Activities
Integration
In this phase the various parts of the major subsystems of the PURE LiFe Generator were integrated before the subsystems themselves were integrated into the final product.
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Testing
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Milestones
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Tools
- Android Studio – For creating the Android application
- Arduino IDE – For writing code for the Arduino MEGA
- Soldering iron
- SolidWorks - Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
- 3D Printer - For printing various pieces in the construction of the final product
- Variety of hand tools
Design Decisions
- Decided to mount power inverter on back of case due to heat and space considerations.
- Decided mobile application should only display live and daily data while long term data analysis will be left to PVOutput.org.
Design Work
Final Build
- Designed layout of the PURE LiFe Generator case.
- Designed enclosures in SolidWorks for the LCD Status Display, Bluetooth module, Arduino Data Acquisition System, and battery to be 3D printed.
- Made adjustments as needed during the build process.
Testing
Functionality testing was performed on each subsystem as they were integrated. Field testing of the final product began after full system integration. During field testing, the PURE LiFe Generator was placed outside during the day to collect solar energy and data. Various loads were connected to the generator and output power of the solar panel and input/output power, voltage, and capacity of the battery were collected and uploaded to PVOutput.org.
Challenges
- The solar charge controller malfunctioned occasionally during testing. A replacement unit was purchased is awaiting installation.