Joseph Goodman

Transformative Solar Panels: A Multidisciplinary Approach

This paper focuses on the applications of geometrically transformable and expandable structures with deployed “energy production” mode and retracted “wind shedding” mode to replace the fixed photovoltaic (PV) panels and racking systems currently used in buildings rooftop installations. The significance of this expandable geometric system relies on its embedded motion grammar, i.e. rotation and translation transformations, in the system. The research draws inspiration from reconfiguration of compound tree leaves in nature, and addresses issues of redesign and modeling challenges that led to digital fabrication of the prototype. Finally, the research studies the development of a multidisciplinary research from the distributed cognition point of view, and emphasizes on the role of an iterative creation, sharing and reflection method for the development of a common ground for a successful collaboration.

A Compound Analogical Design for Low Cost Solar Panel Systems

In support of the Department of Energy Sunshot initiative target of

Understanding the prototyping strategies of experienced designers

1.25 per watt photovoltaics systems for commercial applications, whole system designs were pursued using the analogical design methodology, an essential step in the bio inspired design approach. A functional decomposition of solar panel systems was conducted, and then key functions critical to system integrity and cost reduction were identified. Three sources of bio-inspiration were mainly used: hierarchical structures as a common design dimension exploited in natural systems, and leaves’ ability to maintain position through changes in shape and angle of attack when triggered by wind flow, and limpet shells’ reduction of hydrodynamic forces by way of natural geometrical features. The design team developed concepts with varying degrees of abstraction then attempted to reconcile them with other functional requirements. Variants that descended from the leaf concept were generally found to be biophilic and offer aesthetic value; however, presented shortcomings in electrical design and installation procedure (Kellert 2008). Alternatively, concepts inspired by hierarchical structures and limpet shells were found to have greater variability, enabling reconciliation with other functional requirements, resulting in a complete system solution capable of meeting the cost reduction objective. From the analysis of these design variants, we may conclude that transferring solution principles directly from nature is best done when there is small set of functional requirements that must be fulfilled and value in a biophilic design. However, in cases of significant system complexity, abstracted lessons from nature may be found to be more flexible and easily reconciled with multiple requirements.© 2012 ASME

A Biologically Inspired Design Approach for Low Cost Solar Panel Systems

Engineering students need to learn highly effective processes for pursuing difficult design problems that require highly innovative solutions. Few studies exist of highly successful expert design teams. The current paper presents the results from a multi-million dollar department of energy research project which reduced the racking hardware and mounting installation costs for commercial applications by more than 50%. This was an extremely challenging goal which was met. This study focuses on the prototyping processes of the team in order to determine effective approaches. Structured interviews with documentations of the prototypes were conducted. Results show the team while the team started with prototyping the complete system they often iterated at the component then integrating it into the complete system prototypes. The early tests of the prototypes tended to be less formal and the number of test increased with each prototype. The professional team also reverted to earlier versions and restarting their processes when a given design path was not successful.

A Case Study of Modeling and Simulation for Manufacturing, Installation, and Maintenance of Solar Power Systems

Biologically inspired design is the process of using biological systems as analogues to develop innovative solutions for engineering problems. This paper describes an effective and successful implementation of problem-driven biologically inspired design in a real-world problem. In support of the Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, a national collaborative effort to make solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of electricity by the end of the decade, solar panel designs were carried out by engineering and architectural design teams. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems were developed using analogical design, and more specifically, bio-inspired design. Some systems were also designed using non-biological analogues. Functional decompositions were employed as the first step in the design process, as a way to identify the key functions essential to the system’s reliability and cost effectiveness. Six key functions were identified. Analysis of the final designs by the teams showed that the solar panel system designs using biologically inspired analogues were more effective in meeting the six key functions identified during functional decomposition. Employing a combination of divergent and convergent design thinking is also discussed as a way for effective biologically inspired design. The top three designs selected for prototyping were biologically inspired and exceeded the project goal of reducing the installation and labor costs of solar PV systems by 50%.Copyright

Numerical Study of Wind Loads on Residential Roof-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Arrays

Solar power systems are becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that solar power can offer time and money saving solutions for off-grid and grid-connected homes, cabins, and businesses with clean and affordable energy. However, there are still significant opportunities to reduce the cost of solar power systems by optimizing system design. We employ system modeling and simulation methods to compare a commercial rooftop solar system with a new concept for the same application, namely Mega Module system. In order to accomplish this, a solar power system’s lifecycle is divided into three phases, namely manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Specifically, a SysML-based conceptual model was first constructed, based on which, Arena simulation models were built for three phases of the two systems. Then, we performed input analysis on data collected onsite for the two systems, and output analysis of the theoretical seconds/watt of all three phases based on reasonable assumptions. The results of the simulation study indicate that although it increases the manufacturing time, the Mega Module system saves a significant amount of time in the installation phase and a relatively small amount of time in the maintenance phase, and thus can be more cost-effective in the long term. The case study further demonstrates the feasibility and potential to reduce costs of product-service systems by quick installation and optimization using system modeling and simulation methods.Copyright

System Life Cycle EvaluationSM (SLiCE): harmonizing water treatment systems with implementers' needs

Residential rooftops offer attractive options for solar arrays since it makes productive use of otherwise unused space and are co-located with residential demand. However, the current installation practice in the solar panel industry is based on code (ASCE-7) that is intended to estimate the design wind loads on buildings and roofs and is not intended to apply to roofmounted solar arrays. Conservative mounting approaches are likely to result in over designed and expensive mounting systems, while less conservative methods may jeopardize the integrity of the whole system and safety of the surrounding structure. One of the major challenges of producing affordable energy form solar photovoltaic arrays is the cost of the installation. Thus, understanding wind-induced aerodynamic loads in arrays of solar panels is an important part of designing appropriate mounting systems. This study addresses the wind load on a 1:12 scale model of a moderate (83.6 m 2 ) residential structure with a roof pitch of 26.5 o with two arrays of solar panels on one side. The wind angle is varied from 0 to 360 degrees to address front and back roof-mounted arrays. The flow is simulated using the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation and

Photovoltaic Panel Racking System

One of the methods proposed to improve access to clean drinking water is the mobile packaged water treatment system (MPWTS). The lack of published system performance comparisons combined with the diversity of technology available and intended operating conditions make it difficult for stakeholders to choose the system best suited for their application. MPWTS are often deployed in emergency situations, making selection of the appropriate system crucial to avoiding wasted resources and loss of life. Measurable critical-to-quality characteristics (CTQs) and a system selection tool for MPWTS were developed by utilizing relevant literature, including field studies, and implementing and comparing seven different MPWTS. The proposed System Life Cycle Evaluation (SLiCE) method uses these CTQs to evaluate the diversity in system performance and harmonize relevant performance with stakeholder preference via a selection tool. Agencies and field workers can use SLiCE results to inform and drive decision-making. The evaluation and selection tool also serves as a catalyst for communicating system performance, common design flaws, and stakeholder needs to system manufacturers. The SLiCE framework can be adopted into other emerging system technologies to communicate system performance over the life cycle of use.