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Old 03-16-2011, 12:42 PM   #1
GaryM
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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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Old 03-16-2011, 01:15 PM   #2
NCFischers
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Very nice.
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Old 03-16-2011, 01:32 PM   #3
Ozz
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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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Old 03-16-2011, 02:10 PM   #4
nailbender
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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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Old 03-16-2011, 02:25 PM   #5
Jolu
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GaryM it looks very interesting. It would save on some roof climbing.
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Old 03-16-2011, 04:10 PM   #6
GaryM
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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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Old 03-16-2011, 04:16 PM   #7
Mudchief
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That is a great idea and think you will do well with it.
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Old 03-16-2011, 04:57 PM   #8
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Gary, I like it. How high is it and will it fit under the panels with the OEM clips or does it replace the clips, and how much wind speed you think it can stand up to
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Old 03-17-2011, 01:28 AM   #9
Ozz
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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?
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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Old 03-17-2011, 07:01 AM   #10
GaryM
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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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Old 03-17-2011, 01:22 PM   #11
2 for Him
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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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Old 04-12-2011, 12:31 PM   #12
GaryM
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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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