Senior Design Group 7 - Solar Thermal Energy Generator

Abstract

The goal of this project was to design and prototype a device capable of converting the heat from sunlight into electric potential energy A simple overview of its functionality goes as follows: Light enters a lens and is focused onto a heat engine's hot point. The engine is connected to a generator which feeds into a charge controller circuit that charges a battery. The lens is kept aligned by a microprocessor which monitors a sensor array and sends signals to control an actuator and rotational motor.

The Crew- From Left To Right

Sean Rauchfuss is an electrical engineering student in his senior year at the University of Central Florida. During his time as a student he worked as an RA in the on campus dorms in addition to interning with Intersil Corporation. Following graduation, he will be joining Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX as a Technical Sales Associate.

Beau Eason is a senior electrical engineering student at The University of Central Florida. He also has a minor in computer science. He has worked for his university as a tutor and as an undergraduate admissions ambassador. Upon graduation he will begin his career at Texas Instruments.

Andy Bryan, an Electrical Engineering major from Melbourne. He interned at Aeronix Coroporation. He privately tutors math, physics, and engineering courses, in addition to programming flash games and websites on the side.

Robert Giffin is an electrical engineering student from Miami, FL. After graduating from Miami Dade college with his AA he transferred to the University of Central Florida to pursue his bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, he will be joining Siemens in Houston, TX as a Wind Engineer in Training.

Funding for this project was provided by