SolarBoat Team Challenge

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SolarBoat Team Challenge

• Team Upperclass
• Dax Kepshire
• Kevin McGrath
• Scott Murray
• Justin Vincent
• Arturo Garcia

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Project Objectives

• Develop a working familiarity with solar cell
  power systems.
• Design and construct a full sized boat, powered
  only by the solar cell.
• Demonstrate acquired Physics and Engineering
  skills for all.

3
Implementation Phases

• Preliminary Characterization.
• Secondary Analysis.
• Final Design/Testing.
• Construction/ Field Testing.
• Commission.

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Phase 1 Preliminary Characterization

• Objectives
• Acquire power system data.
• Test power/propulsion system (idealized
  conditions).
• Develop preliminary design for hull multiple
  designs under consideration.
• Proceed with next phase pending approval.

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Power System

• Theoretical
• Solar Cell rated at 140W
• Vmax20V, Imax 7.1A
• Cell acts as a current source for all practical
  purposes.

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Testing

• Practical Considerations
• Optimal conditions not likely our latitude. Power
  output currently limited to approx. 20W.
• Indoor testing unsuccessful (verification of
  Photoelectric Effect)
• Inconsistent results on in-house power supplies.

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Testing, cont.

• Power output was maximized when a very small but
  non-zero resistance was introduced in series with
  the motor. The high power involved required use
  of Rheostats as variable resistors.

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Design Considerations

• Several different designs were considered
• Hydroplane
• Catamaran (Pontoon boat)
• Canoe
• Hovercraft
• Submarine

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Hydroplane

• Lightweight
• Fast
• Stylish
• Difficult to build
• Physics only works at high speed

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Catamaran

• Very stable
• Relatively easy to construct
• Increased surface area increased drag slower
  speeds

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Hovercraft

• No water drag high speed
• Maneuverable
• Amphibious

• Insufficient Power to lift craft and provide
  propulsion
• Very difficult to build

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Submarine

• Stealthy First Strike Engineering Project
• Intimidating
• High Tech

• Solar power poor substitute for Nuclear Fission
• Cost ? 100 Million Budget 300

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Canoe/Sculling Boat

• Best combination of surface area/drag reduction
  and stability
• Relatively easy to build
• Inexpensive
• No unnecessary radiation hazards.

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Designed in Solid Edge v.10
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Phase 2 Secondary Analysis

• Objectives
• Produce physical analysis of system (theoretical)
  for experimental comparison
• Research/Acquire materials
• Fine tune design
• Complete Power system

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Physical Analysis (Initial)
P Power output D Drag coeff.of water ?Density
of water ACS area of Boat v(t) velocity
Where VVolume TThrust RResistive Force of
water
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Interpretation

• Our buoyancy calculations will be used to
  determine numerically the depth the boat will
  ride
• The velocity equation can be solved (again,
  numerically) for velocity as a function of time
• Were working on it.

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Materials Acquisition
Materials  

• Research into various materials in progress
• Possible donations/outside assistance inquiries
  (Carter Lumber is providing a discount for the
  project)

 
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Materials List
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Design Changes

• Change from bulkhead design to framing design.
• Motor/Rudder position TBD.
• Re-evaluation of pontoons for stability
• Research drag reduction techniques
• Rudder design

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Teflon Paint

• Minimizes Friction
• Hard Finish
• Maximum Durability

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Propeller

• Complex Design
• Pitch
• Diameter
• 13-15
• Material
• Aluminum
• Composite
• Number of Blades
• 3 or 4
• Purchase from E-bay

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Rudder Design

• Rudder position in relation to propeller key
  consideration.
• Rudder shape and maneuverability will require
  significant analysis.
• Material considerations Wood fiberglass
• Depth of lake will be an important factor

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Power System

• Need to optimize efficiency for our motor/power
  system.
• Possible Voltage regulation/conversion circuits
  may be required
• Addition motor analysis needs to be completed.

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24V Servo Motor

• Rated at 24 V and 6A
• Motor will draw more current when in the water
• DC-DC Converter needed with minimal losses
• Must supply 24V or motor will overheat

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Phase 3 Final Design

• The Final design phase will begin with our plans
  and numerical analysis and proceed into
  construction drawings.
• Power system will be built and debugged.

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Phase 4 Construction

• Our Phase 3 plans will be implemented and boat
  construction will commence.
• The power system will be integrated
• The whole system will be debugged
• Field testing begins

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Phase 5 Commission

• Fully built boat will be painted and prepared for
  launch.
• Final presentation will elucidate all physical
  findings and conclusions.
• Race and annihilate the freshmen.