====== 21indepthsystemdesign ======

Lesson(s) in which students create and (mostly) finalize a plan for their system, incorporating work done in battery charging, panel building, and inverter lessons, as well as thinking about site and mounting specifics.  



Brianna's Quick Notes:
N-DEPTH SYSTEM DESIGN
So far, we've looked at everything individually
but really, it's all connected
What are the parts?  How do they connect?
OK,
DESIGN PROCESS
what are the specifications we need:
- this might be cost, functionality, security, size, locatability, etc.
- Size each piece of the system:
panels must be able to generate enough power
batteries must be able to store enough
inverter must be able to handle enough
whole thing must cost little enough
What else do we need to consider:  
site
  * shading
  * securing the panel
  * arrangement of panels: # of modules/ string, # of strings / module, within inverter's safe operating range.
  * grounding of frames
  * cable sizes
  * protection: fuses, dependent on # of strings, protection built into module (likely non existent in home made panels - but the bypass diodes might partly serve this purpose.
  * taking into account losses in wiring, from dirt
  * ease of installation and access for maintenance
what are the options for these
evaluate how they are on all the different fronts

At the moment I am not sure of what the structure of this lesson should be.
Maybe start each category with some constructed questions (how much power is lost with this size cable?) Then ask students what they could do to change that, then have them figure out what their project requires.  Any ideas of how to make this more creative would be appreciated.
===== Stage 0  | Background discussion and research =====


Put notes and thoughts below!  Consider both factual content and possible activities and design and discussion opportunities. Feel free to edit this page for a longer or better organized discussion, but if you just want to drop off a good link or small note, you can use this form:


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