Embedded Files
Frame
Frame
A dolly is main frame of the TOP. It is ideal because it comes nearly ready to go, needing only a few additions. If properly balanced, a dolly can move a lot of weight with relative ease. Air tires are preferred as they allow for easier motion while moving the TOP. The metal frame creates solid mounting points for the electrical panel and solar panel mounting brackets.
A dolly is main frame of the TOP. It is ideal because it comes nearly ready to go, needing only a few additions. If properly balanced, a dolly can move a lot of weight with relative ease. Air tires are preferred as they allow for easier motion while moving the TOP. The metal frame creates solid mounting points for the electrical panel and solar panel mounting brackets.
Solar Panel Support
Solar Panel Support
The solar panel supports were welded 46 inches from the bottom plate of the dolly, onto each vertical pipe, perpendicular to the wheels. The inch wide and quarter inch thick steel bar used is overkill for the project, but was available at no cost. The bars make U shape around the dolly to hold the 22 inch wide panel. Holes had to be drilled in both the top and bottom mounting forks in order to support the panel. Standard M6 bolts with lock nuts hold the panel in place.
The solar panel supports were welded 46 inches from the bottom plate of the dolly, onto each vertical pipe, perpendicular to the wheels. The inch wide and quarter inch thick steel bar used is overkill for the project, but was available at no cost. The bars make U shape around the dolly to hold the 22 inch wide panel. Holes had to be drilled in both the top and bottom mounting forks in order to support the panel. Standard M6 bolts with lock nuts hold the panel in place.
Solar Panel Hinges
Solar Panel Hinges
The hinges are made of steel angle iron held together with M8 screws. In order to keep the hinge in a fix position rubber washers are between all of the bolted connections. Although this method is not full proof, it does allow the hinge to stay in a fix position. This is something that needs to be addressed as it does not hold the panel outstretched indefinitely.
The hinges are made of steel angle iron held together with M8 screws. In order to keep the hinge in a fix position rubber washers are between all of the bolted connections. Although this method is not full proof, it does allow the hinge to stay in a fix position. This is something that needs to be addressed as it does not hold the panel outstretched indefinitely.
Electrical Conduit
Electrical Conduit
One inch PVC pipe was selected as the conduit running from one junction box to the next. It comes in a variety of sizes with connectors for almost anything imaginable. PVC is very easy to work with, which is ideal as it simply needs to keep wires out of the elements. Lastly, PVC pipe provides a cheap solution and is readily available.
One inch PVC pipe was selected as the conduit running from one junction box to the next. It comes in a variety of sizes with connectors for almost anything imaginable. PVC is very easy to work with, which is ideal as it simply needs to keep wires out of the elements. Lastly, PVC pipe provides a cheap solution and is readily available.
Conduit Mounting Bracket
Conduit Mounting Bracket
Bottom of Bracket
Bottom of Bracket
Top of Bracket
Top of Bracket
The mounting bracket was designed using Soldiworks. The final design was 3D printed. The bracket supports the conduit that is outstretched away from the junction boxes. The shape was fairly simple and provided a great opportunity to gain experience with Solidworks.
The mounting bracket was designed using Soldiworks. The final design was 3D printed. The bracket supports the conduit that is outstretched away from the junction boxes. The shape was fairly simple and provided a great opportunity to gain experience with Solidworks.
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