Design And Construction Of A Solar Table Fan

ABSTRACT

This work is on a table solar fan. A table fan is a small, portable type of fan that is used in various rooms of a home or office. It is more convenient compared to other types, like kitchen exhaust, window, and pedestal fans because of its portability. It serves a number of functions for home owners and office workers such as conservation of energy compared to using air conditioners, removal of heat and unwanted fumes from indoor areas, cooling a room and generation of mechanical noise that helps to distract a person’s attention from undesirable background noise so he could focus on his task. The idea of a solar fan has been proven to be a very good especially for a country like Nigeria that enjoys an average of 8 hours of sunlight daily. The same sun that causes heat is made to power an object of thermal comfort at a low level of sophistication. In this design, a 3-blade table fan of 25 watt capacity capable of 6 hours of continuous operation was powered with just 1.0 Photo-voltaic (PV) module of 80 watt power rating. Also a minimum of 85% efficiency was designed for and the fan runs at a low torque of 0.95Nm. The fan blade rotates at a tip speed of 500rpm rotates on a 10mm diameter shaft. In order to maintain a constant operation during the night and when the sun is not at its peak, a 75Ah 12V battery has been considered suitable for power storage assessor.

TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE

• INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

1.2      PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.3      OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

1.4      SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

1.5      LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

1.6      APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

1.7      PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

2.0     LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1      HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ELECTRIC FANS

2.2      HISTORICAL REVIEW OF SOLAR ENERGY

2.3      THEORETICAL REVIEW OF SOLAR CELL

2.4       REVIEW OF SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY

2.5        REVIEW OF SOLAR CELL MATERIALS

CHAPTER THREE

3.0     CONSTRUCTION

3.1      BLOCK DIAGRAM

3.2      DESCRIPTION OF PARTS OF THE BLOCK

3.3      DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0      CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE AND TESTING

4.1      CASING AND PACKAGING

4.2      ASSEMBLING OF SECTIONS

4.3      TESTING OF SYSTEM OPERATION

4.4      TROUBLE SHOOTING METHOD

4.5      HOW TO FIX A FAN THAT HUM

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0      CONCLUSION

5.1      RECOMMENDATION

5.2      BIBLIOGRAPHY

CHAPTER ONE

• INTRODUCTION

1.1                          BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The electric fan was one of the most important electric inventions of all time. The fan is a building block of other more advanced technologies. Fans are necessary in computers, lasers, large LED lights, petrol and electric automobiles, the space station and countless other things. The fan as used in HVAC systems allows humans to build giant or underground buildings.

Solar energy currently represents the most abundant inexhaustible, non-polluting and free energy resources that could be used economically to supply man’s increasing energy demands (Nasir, 2004). Over the years, there has been a great insight into the need to tap into the proper utilization of the renewable energy. As a result, there have been great strides in trying out many electrical gadgets and equipment as to how they could be powered with renewable energy sources like the solar energy.

The share of renewable in electricity generation is around 19%, with 16% of global electricity coming from hydroelectricity and 3% from new renewable. (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21^st Century, 2011).One of the most exciting developments in the renewable energy sector in recent years has been the decline in the cost of Photo- voltaic (PV) cells. PV module prices at the start of 2012 were nearly 50% down on a year earlier, and some 76% below their level in the summer of 2008, when the Spanish PV boom was at its height (UNEP, 2012).

As availability of fossil fuel is diminishing due to over-dependence in its use apart from its effects on ozone layer depletion, it is convinced that solar energy can contribute significantly to addressing the current challenges in energy and climate change. There is a notable growing need for countries to reduce their emissions and achieve greater energy independence while facing increasing volatility in fossil fuel prices, significant increase in energy demand and CO₂ emissions in emerging countries and decreased nuclear generation in the energy mix of developed and developing countries. Many if not all day-to-day useful gadgets such as fans, water dispensers, among others should function on the solar energy. Actually, solar DC-powered fan is more convenient compared to other types, like kitchen exhaust, window, and pedestal fans because of its portability.

There are two primary types of fans, namely; centrifugal and axial (U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2003). The table fan under consideration is an axial type meant to be powered with a DC source from a solar panel with a 12V battery backup. A typical fan system consists of a fan, an electric motor, a drive system, duct  or piping and flow control devices (Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2003). Fan design is a compromise between the various fan parameters that affect fan efficiency. The capacity is directly proportional to the fan speed; the pressure (static, total, or velocity) is proportional to the square of the fan speed; and the power required is proportional to the cube of the fan speed (BASF, 2006).There The aim of this work therefore is to design an energy efficient 25 watt single user solar table fan that will run for maximum of 6 hours, improves on the performance of previous ones and which can be sustained by the available technology in Nigeria and also meets up ASHRAE recommended thermal comfort range of 50 – 100cfm for fans. This aim is achieved by creating design ideas on the product (solar fan) through product design specifications that could enhance better lifestyles and comfort of the user, designing a solar fan that meets safety requirements of the user in his environment; and modelling the design using an Autodesk Inventor Design tool. Hence, the design of this machine was carried out at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and should be able to deliver 85% efficiency and rotate at a tip speed of 500rpm. This machine has not been designed to run for a whole day (24 hours) but rather between 4-6 peaks working hours in the office. Also, it has not been manufactured /developed.

