Goal: Design, build, test solar battery charger\
Constraints:
- Must charge 3 AA batteries from class
- Must use solar panels from class (JSS project)
- Solution must be weatherproof (unit will be placed outside in courtyard for 3 days/2 nights)
- Solution must be ‘semi-permanent’ (soldering of circuit)
- All work must be done in class, but knowledge can come from web research, parents, relatives, experts, etc.
- Must have both a ‘sketch’ of the circuit and a ‘picture’ of the circuit
- All solutions must include a ‘switch’ to turn off electricity
Conclusion of project
- Batteries will be taken out of charger and connected to a 3V motor (from JSS) that has a propeller attached. All groups will start their ‘fan’ at the same time. The last ‘fan’ turning gets the ‘A’.
Presentation
- Groups must complete a Google Slide presentation that includes the following:
- A journal of progress
- Technical information about the ‘solution’ and parts that make up the solution
- battery, wires, containers, solar panels, diodes, and anything else related the group finds important
- Data on panel angles and azimuths and power output at times of your choosing
- Pictures
- Results / conclusions
Relevant Questions to Ponder
- Solar Panels
- What’s the voltage, wattage, and amperage rating of each solar panel?
- What if you hook up the panels in series? Parallel?
- What will hold the panels up at the correct angle? What IS the correct angle? Does it change during the day?
- Diodes
- What is a diode and how does it work and what’s its purpose in this circuit? Where should it be placed in the circuit?
- What exact diode should be used (part number?) and what’s that based on?
- Circuitry
- Series or parallel?
- Need to ‘prove’ circuit using a breadboard?
- How to use prototype board / soldering iron to test your circuit
- Waterproof housing
- What will you use to keep water from shorting out the circuit should it rain or snow while it’s out in the courtyard soaking up the sun?
