Solve a World Problem

Evidence of Work

This project involved us in the world problems that we face around each community. While some problems are larger in terms of scale when compared to others, some are also more common then those large scale issues. In this project, we were required to look at one of those problems and determine a reasonable solution to that problem. For my project, I choose to look at one of the most noticed issues, the lack of renewable energy.

Before jumping to creating the solution, I looked towards studying the issue with researching various websites. This research included topics such as the locations and effects of renewable energy, the problems and causes of the lack of renewable energy, and the different uses of renewable energy through graphs I found. This research gave me a strong background on the history and usage of renewable energy, allowing me to think about various solutions that could be used. After looking over a number of possible solutions, I chose to develop the idea of Water Solar Fields. This would consist of the standard mono crystalline solar cell that is held up by metal pillars extending down to the ocean floor. Additionally, these solar cells would have the programmed ability to tilt towards the direction of the sun. This ensures that direct sunlight will hit the solar cells at a 90 degree angle, creating the most impact and energy.

After spending quite some time researching possible solutions and concluding with a final decision. I continued my project by creating a design for the water solar fields. This included creating a small, physical model of the solar panel, as well as researching more into the implementation of these solar panels and how it could be put into place.

Research Documents

Content

Identify the Problem - I first brainstormed a number of world problems that people face in their daily lives. After choosing the Lack of Renewable Energy, I looked further into the issue to find the causes of the issue itself using research through various sources.

Select a Solution - Looking at the issues, I brainstormed a number of possible solutions that could work in the real world. After eliminating the solutions that could not work due to technical or logical issues, I came across the solution of using Water Solar Fields.

Develop a Prototype - After selecting a solution, I created a model of the Water Solar Panel that could be used in the solution. This involved me using tools, wood, and other materials to create a simple prototype. Additionally, I created a diagram(found on my PowerPoint presentation) that further explained the design of the prototype.

Test and Refine - Implementing my solutions involved me researching more on the possibilities and options for using this design. The simple solution would be to partner with an existing, well-known solar panel company and provide the design for them to implement. This can further lead to the partnering of reservoirs and bays that would allow us to use the water solar fields in them. This would also allow me to properly fund the project and implement it in the most efficient and effective way possible. Lastly, this would also require me to look into the design after further tests to see if anything needs further protection, durability, or efficiency in the use.

Data Analysis - Finding the data involved me searching through sources and sites that held data graphs. Each of these graphs allowed me to see the progression of renewable energy throughout the years that it was implemented. Each of these graphs represented different things with renewable energy, which gave me a diverse amount of data that was supported by research.

Water Solar Fields -

Tempered Glass : Acts as a cover layer to protect solar cells against winds, water, and other forces

Anti-Reflective Layer : Rough layer of metal that prevents large wavelengths of sunlight from bouncing off of the reflective silicon component

Negative Terminal : Acts as a layer of material with a negative charge, pulling the electrons into a current for electricity outputs

N-Type Layer :  A Silicon-Phosphorus layer that holds more electrons with the addition of phosphorus 

N-P Junction : The junction where sunlight splits an active electron into a hole and electron; electrons travel upwards and holes travel downwards

P-Type Layer : A Silicon-Boron layer that holds more positive holes with the addition of boron

Positive Terminal : Acts as a layer of material (metal) with a positive charge, pulling the holes into a current for electricity outputs

Reflection

Throughout this project, I learned a number of things that correlated to collaboration, competence, and critical thinking. This project was relatively short when compared to the previous projects we came across, which means that I was required to have competence with my work and group. Additionally, I was required to use my critical thinking skills to develop different ideas that would contribute to the project's solution.  This allowed me to use my creativity to develop these solutions and understand what can be potential flaws and specific contributors to the solution's success. Finally, I needed to work well on my collaboration. With such little time for this project, it is required for me to work efficiently and effectively with my group members. Through these topics, I was able to learn a number of things about myself. This included my tolerance for the situations and the challenges as well as the work ethic that I developed more throughout the project with the limited time that we were given.