Week 6: Bill of Materials & Gutter Design (3/1-3/7)

Different designs of gutter and gutter cover was researched for this week. For the most days, Bill of Materials for all the necessary components for the solar team was completed with comprehensive research. Electrical components were also included in the Bill of Materials with the consideration of different arrangements of solar panels. The budget plan includes a 6m long module of solar panels supporting structure.

Week 5: Presentation 1 & Design Changes (2/22-2/28)

Presentation 1 was presented on 21st of February, Wednesday. Dr. Furman provided feedbacks on the designs on supporting and gutter structures. Possible methods to accomplish a spherical solar panels placement were advised by Dr. Furman after the presentation. Used solar panels were picked up for free at Cinnamon Solar in Campbell after several phone calls to local solar companies were made. Electrical requirements and the related components were briefly introduced along with manipulations of solar panels arrangements.

Week 4: Presentation 1 Preparation (2/15-2/21)

Electrical components were learned by the fellow project member, Dan Espinosa, who has had experience in the industry for about 20 years. Comprehension of the selecting a correct inverter, charge controller, battery, and extension cables were completed thanks to his help. Different iterations of the arrangement of solar panels were conducted so that an optimal battery could be selected and purchased in a timely manner. Extension cables to connect solar panels the team has obtained were found as well.

In terms of design, gutter and gutter cover were researched to use it as a mean to collect water. Water repellent materials would be attached along with solar panels so the water could flow down to gutter which will be placed at each longitudinal sides of the complete structure. To strengthen the supporting structure, gusset plates would be considered to be attached on each flat side of the structure upon Dr. Furman's advice.
The preparation for presentation 1 was conducted for the week. A comprehensive survey of solar team's work would be included in it.
Also, a presentation on how to create effective presentations was held in ENGR 189 on February 14, 2018, Wednesday. It was held before the senior project session in Superway design center.

Week 3: Design Change II (2/8-2/14)

This week, another design iteration which is close to an ideal shape the team was aiming for. The design was to have the standard-sized solar panels attached on top of the supporting structure. Also, less amount of materials will be used for the new design the team has developed.

Week 2: Design Change (2/1-2/7)

Our team was required to change the design which includes some new features. We are currently working in changing the support design in an elliptical shape. The team would be incorporating options to make the structure durable and environmentally friendly.

Week 1: Spring 2018 (1/25-1/31)

The faculty and advisors of Spartan Superway requested the change in design due to the overall cost reduction in building prototype. As a follow-up, the solar team made a radical design change, which helped the cost to drop a lot.

The supporting structure materials including clamps and straight steel sections were researched again to make the entire structure lighter and cost-efficient. Also, since the length of the one module of the prototype is being shortened, the required number of solar panels will be dropped as well.

I have made a list of things that will be discussed in the full-scale teams meeting with advisors of the Spartan Superway that will be held on January 31st, 2018. One of the factors that have to be confirmed is the width dimension of the entire canopy design as it remained in the midst of confusion.

Week 15: Presentation 3

On November 29, 2017, our sub-team has held a presentation on the prospective design draft for solar panels racking system and the truss structure for it. Our group was able to reduce the deflection of the beam that will be in the truss structure down to 6 cm, which is very low compared to the second presentation. Our group needs to find a galvanized steel stud with 10 inches in depth to decrease the deflection of the beam. Also, our team will find out the Bill of Materials for the C shape steel stud, self-drilling screws.