Photovoltaic System: 3D Schematic

Our design team utilized Google SketchUp 3D CAD software to model our design in real space. Google SketchUp is a free CAD software that several of our team members had previous experience with.  We used the dimensions found on the data sheets of all our components to create the 3D model to scale. This was helpful to visual our project and determine how to mount the solar panels, where to run wire conduits, and the layout of all the devices.  The following figure shows a general overview of our design setup and how it would look in a classroom setting.

The next figure show the bottom shelf with the battery, charge controller, and inverter on it.

The next two figures show the middle shelf that contains the dc load, meter displays, and a 6 plug power strip.  An AC/DC 10Vdc inverter is plugged in and connected to the two bus bars used to supply power to the meters.  Also two 600W dimmer switches will be plugged into the power strip. The dimmer switches will be between the power strip and light stands and provide a means to vary the light intensity to the solar panels. The power strip is rated at 15A and the two light stands will require I_LIGHT = 5.5A at full load each.  Each meter operates at I_METER < 60mA and there are currently 8 meters for a total of I_METERS = 0.48A.  The total current required from the power strip is I_PS = 11.5A which is well under the rated value of 15A.  The power strip has a 6ft cord that plugs into a standard 120Vac wall outlet.

The top shelf shown below supports the frame structure that will house the four 55W solar panels.