Solar Projects on Campus
Solar Energy Demonstration Area
SEDA was originally
established to support the solar design courses offered in Environmental Science
and Technology at MTSU. Being completed in phases, the first phase was
completed in April 1999 with emphasis on passive heating, domestic water
heating, and photovoltaics. Keeping the emphasis on education, future plans
include the addition of solar arrays to support fluorescent lights and other
small equipment which would simulate a cottage off the grid. Many of the
additions to the demo area are made possible through class projects.
Located across from campus
on Rutherford Boulevard, SEDA was created by and is supported by the Tennessee Solar Energy
Association. [ Photos ] [ TSEA
]
Solar Bike
Projects...1999 - present
1999
An S-Class solar bike designed and built by team members
under the direction of Ken Sergeant, Engineering Technology and Industrial
Studies (ETIS), participated in Solar BikeRayce USA in 1999. A three-wheel
design without pedals, it used solar panels, an electric motor, and lead-acid
batteries. Among the supporters of the project were -
MTSU Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Tennessee Solar Energy Association
Siemens Building Technologies
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Colbert Manufacturing Co.
MTSU Center for Energy Efficiency
MTSU Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence
And many Rayce Array supporters
In 2000, the Rayce Array placed 1st in the S-Class in Solar BikeRayce 2000.
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2000 Rayce Array |
| Solar panels- 2 Siemens SM-55, 17.4 V, 55 W High efficiency single crystal solar modules (in series) | Motor- Scott, 1 horsepower continuous (3.5 intermittent), permanent magnetic motor |
| Chassis- Space frame (two-force members) of steel tubing (3/8", 1/2", and 3/4") with braze welded joints, designed and fabricated in house | Motor Controller- Curtis 24-36 VDC |
| Wheels and Tires- 12 inch Jr. Dragster wheels with bicycle tires | Batteries- 2 Trojan 22NF, 12 V |
| Brakes- Hydraulic disk on front wheels only | Drive train- Single reduction, #35 roller chain and sprockets |
|
Length- 84 inches / |
Seat- Polyurethane foam, form fitted and custom molded |
| Weight- Frame……39.75 pounds | Shell- Polyester fabric used for model airplanes |
| Total weight…… 176.5 pounds | Ground clearance-…2 inches |
In 2001, with a totally new design, the team participated with the Solar Raycer in Solar BikeRayce 2001.
| 2001 Sponsors | |
| MTSU Engineering Technology & Industrial Studies | Siemens Building Technologies |
| MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences | The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Chapter #43 |
| MTSU Center for Energy Efficiency | The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Middle Tennessee Chapter |
| MTSU Academic Affairs | Tennessee Solar Energy Association |
| Edison Automation | Murfreesboro Outdoor & Bicycle |
| Kathryn McCoy | And many Solar Raycer friends |
2002 - Raider Raycer finished 3rd.
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For more information, contact sergeant@mtsu.edu or lhardymo@mtsu.edu
[ Photos, on display at local school.] [ More pictures] [ See also Community, Outreach Activities ] [ Solar BikeRayce USA ]