Solar Power Sunshade System for an Automobile

Authors

Sam Costigan, University of the Pacific
Selena Kaffer, University of the Pacific
Jeffrey Ly, University of the Pacific

Lead Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Format

SOECS Senior Project Demonstration

Faculty Mentor Name

Kyle Watson

Faculty Mentor Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract/Artist Statement

The purpose of this project was to design and fabricate a proof of concept for an external retractable solar power sunshade system for aftermarket installation on an automobile. Sunshades are useful in protecting the interior of automobiles and maintaining a comfortable internal temperature. A sunshade system that is integrated with the car would be more convenient for the user and thus more likely to be used. Incorporating a solar panel connected to an external rechargeable battery takes advantage of a non-carbon based energy and would allow the user the ability to conveniently charge a device such as a cell phone. This project was successful in meeting the objectives. The fabricated solar sunshade system is integrated with a car and is somewhat easy to use, but needs refinement on the retraction system. After being parked in the sun for six hours, it is capable of harnessing and storing enough energy to fully charge a standard cell phone. It has also been proven that the use of the sunshade decreases the internal temperature of the car.

Location

School of Engineering & Computer Science

Start Date

2-5-2015 2:30 PM

End Date

2-5-2015 4:30 PM