school students to further encourage their interest in STEM related topics.

Objectives

• To demonstrate clean energy principles to high school students

• To promote STEM programs to future college students

• To engage students in hands-on learning of various energy concepts related to the EBRP High school physics curriculum

Objectives

• To implement a microcontroller to display the relevant power equations associated with the different energy sources

• To further our knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts relating to renewable energy

• To learn how to work cohesively and effectively on a team to carry out a project from concept to design

Progress – Power Supply

• The Power Supply and Charging Circuit are complete

• Bread boarded and tested• Added– On/Off switch– LEDs– Overcharging protection

Circuits Bread Boarded

• Solar charger will charge battery to 6V and then cut off due to overcharge protection

• Provide backup power for microcontroller and LED

• Power supply will supply +5VDC to microcontroller (through mini USB)

• Currently performing heat and stress tests to make sure overheating is not an issue

Progress - Power Measurement

Progress - Power Measurement

Progress - Power Measurement

Updated PCB

Meeting with Mr. Breedlove

Before• Lexan• Size: 3.25 ft x 1.5 ft x 0.75 ft• Windbelt fans• Circuit Connections: Metal

Contacts• Module Connections: L-

grooves and latches

After• Plexiglas• Size: 1.5 ft x 1 ft x 0.5 ft• Windbelt fans were omitted • Circuit Connections:

External Harness• Module Connections: Trunk

Latch

Edited Design

18”

12”

6”

Instruction Manual

• Lab experiments were completed for each model

• Proper instructions, warnings, and images will be added after completion of lab kit

Experiments

Windbelt• Adjust the tautness of the belt

and measure while measuring the current and voltage with every adjustment.

• Graph the tautness vs. current• Graph the tautness vs. voltage• Compare acquired values with

estimated values

Solar• Record the current

produced when a lamp hovers above the solar panel.

• Graph the relation between lumens and the current

• Repeat process with lamps of varying watts

• Compare acquired values with estimated values

Projected Work

• Have power and multimeter PCB completed and ordered by next milestone

• Complete programming for keypad and LCD interface

• Begin constructing mechanical energy sources• Begin constructing windbelt