Array direct is definitely better as Stephen points out, and I've built
units that run a fan other visibly moving device. Definitely don't want
to roof mount the module, as others pointed out, you want the kids to be
able to experiment with angles and shading. Throwing in some analog
meters for current and voltage is usually a good idea too.
Keep it to 12 v, and forget about NEC, the kids want to see the complete
circuit. Array direct with a 10 to 20 watt module doesn't even need a
fuse (its only about an amp)
I've also used board mounted european screw lug connectors, and then had
the kids strip wires and tighten the connections with a screw driver.
For that age group, you'd be surprised how capable some of them are, and
also how short an attention span others have.....I keep a loose
curiculum plan, so that I can adjust the demonstration to the kids that
day. Less attention, then we skip the wiring, for example.
Ray
On 12/12/2012 8:39 AM, Stephen Kane wrote:
Jason,
Similar to Karl's suggestion, we have built a few education systems with a
small PV module direct to a 12 VDC bilge/sump pump like the Rule models
(with some fusing and disconnecting means of course).
Showing movement of water when the module is in clear sun vs partially or
completely shading the module seems like an effective way to demonstrate to
kids how solar works with a direct load.
The whole setup is pretty simple and affordable.
Stephen Kane
Kane Solar
Lyons, CO
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 7:58 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Small PV system/experiment for kids
This is for older kids, but may help. I did a project for a 7th - 10th
grade science class. The school wanted one module and batteries, but I
talked them out of any batteries, and they went with a small awning mount
array and grid tied it with weather station, temp and irradiance meters
along with monitoring. I created a small week long curriculum for the
teachers and walked them through the system using that curriculum. Might be
a little more than you're looking for...
Jesse
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Jason,
When I was in fifth grade I built a little PV project. It consisted of a
very small module (smaller than a dollar bill) and a tiny dc motor mounted
in a box with string hooked up to it, and some weights. I demonstrated how
shading and irradiance levels affect how much weight the motor could lift. I
received an 'A'.
Karl Jaeger
LightWave Solar Electric
On Dec 12, 2012, at 8:08 AM, Jason Szumlanski <ja...@fafcosolar.com> wrote:
I have been approached by a local elementary school to develop a very
small PV related experiment or system that is appropriate for children aged
9-11. Not having kids myself, I have no idea where to start with this. They
are fine with mounting a PV panel on the roof, wall, or ground. They want
something interesting and/or interactive that the students can monitor over
time.
Has anyone done something like this that would be suitable?
Jason Szumlanski
Fafco Solar
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
