MCCTC instructors build Mobile Solar Workstation, hope to help others
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CANFIELD - The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center's Mobile Solar Generator/Workstation is a collaborative project designed and built this school year to visually show what most solar generator systems try to hide. This workstation best shows students how everything connects in a comprehensive, complete rugged mobile layout unlike any other. It can be taken to any classroom in the building, used in the outdoor classroom, on the school farm and even events.
The Workstation was designed to not only portray the necessary components of a working solar generator, but double as an adaptable mobile workstation. It's equipped with a full tool-set for diverse scenarios, cordless drill and impact with charging dock, a mobile jump starter, and air compressor. It also has a wireless all-in-one integrated weather sensor array that measures wind speed/direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, UV and solar radiation, all displayed on a mounted display monitor.
Although it was a complete collaborative design and build throughout, each teacher involved had their specialty. The original design concept was initiated after Superintendent John Zehentbauer encouraged teachers to consider future needs in the industry when developing content to teach their students. English teacher Anthony Cycyk designed and built the custom butcher block table top and back board providing support for all of the electrical components. Custom Auto Paint & Design Instructor Joe Sander was the metal work expert. He designed and fabricated the frame and hinge system the panels are mounted to. Welding Instructor Denny Naples helped modify the cart frame to add height. Science Instructor Seth Basista was in charge of the solar/electrical system where he designed a wiring diagram and layout for every component/device.
There are various science, math and engineering concepts that can be incorporated in the functions/applications of this build:
¯ The properties of wiring solar panels in series vs parallel
¯ How to gauge wire appropriately for a 12 volt system
¯ How to fuse appliances, solar panels, and chargers appropriately
¯ DC vs AC energy systems
¯ Dynamics in battery chemistry (pros and cons to various types)
¯ How direct versus indirect sunlight affects solar power output
¯ How to calculate power needs for off grid energy setups
¯ How to spec components for a solar generator based on power needs
¯ Measuring weather variables / units
Science Instructor Seth Basista believes this is going to really help prepare the students in the upcoming years and would love to help others get started on their own Mobile Solar Workstation.
"We are in the process of creating lesson plans, guides, and diagrams to go along with this build to not only prepare our students, but help others that would like to bring it into their classrooms, and expand on its potential capabilities," he said.