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Table of Contents
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Systems Level Design Documents
Functional Decomposition
Systems Architecture
Benchmarking
Link to Benchmarking Excel Document: Benchmarking Excel File
Concept Development
Feasibility
Photovoltaic Components
Photovoltaic Cost Estimate
Subject Matter Expert Review
Subject matter expert Dr. Robert Stevens strongly advised against solar collectors that require solar tracking. Tracking mechanisms would be high risk to our project, requiring additional moving parts (more failure modes) and added costs. Furthermore tracking devices would likely not be easily repairable in Haiti, rendering the entire system essentially inoperable if a component in the tracker failed.
Dr. Stevens identified many pros and cons to each concept:
- Photovoltaic systems - although expensive and inefficient, are extremely reliable, simple, and long lasting.
- Evacuated tubes - provide excellent efficiency, are low cost, and are easily scalable though they may be too fragile to operate in Haiti.
- Flat plates - are typically very durable, reliable, and long lasting, though their ability to produce steam is questionable.
- Reflectors - provide excellent efficiency though often need tracking devices.
- Lenses are often fragile, are high maintenance, and require solar tracking.
As a subject matter expert Dr. Stevens seemed to favor reflectors and photovoltaic systems for this project.
Systems Design Review
Table of Contents
| MSD I & II | MSD I | MSD II |
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- Node updated 2014-12-12 00:50 by pjc1574