1.2                                                  PROBLEM STATEMENT

The world demand for electric energy is constantly increasing, and conventional energy resources are diminishing and are even threatened to be depleted. Moreover; their prices are rising. For these reasons, the need for alternative energy sources has become indispensable, and solar energy in particular has proved to be a very promising alternative because of its availability and pollution-free nature. Due to the increasing efficiencies and decreasing cost of photovoltaic cells and the improvement of the switching technology used for power conversion, our goal is to design an electric fan powered by PV panels and that could supply stand-alone power to the load (fan). Solar panels produce direct currents (DC), and to connect these panels to power the electric fan an electric motor, a drive system, duct  or piping and flow control devices (Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2003). Fan design is a compromise between the various fan parameters that affect fan efficiency. The capacity is directly proportional to the fan speed; the pressure (static, total, or velocity) is proportional to the square of the fan speed; and the power required is proportional to the cube of the fan speed (BASF, 2006).There The aim of this work therefore is to design an energy efficient 25 watt single user solar table fan that will run for maximum of 6 hours, improves on the performance of previous ones and which can be sustained by the available technology in Nigeria and also meets up ASHRAE recommended thermal comfort range of 50 – 100cfm for fans. This aim is achieved by creating design ideas on the product (solar fan) through product design specifications that could enhance better lifestyles and comfort of the user, designing a solar fan that meets safety requirements of the user in his environment; and modelling the design using an Autodesk Inventor Design tool. Hence, the design of this machine was carried out at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and should be able to deliver 85% efficiency and rotate at a tip speed of 500rpm. This machine has not been designed to run for a whole day (24 hours) but rather between 4-6 peaks working hours in the office. Also, it has not been manufactured /developed

1.3                                             OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The objective of the work is to design and construct a portable solar fan which is powered by photovoltaic panels generally mounted on the lighting structure or place on a table. The photovoltaic panels charge a rechargeable battery, which powers the fan during the night or power outage.

1.4                                         SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJCET

After knowing in detail what a solar fan is and how different useful it is to make appliances work at residential and industrial levels students should also know the advantages.

1. Solar energy has always helped in reducing global warming and green house effect.
2. Also use of solar energy helps in saving money many people have started using solar based devices

• Solar fan helps people who use limited amount of electricity.

• A mini solar fan is more environmentally friendly.

• Though initially the installation may be costlier, in the long term it would turn out to be cheaper because it does not use power from the utility grid and may provide savings up to 30 percent on air conditioning costs.

• Risk of electric accidents are eliminated as there are no electric cords attached to the solar fan.

1. A cordless appliance offers much more mobility compared to conventional fan. A mini solar fan is the best way and they are better than the normal electric ones. Also their maintenance does not cost much money
2. Mini solar fan is portable, as a result of this, it can be carried from one place to another.
   • LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT
3. Initially you need to shell out a lot of money for buying a solar panel, battery and fan.

1. It will work effectively and produce direct current only when the Sunlight is strong.
2. The solar panels that are used to attract Sunlight requires lots of space
3. The device can work efficiently only if the presence of the Sun is strong.
4. Solar fan can work when there is no Sunlight but provided their battery is fully charged with the help of Sunlight

1.6                                          APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

1. Cool Down your Room (and yourself)

Perfect for more moderate climates, electric fans are a very inexpensive way to cool almost any room in your home. They can also be quite refreshing, as they circulate cool air throughout the room.

Portable air circulators are some of the best options for this type of use, as they are easy to move from room to room. Be sure to pay attention to the size of the room you want to cool, as some kinds work better in large rooms than others.

2. Deal with smokers

Whether you’re dealing with a small kitchen mishap or your cigar-smoke, an electric fan can be a savior. Use your pedestal or table fan  to suck up the smoky air and blow it out an open window or door. Pointed in the right direction, it can act as an exhaust.

Once the room is cleared, turn it around to blow fresh air back into the room. You don’t even need smoke in the house for this trick – it works for any room that needs ventilating.

3. Sleep easier

It can be especially difficult to sleep on a warm summer night. Typically, you have to choose between the noisy air conditioner or the uncomfortable heat. A bedroom fan can be a great alternative, as it operates much quieter than an air conditioning unit and it significantly lowers room temperature.

In addition, the cool breeze can be relaxing while you try to fall asleep. Pedestal fans are usually the best type for the bedroom and the variety of remote controlled options available make these a great addition to your home. A Mini Fans are perfect for moderate bedroom cooling too, and installed over the bed, they’re quite effective.

4. Keep humidity in check

An electric air circulator can do more than just cool. Because they ventilate the room, maintaining proper humidty levels is easy. Too much humidity can damage your home. Blowing fresh air into the room can keep the humidity levels down in your home and keep indoor areas well-ventilated. The constant circulation of air helps keep the air in your home clean as well as dry. It’s a win-win all the way around.

5. Protect your bathroom

Keep bathroom moisture levels in check with an exhaust fan. Installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom protects the interior and keeps it looking new. It also helps keep paint from peeling, doors from warping and mold from accumulating on bathroom surfaces too.

The added circulation keeps the air dryer, and helps remove bathroom moisture generated from a hot shower. These bathroom exhaust fans  help control bathroom odors and room stuffiness too.

6. Accentuate your room

A solar fan can be so much more than a functional appliance; it can also add decorative charm to your living environment. Decorative fans come in a variety of shapes and sizes and accentuate just about any room in your home. The color variety can certainly add a refreshing change of pace from the traditional models. Best of all, they work just as well as standard fans.

1.7                                                         PROJECT ORGANISATION

The work is organized as follows: chapter one discuses the introductory part of the work,   chapter two presents the literature review of the study,  chapter three describes the methods applied,  chapter four discusses the results of the work, chapter five summarizes the research outcomes and the recommendations.