Project Overview
As Yale is putting more of an emphasis on being a leader when it comes to green energy, we're taking steps which enhance everyday life by introducing technologies which teach students about the importance of renewables. One of those technologies is manifesting itself as a Solar-Powered Charging Station: an outdoor umbrella with solar panels which provides power to outlets for students to work outdoors while having access to outdoor charging.
Your Role and Contributions
- I had the final say in what the electrical design would look like, i.e. decided what solar panels, battery, inverter, safety features, and connectors would be used to optimize for New Havem weather.
- I tested every part independently and as a system to ensure viable functionality which meets our requirements for power generation
- I presented to officials of Yale Facilities and Yale Office of Sustainability to prove my design rationale behind the electrical system and how the architecture would contribute to the overall goal of the project and Yale University as a whole.
Skills and Tools
- Requirements Analysis
- Solar Power Analysis
- DC-AC Conversion
- Block Diagrams
- Presentation
Goals and Objectives
- Tailor performance to New Haven annual sunlight patters
- Select parts which allow for charing 4 high-power (>90W) devices
- Deployable on campus without being intrusive to in-place infrastructure
- Fail safes (GFCI protection) and grounding protocols in-line with New Haven electrical requirements
Outcomes and Achievements
- Successfully made a structure to support the weight of 4 solar panels.
- Tested and verified the electrical resilience to charging devices.
- Tested and verified GFCI and grouding.
Visual Aids
Working on the frame with the team
Final build
Lessons Learned and Technical Takeaways
- I learned about electrical safety considerations in regards to public-facing electrical installations (NEC)
- I learned how to design requirements which would address over-arching goals
- I learned how to select power electronic parts which would address those requirements
Future Work
- Next steps involve communicating with the Office of Sustainability and Office of Facilities to come up with ad deployment and testing plan of our system.