Solar Tracker Arduino Project
Overview: This device keeps a flat panel holding a solar cell continuously following the sun as it moves across the sky. The Arduino uses 2 light dependent resistors (LDRs) that are separated by a fin to compare the light levels on either side and then rotate the servo attached to the panel towards the more illuminated LDR until the two detectors are equal. This is a nice Arduino project which combines sensors with servos, with logic that can be tuned, and has a practical application relating to clean energy. Background: Solar panels generate the most electricity when the incoming light is perpendicular to the panel. A...
Solar Energy Data Exploration
Overview: Students examine patterns in direct and diffuse radiation. Students compare generation from the solar panels to the absolute insolation. Students perform a cost benefit analysis for a home energy system Investigations with Solar Data lesson Essential Question How can we precisely measure the amount of solar radiation that is available for solar generation? NGSS Standards: Standard Number Standard text 4-PS3-2 Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents. HS-ESS2-4 Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate. HS-PS4-5. Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the...