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Old 04-09-2006, 01:28 AM   #16 (permalink)
groundbound
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I agree, very nice work. As another engineering student her are a few things to consider: I think the problem that you might run into with curved solar panels is that you actually only see a benefit if you increase the linear surface area. I imagine you will take the physics class where they discuss energy density in a couple semesters but the main idea is that solar panels have to be flat and gimbaled to take advantage of the sun at different times of the day. A google search for “sun farm” should give you a better idea of how the industry has looked at the problem in the past.

Another tip to get you ahead. You might want to set up free accounts on the http://www.thomasnet.com/ and www.globalspec.com/ websites. These places are used like a toolbox/company directory for engineers of all sorts. I know most usually want to get started doing as much as possible on their own but looking up things like brackets and corrugated sheet metal will lead you to other components that will do things like help you take greater advantage structurally of that nice curved roof.

BTW: Another eco-friendly idea you might look into to impress your prof would be microgenerators. Its an old idea that has been getting new press because they are starting to put much more efficient and powerful turbine engines into small generators. Ones that could power a unit of say 4 or more of your shelter would be about the size of a refrigerator and they get small for households. I apologize for loosing the link but you should be able to search successfully for it without too much effort.

Just out of curiosity, can I ask what program your school is drafting with?

Well, I got to say, all around nice work. Definitely an impressive first project

Dale
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