Download Nathan Hedrich – will be managing the aspects

SENIOR DESIGN I
SUSTAINABLE HYBRID GENERATOR
UTILIZING MAGNETIC FIELD TURBINE AND SOLAR PANELS TO CHARGE A BATTERY BANK
FALL 2016
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY
ET DEPARTMENT
PROFESSOR: DR. KRIS KOUTSOUGERAS
ADVISOR: DR. HO HOON LEE
KYLE RICHERT
MECHANICAL CONCENTRATION
NATHAN HEDRICH
ENERGY CONCENTRATION
SENIOR DESIGN I
SUSTAINABLE HYBRID GENERATOR
ABSTRACT
The aim of this project is to design and fabricate a safe, user friendly and practical generator that charges a
battery bank from both solar panels and a magnetic field turbine. The unit, as a whole, will be portable and easily
transportable to any outdoor activities where there is a need for a source of power. The methods begin with data
collection of the required energy needed by the various desired loads and working backward to select the proper
batteries, PV panels, magnetic field design, and mechanical construct.
1. Project Description
Simple Solar Array Structure –
The objective and aim of the panels will be to design two in series with two more connected in
parallel to double both voltage and amperage output. They will be attached to the four sides of the generator’s
housing and have programmed actuating arms that will position them accordingly for maximum sunlight. The
energy they produce will be converted from DC to AC using a micro inverter. To keep the battery bank from
discharging back into the panels while in use, a control charger will be installed to regulate the flow of the current
into the battery bank and onto the loads and will also prevent overcharging of the batteries.
There are many panels on the market to choose form that will conform to the design and provide
the desired total output to the battery bank. There are several cost efficient inverters and control chargers with a
range of usage needs available as well.
Once we have a battery to further test, we will know our parameters in terms of charge automation, trickle
and disconnect.
To test this theoretical circuit, we have acquired a small, 5 Watt/ 17.5 Volt solar panel, several diodes, a
LM317T regulator, comparable BC547- (2N3904) transistors, ceramic capacitors and several resistors varying in size.
We are still waiting on a breadboard, perforated circuit board, either two 6V or one 12V deep cycle battery and other
components to test in other configurations.
WeI will also create a more professional schematic via software for future posterity, research and reference.
Below are some of the materials we have at this time.
The second phase of this particular aspect of the project as whole, will be to configure a circuit based on an
inverter that will convert the DC current from the battery to a usable, smooth AC current for normal, daily
consumption.
Magnetic Field Turbine –
Magnetic fields can be used to create rotation when properly configured. The configure will be
multiple magnets setup in circular North and South pattern, an external magnetic used to influence velocity for
rotation, and a monitoring system using an actuator to change the external magnet distance. The closer the
external magnetic is to the other magnetics, the faster the rotation will be. This action will be accomplished by the
monitoring system activating an actuator to increase or decrease the distance between the disk wheel magnets
and the external magnet. The velocity change is necessary since the generator’s output will change depending
on the user. The type of magnets used will be Neodymium since they are the strongest magnets available. The
exact design of the magnet pattern is unknown as of now. We are getting together with Dr. Joey Williams,
Physics teacher at SELU, to run experiments on the different shapes and placement of the magnets.
The different layout for the magnet patterns all contain an overall circular design while the pitch and
distances are different. Experiments using different designs will begin after November 25 while using a computer
system to calculate the magnetic field strength of each design. A formula called the Gilbert Model will help
calculate the strength of forces between the magnets. The main focus for the design is to optimize the rotation
speed and reliable source of rotation.
Battery Bank –
Naturally, the preceding mean nothing without a place to store and use the energy. The desire for a
compact, portable unit will require a great deal of designing around the types of batteries that are currently
available. The team has every intention of making the unit as user-friendly as possible by incorporating a
monitoring display to inform the user of the condition of the batteries, how much power production vs
consumption is taking place, and monitoring the current state of charge as well as the minimum amount of
discharge before needing to be charged.
Overall –
Safety for the potential user is one of the most important components of the design. Implementing
strategic safety precautions and abiding by codes and regulations, the completed unit in its entirety will need to
be lightweight, weather-resistant, highly durable and productive through many conditions and over the course of
several years. The significance of the project weighs heavily on the drive and desire to produce energy without
the need for any fuel by harvesting sustainable and renewable energy from the sun and magnetic fields. The
current methods available are bulky, overpriced and technically demanding.
We will use a Raspberry Pi to run the solar panels, monitor the system, and out readouts to a LED
monitor. The solar panels will track the sun’s movement with a write code and the use of phototransistors. The
voltage created from the solar panels and micro generators, along with switches, will be monitor continuously
and adjustments made. All usages will be an output of the raspberry pi in a user friendly manner for the power to
consumption rate.
Participation –
Each team member is bringing their concentration to work for each aspect of the project.
Kyle Richert – will be leading the project in the design and construction of the major mechanical and fabrication
aspects of the project such as the unit housing,magnet rotation, stator, locking mechanisms, hardware and
mechanical construct of the actuating arms.
Nathan Hedrich – will be managing the aspects of the project concerned with harnessing and storing the energy
such as the configuration and specs on solar panels, battery bank selection and circuit configuration of the
circuits for the charge controller and DC/AC inverter..
Both members will be actively involved in the wiring diagrams and configurations, physical
assembly and learning process while assisting each other from sharing new information and techniques.
2. Deliverables and Schedule of Proposed Activities
Keeping with the required regular updates of measurable and accountable progression through the project, the
following timeline serves as a reasonable projection of deliverable progress for the Fall Semester:
October 7th, 2016 – Proposal PowerPoint Presentation of Project
October 28th, 2016 – Rough draft of schematics and design of components to spatially understand parameters and
assess potential design flaws from the start. Visualizing how each component will be compatible and logical.
November 1st – 14th, 2016 – Study and test materials to fit design. Address AutoCAD and design of micro water
turbine, micro VAWT, and other components that support the structure of the generator’s housing. Sufficient data and
research to support each individual component (i.e. magnetic field turbines, type(s) of PV modules, etc.).
November 17th, 2016- Intern Paper Due
November 15th – 29th, 2016 – Begin finalizing each individual design concepts
November 30th, 2016 – Submission of Final Report Document
December 1st, 2016 – Submission of Final PowerPoint Presentation
3. Budget
While we are still in the concept and design phase, the design itself should be affordable and cost efficient. We are
currently browsing many options concerning individual pieces that will be implemented to finalize the project. These
costs will be acquired over time and accounted for through the progress reports.
Known as of today are as follow:
Neodymium Magnets- $65
Wood for experiments- $15