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A Team-based ECET Capstone Project: Design and Implementation of a Solar Insolation Measurement System

Abstract

This paper describes an example of the successful design and implementation of a Portable Self- powered Solar Insolation Measurement System. The project was designed and implemented by a team of three students. Furthermore, the paper explores synthesis of student learning in terms of enhancing their team work, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. DeVry University’s Electronics Engineering Technology/Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program senior project is a four-session course sequence in which students synthesize knowledge and skills learned in the previous courses. In the first course (ECET-390, Product Development: 8-Week session) students research, plan and develop a project proposal. And in the next three senior project courses (ECET-492, ECET-493 & ECET-494: three 8-Week sessions) students implement a project plan by building and testing a prototype. The format of paper (sections II- XIV) parallels the required written report format of the capstone course at DeVry University.

DeVry University’s Senior Project Capstone Course Sequence

DeVry University’s Electronics Engineering Technology/Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program senior project is a four 8-Week sessions course sequence in which students synthesize knowledge and skills learnt in the previous courses. In the first course (ECET-390, Product Development) students from Electronics and Computer programs are asked to form teams, and then required to research, plan and develop a project proposal. And in the next three senior project courses (ECET-492, ECET-493 & ECET-494: 24 Weeks) students implement the project plan by building and testing a prototype. A typical project involves a solution to a software/hardware-based engineering problem. The process of developing and implementing a solution to the problem offers a unique learning opportunity for students to gain new insights and competencies and their team work, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

Overview of Solar Insolation Measurement System

Solar insolation is the amount of electromagnetic energy (solar radiation) incident on the surface of the earth, in other words, how much sunlight is shining down on a given area of earth1. It is the most important factor when planning to install a solar electric power system. Knowing the solar insolation level of particular regions, system designers can determine which location is the most appropriate for a solar power station and the size of the solar collectors required2. Solar insolation values are generally expressed in W/m2: the amount of solar energy that falls on a square meter of the earth's surface. Wind speed also plays an important role in solar power systems. Since cooling makes solar cells more efficient.

Problem Identification

The problems associated with the majority of solar insolation measurement systems available on the market are their high cost, large size, and lack of portability. In addition, these industrial

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Khan, A., & Zlatkova, V., & Mohammed, A., & Walid, A. (2010, June), A Team Based Ecet Capstone Project: Design And Implementation Of A Solar Insolation Measurement System Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16999