Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
26 Solar Panel Cleaner
 Cameron Little
Geoffrey Swisher
Thomas Cai
 Maanas Sandeep Agrawal proposal1.pdf
# Solar Panel Cleaner

Team Members:
Cameron Little (clittle5)
Thomas Cai (wcai10)
Geoffrey Swisher (swisher5)

# Problem
Solar panels are highly sensitive to shading and dirt accumulation, which can significantly reduce their energy generation efficiency. Even partial shading or debris on the surface can create hotspots or disrupt the panel's output, leading to substantial energy losses over time. During ECE 469 Power Electronics Laboratory, we explored techniques to extract maximum power from solar panels installed on the roof of ECEB. However, these experiments highlighted how environmental factors, such as dust and shading, limit the panels' ability to consistently deliver optimal power output.


# Solution
To provide a cheap and effective solution for various types and models of solar panels, we are going to design a rail-based cleaner. The rail can be attached to the top of the solar panels, with wheels to allow horizontal movements. A soft material like felt can be used to prevent damage to the panels. The cleaning module is then attached to the rail through cables, which can be shortened or lengthened through controllable motors to achieve vertical cleaning.

# Solution Components

## PCB Controller
The controller subsystem includes a front panel with inputs for controlling the cleaner, as well as the MCU which will interface with the panel and the drivetrain. The front panel will have buttons/switches/knobs to enable and control the operation of the cleaner. The microcontroller will be STM32C0.

## Drivetrain
The drivetrain subsystem is responsible for moving the cleaning module across the solar panel surface. The design involves two distinct motion components:
Vertical movement for the cleaning module to scale up and down the solar panel using attached cables.
Horizontal Movement for the cleaning module to be able to move along the rail attached at the top of the panel
Motors such as the NEMA 17 stepper motor will be used for accurate control of both vertical and horizontal movement. These motors will be paired with motor drivers (e.g., DRV8825) to interface with the microcontroller.



## Cleaning Mechanism
The cleaning module consists of an interchangeable microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution dispenser. The solution can be dispensed with the use of a [Digiten](https://www.digiten.shop/products/digiten-1-2-dc-12v-electric-solenoid-valve-normally-closed-n-c-water-inlet-flow-switch) ½ inch, 12 Volt solenoid valve.


## Energy Storage
Two (2) 12V drill batteries, such as [Warrior ](https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-lithium-ion-battery-with-charger-57763.html?gQT=1) 12V Lithium-ion Battery. Charger will be included with the batteries. DC-DC converters will be used to power the motors and supply 3V for the microcontroller. In order to provide power to devices on the moving cleaning component, a [coiled cable](https://www.amazon.com/RIIEYOCA-Female-Cable%EF%BC%8CDC-Extension-Stretched/dp/B0BJT9TC5J?th=1) could be used.

# Criterion for Success
To ensure the solar panel cleaner is effective, the following goals can be tested:
The cleaning mechanism must remove at least 80% of visible debris (e.g., dust, dirt, or bird droppings) from the solar panel surface.

Cleaning tests will demonstrate a measurable increase in power output of the cleaned panel, with a minimum improvement of 10% compared to an uncleaned panel under identical lighting conditions. Solar panel extraction power can be done in the Power Lab on the fourth floor.

Manual operation via front-panel controls must allow precise movement of the cleaning module in both horizontal and vertical directions.

The drivetrain, motors, and other electronics must function correctly after 40 cleaning cycles without significant wear or failure, ranging in environments 32°F - 100°F.

Electronic Replacement for COVID-19 Building Monitors @ UIUC

Patrick McBrayer, Zewen Rao, Yijie Zhang

Featured Project

Team Members: Patrick McBrayer, Yijie Zhang, Zewen Rao

Problem Statement:

Students who volunteer to monitor buildings at UIUC are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 itself, and passing it on to others before they are aware of the infection. Due to this, I propose a project that would create a technological solution to this issue using physical 2-factor authentication through the “airlock” style doorways we have at ECEB and across campus.

Solution Overview:

As we do not have access to the backend of the Safer Illinois application, or the ability to use campus buildings as a workspace for our project, we will be designing a proof of concept 2FA system for UIUC building access. Our solution would be composed of two main subsystems, one that allows initial entry into the “airlock” portion of the building using a scannable QR code, and the other that detects the number of people that entered the space, to determine whether or not the user will be granted access to the interior of the building.

Solution Components:

Subsystem #1: Initial Detection of Building Access

- QR/barcode scanner capable of reading the code presented by the user, that tells the system whether that person has been granted or denied building access. (An example of this type of sensor: (https://www.amazon.com/Barcode-Reading-Scanner-Electronic-Connector/dp/B082B8SVB2/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=gm65+scanner&qid=1595651995&sr=8-11)

- QR code generator using C++/Python to support the QR code scanner.

- Microcontroller to receive the information from the QR code reader and decode the information, then decide whether to unlock the door, or keep it shut. (The microcontroller would also need an internal timer, as we plan on encoding a lifespan into the QR code, therefore making them unusable after 4 days).

- LED Light to indicate to the user whether or not access was granted.

- Electronic locking mechanism to open both sets of doors.

Subsystem #2: Airlock Authentication of a Single User

- 2 aligned sensors ( one tx and other is rx) on the bottom of the door that counts the number of people crossing a certain line. (possibly considering two sets of these, so the person could not jump over, or move under the sensors. Most likely having the second set around the middle of the door frame.

- Microcontroller to decode the information provided by the door sensors, and then determine the number of people who have entered the space. Based on this information we can either grant or deny access to the interior building.

- LED Light to indicate to the user if they have been granted access.

- Possibly a speaker at this stage as well, to tell the user the reason they have not been granted access, and letting them know the

incident has been reported if they attempted to let someone into the building.

Criterion of Success:

- Our system generates valid QR codes that can be read by our scanner, and the data encoded such as lifespan of the code and building access is transmitted to the microcontroller.

- Our 2FA detection of multiple entries into the space works across a wide range of users. This includes users bound to wheelchairs, and a wide range of heights and body sizes.