Mobile Solar
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Faculty Mentor Name
Cherian Mathews
Faculty Mentor Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Additional Faculty Mentor Name
David Mueller
Additional Faculty Mentor Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Additional Faculty Mentor Name
Jeremy Hanlon
Additional Faculty Mentor Department
Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program
Abstract/Artist Statement
Smartphones have become an integral part of society in today’s world. With users charging their phones once per day or even more often, this project provides a sustainable charging alternative to traditional wall chargers. The Mobile Solar will allow users to wirelessly charge their phones with solar energy. The user will adjust the angle of the solar panel during a given season with respect to the horizon while the device will rotate the panel about its vertical axis to ensure maximum solar irradiation as the sun moves across the sky each day. The final device will be able to wirelessly charge smartphones within 3-4 hours. In addition, a phone can be charged with internal batteries when sunlight is not available.
The device was designed with a focus on sustainability and being an entirely self-contained product. The design relies solely on irradiation energy from the Sun and is built out of responsibly-sourced wood to reduce the carbon footprint of the product over its entire lifetime. Operation of the device only requires simple interaction from the user and can be stored in a compact form that protects the solar panel and allows for easy transportation.
Location
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Start Date
5-5-2018 3:30 PM
End Date
5-5-2018 4:30 PM
Mobile Solar
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Smartphones have become an integral part of society in today’s world. With users charging their phones once per day or even more often, this project provides a sustainable charging alternative to traditional wall chargers. The Mobile Solar will allow users to wirelessly charge their phones with solar energy. The user will adjust the angle of the solar panel during a given season with respect to the horizon while the device will rotate the panel about its vertical axis to ensure maximum solar irradiation as the sun moves across the sky each day. The final device will be able to wirelessly charge smartphones within 3-4 hours. In addition, a phone can be charged with internal batteries when sunlight is not available.
The device was designed with a focus on sustainability and being an entirely self-contained product. The design relies solely on irradiation energy from the Sun and is built out of responsibly-sourced wood to reduce the carbon footprint of the product over its entire lifetime. Operation of the device only requires simple interaction from the user and can be stored in a compact form that protects the solar panel and allows for easy transportation.