GreenVolts

At GreenVolts, I was able to contribute to the design of a new tracker system through analysis, experimentation, and design.

I performed experiments on bearing friction, pointing accuracy, dynamic response, vibration, structural loads and wind stow. I wrote software in Labview and Matlab to poll data from accelerometers, incinometers, and load cells. I analyzed the results using signal filtering, Fourier tranformations, and plotting in Matlab and Excel.

I performed FEA analysis using Solidworks Simulation as well as ANSYS APDL and Workbench. In addition to static FEA, I built a beam model of the entire tracker system, complete with point masses to model CPV modules and various joints, including revolute, cylindrical, and spherical. I then input wind loads from wind tunnel data to the model, and stepped through 13 minutes of 10 Hz data using the full Newton-Rhapson method. I iterated through several candidate designs to analyze the effect of stiffness on the forces and moments on critical parts.

I worked together with other mechanical design engineers to design a better solar tracker, which was cheaper, stronger, and more accurate at tracking the sun. I used Solidworks, PDMworks, and Agile PLM to design parametric parts and assemblies, review them with other engineers, and document the design for manufacturing. I was also involved in qualification of slew drives, electric motors, and installation equipment, including a rotary laser alignment system.