VENTURE: Dynamic Photovoltaics

Posted on 25. Feb, 2009 by Charles Tsai in E-Ventures, Environment, Tech-Ventures, Technology

Eden Full, 16, Canada – Harvesting solar energy can be a costly enterprise but Dynamic Photovoltaics is making it more affordable by developing the first cost-effective solar panel tracking system capable of accurate movement. That means the panels can track the sun throughout the day for maximum performance.

Not only is the system easy to operate, it is made of commonly found affordable materials.

This project is the first of its kind to be able to achieve this kind of accessibility for different audiences, whether it be mass energy farms or a local village in a developing country.

Being constructed from common materials with minimal maintenance required, this project is financially viable for energy collection in developing countries.

It is also easy to calibrate and use, thus allowing anybody capable of reading basic instructions to be able to repair and correct it, without a specialized education in electrical engineering.

Goals:

Develop a more effective solution that improves upon the current Dynamic Photovoltaics prototype. This will increase the power output, making the system more efficient.
Establish a pilot site.
Increase awareness of the project.
Gather more financial and social support from academic, commercial, non-profit and private organizations.

Dynamic Photovoltaics uses bimetallic thermal expansion and hydraulic restrictor control to limit the rotational movement of a solar panel when following sunlight.