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03-16-2011, 12:42 PM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sandy Beach
Posts: 97
M.O.C. #9975
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Solar panel tilt system
I am in the process of designing a solar panel two way tilt system (patent pending of course). Take a look at the video (29MB)and tell me what you think. This is still in the works.
http://tinypic.com/r/30l1nol/7
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03-16-2011, 01:15 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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Very nice.
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03-16-2011, 01:32 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Sweet! I think you have something there.
Have an order pad ready at the "Q" next year....
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03-16-2011, 02:10 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oakland
Posts: 887
M.O.C. #5811
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Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Will you have it installed on the Montana for the Spring Rally, I want to see it in action.
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03-16-2011, 02:25 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Canon City
Posts: 1,340
M.O.C. #7919
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GaryM it looks very interesting. It would save on some roof climbing.
Joe
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03-16-2011, 04:10 PM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sandy Beach
Posts: 97
M.O.C. #9975
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I am trying to get some different material to build my final product. Working with the supplier now. If I can I will have the material before or while I am in Jackson.
I did observe a few of the elder MOC members on the top of there rigs and I must say, I was very happy when they got down. I don’t even like going up there.
Ozz are you putting in a order?
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03-16-2011, 04:16 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Paola
Posts: 5,739
M.O.C. #4961
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That is a great idea and think you will do well with it.
__________________
Dennis & Linda Ward
Paola, Kansas
Montana 3735MK Legacy Edition
1200 watts of Solar
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03-16-2011, 04:57 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #2625
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03-17-2011, 01:28 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by GaryM
I am trying to get some different material to build my final product. Working with the supplier now. If I can I will have the material before or while I am in Jackson.
I did observe a few of the elder MOC members on the top of there rigs and I must say, I was very happy when they got down. I don’t even like going up there.
Ozz are you putting in a order?
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People like you are what has made this country great. You find a need, (and this is a great fill for that need) and you come up with something.
My budget will not allow for Solar at this time, maybe later.
I just had to buy a new Company computer, then the next day the printer crashed, had to replace that... It's always something.
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03-17-2011, 07:01 AM
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#10
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sandy Beach
Posts: 97
M.O.C. #9975
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I have designed the lift system to be 24” wide. My panels are 52” long, so that gives a overhang of 14” on each end. It can be built wider but I would like to do some testing first to see how wide I can go with it. Also I still need to design some other safety systems.
The install height is 4.5” including the panel. The static load on the lifting device is 500 lbs..
Force, F = A x P x Cd
A = The projected area of the item
P , Wind pressure (Psf), = .00256 x V^2 (V= wind speed in Mph)
Cd , Drag coefficient, = 2.0 for flat plates. For a long cylinder (like most antenna tubes), Cd = 1.2.
When tilted, a 40 mph wind will give a wind load of 62 lbs. per panel.
For a 40 mph wind the calculation would be:
52” x 21.25 = 1105 sq. inch (1105 /12/12 = 7.6 sq. ft.)
40 x 40 x 0.00256=4.096 per sq. foot.
31.1296 x 2 = 62.2592
So I think in a 100 mph wind it will rip the frame off the roof before it folds up the panel.
I think it would be best to install a wind speed indicator to automatically fold down the panels when the wind reaches a certain speed. I also have found a device that will allow the panels to track the sun from east to west. So when you have to park north south they can automatically move with the sun. That will be a later upgrade.
Time to move to Death Valley, Later.
Gary
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03-17-2011, 01:22 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hartford
Posts: 144
M.O.C. #7383
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Looks very promising.
Been designing one also, but only for my own use so trying to go cheap as always. Linear actuators aren't, so guess I'll have to climb.
We don't stay in one place for long so your product would be a real lifesaver (probably literally).
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04-12-2011, 12:31 PM
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#12
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sandy Beach
Posts: 97
M.O.C. #9975
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Tom you can do a tilt only to one side for about $225 to $250 per panel. Maybe even less if I can swing a good deal. I still have alot of work on this yet so we will see what happens by "Q" next year.
Gary
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