Bully Power Station

Mid-Semester Presentation

March 6, 2014

[1]

Team Members

Lesley Brown

Electrical Engineer

- Hardware Fabrication

- Hardware Design

Mardreagus Williams

Electrical Engineer-Electrical Subsystem

Design

- Hardware Design

Stephen Shambra

Computer Engineer

- Network Implementation

- GUI Development

Graciela Perez

Computer Engineer

- Website Design

- Software and Hardware Design

Dr. Michael S. Mazzola, P.E.

Outline

Problem Solution Constraints

Technical

Practical

System Overview Approach Progress Timeline

Problem

There is a need for charging personal electronic devices in locations where typical 120VAC electrical outlets or USB ports are unavailable. common areas on school campuses

public recreational sites

outside concerts or sporting events

A secure means to charge a personal electronic device unattended.

Solution

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The Bully Power Station will provide a secure and affordable off-grid renewable energy charging source for personal electronics.

Jack Hatcher Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Center Advisory Board (ECAB)

Technical Constraints

Constraints Description

Power Requirements The solar panel must be coupled with a battery to function during night time usage and instances or periods without adequate sunlight.

Battery Protection The battery must be protected from deeply discharging and overcharging according to predetermined specifications provided by the manufacturer

Output Power The unit must be able to output a range of power from 10W to 40W. Up to 5A combined.

User Interface The user interface must display when charging station has power available, the user’s remaining charge time, and whether the station is in normal operation or a low power state.

Secure Enclosure The charging station must provide a secure weatherproof enclosure for users to leave a device unattended while charging

Practical Constraints

Category Name Description

Environmental Weatherproofing Charging station must be able to operate in areas where precipitation is likely to occur.

Health and Safety

Protection Wires must be properly insulated and the battery must be inside an enclosure.

Practical Constraints

Environmental

The housing of the charging station electronic modules and battery must prohibit entry of water from precipitation as impurities in rainwater may corrode and damage components.

Must be able to withstand up to 100 MPH winds.

Practical Constraints

Health and Safety

All wires in unit must be insulated to avoid shock to users.

A NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) enclosure must be present in design to mitigate incidents involving battery or battery fluid (i.e. battery fluid leak, battery explosion).

Solar Panel

Charge Controller

BatteryDC Power

DC/AC Inverter

AC Power

Microcontroller

User Interface

Databas

e

System Overview

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Approach

Approach - Solar Panel TypePros Cons Selecti

on

Monocrystalline

• 10% - 20% More efficient

• Perform better under low intensity sun light

• More tolerant to heat

• Cost :$165

Polycrystalline

• Just as reliable as Monocrystalline panels

• Cost $125

• Less Efficient • Absorbs less

sunlight

[4]

[4]

Approach - Lead Acid Battery TypePros Cons Selecti

on

Flooded • Offers a higher discharge rate

• Constant deep discharging

• Requires ventilation• Requires

maintenance

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)

• Maintenance free• Longer life span• Operation temperature

ranges

• Doesn’t perform well when constantly deep discharging

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Approach - Charger ControllerPros Cons Selecti

on

Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)

• Inexpensive: $30• Help in extending battery’s

life• Cost efficient for smaller

systems

• Peak operation with full battery

• Solar panel & battery voltages must match

Maximum Power Point Tracker(MPPT)

• Operation temperature ranges

• Offer a higher rate of charge• Cost efficient for larger

systems

• Price: $115

[2]

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Approach - Microcontroller Type

Pros Cons Selection

Arduino Mega

• ATmega 2560• Digital and Analog

Pins• Based on C/C++• Cost: $25

• 8 KB SRAM • No network

capability• Wi-fi Shield

($80)

Raspberry Pi • ARM microprocessor core

• USB outputs• Video outputs• Network capability• Python

• Higher Power Consumption

• Only digital pins• Cost: $35

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Approach - Analog Measurements

Atmega328

• Operating voltage is 1.8 to 5.5

• Cheaper than purchasing 3 Analog to Digital Converters

• Easy to program

• Dedicated for low level functions

(Atmega328 and Raspberry Pi interaction)

Progress

(Atmega328 and Raspberry Pi interaction)

Progress

Atmega328 Output

Raspberry Pi Output

Progress (single pole double throw relay)

ON OFF

OFF ON

Timeline

January

•Research

February

•Research (Jack Hatcher Endowment And ECAB)

•Order Parts

•Develop Code

March

•Order Remaining Parts

•Construct Prototype And Test Subsystems

April

•Finalize Coding, Testing, And Constructing

•Finished Prototype

Sources[1] (2014, February 23). “Solar Sprout” [Online]

Available: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-concept-solar-panel-green-energy-image14098504

[2] (2014, February 23). “MPPT and PWM Controllers” [Online]

Available: http://solar.altestore.com/search?w=controller&view=grid&x=0&y=0

[3] (2014, February 23). “Deep Cycle Batteries” [Online]

Available: http://solar.altestore.com/search?w=battery&view=grid&x=0&y=0

[4] (2014, February 23). “Solar Panels” [Online]

Available: http://solar.altestore.com/search?w=solar+panel&view=grid&x=0&y=0

[5] (2014, February 23). “Arduino Mega Development Board” [Online]

Available: http://evolutiontoys.com/arduino-mega-atmega-128016au-p-216.html

[6] (2014, February 23). “Raspberry Pi Development Board” [Online]

Available: https://www.modmypi.com/raspberry-pi-model-a

[7] (2014, February 24). “Security Lock Boxes” [Online]

Available: http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/Black-Box-Security-Lockbox-rack-lock-box-3U/2079412.aspx

[8] (2014, March 3). “Battery Clipart” [Online]

Available http://www.clker.com/clipart-146793.html

[9] (2014, March 3). “Smartphone Clipart” [Online]

Available: http://www.clipartlord.com/category/home-clip-art/appliances-clip-art/mobile-phones-clip-art/smartphone-clip-art/

Bully Power Station

Mid-Semester Presentation

March 6, 2014

[1]