Collaborative Solar Canopy Design
McMichael School STEAM Curriculum
Sophia Frelke2, Katie Vaccaro3, Katherine Walker1, Joshua Stoner2, Karlie Primich3,
Reginald Pharaud1, Sofia Mendez3
Advisors: Dr. Kevin Scoles1, Debra Ruben3
1
Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2Mechanical Engineering, 3Architecture and Interiors
Overview
Structural
The McMichael Elementary and Middle School is located in Philadelphia’s Mantua Community. The McMichael schoolyard is undergoing
major renovations to improve its image and enhance the learning and recreation environment for students. It is being designed as a sustainable site that promotes STEAM learning and play.
Education
The canopy was modelled in Bentley RAM Elements. This software allows the user to apply loads, pick materials, and analyze the stresses
caused by the loads. The loads to be accounted for on this structure are caused by wind, snow, and weight. Multiple wind loading scenarios were analyzed. Materials and cross sections were chosen based on the highest stresses caused by the different loading scenarios.
As part of the project, Drexel’s Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Architecture & Interiors Departments
have collaborated to design a Solar Café. The café will have a Solar Canopy system that has been designed to produces 4 kW of peak DC
power as well as provide a shaded space for students and faculty to relax and continue the learning process.
Pergola
28
25
21
17
13
9
6
1
17.5 ft
-2
-6
-9
-13
-17
-21
Basic Canopy
Cantilever Canopy
Windmill Canopy
Final Design
Shading
Stress Distributions
This project integrates the solar canopy system into the STEAM curriculum through the use of a Solar Lesson. The objective of the lesson
is to teach students about the forms of energy the world uses, how
the panels on the Solar Canopy work, and then allows students to test
solar panels through a solar powered car activity.
The completed playground itself will generate an opportunity for
STEAM curriculum for learning. As a whole, the playground will become a sustainable teaching tool for students to experience and
engage in.
Solar Panels
(15)
Student Work
Panels
-24
-28
Member Stress
Legend
13.5 ft
There have been integrative educational opportunities with the students of McMichael throughout the design process for their school’s
new schoolyard.
Benches
Detailed Final Design
Electrical
Whenever shade is cast onto a solar panel it reduces the output power of that module. A shading analysis was performed to determine
how great an effect shading would have on the canopy system. Using an Iphone application, Solmetric iSV, the altitude and azimuth coordinates of all obstructions surrounding the site were collected and plotted onto a solar path diagram. The worst-case scenario was analyzed for December 21st, the day during which the sun has its lowest peak altitude and shortest amount of sunlight. During this day, array
shading will begin between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. This shading scenario will only be present during the months of November, December and
January.
Microinverters were used in this canopy system design. They were chosen to optimize the power output when shading is present. Microinverters allow for real-time, panel-level monitoring, enabling technicians to troubleshoot specific issues, and support installation of an energy
display in the school.The 15-panel design will produce a peak power of 4.13 kWdc and 6,730 kWh per year.
Canopy Site
Electricity From System (kWh)
December 21st Shadow Timestep
Sunpath Diagram
Single Line Diagram
Design
The Solar Cafe will have a south-facing solar array, integrated with digitally fabricated perforated panels that depict student artwork, will provide shade for
tables and seating and will involve the students of McMichael in the design process. The design of the Solar Cafe aims to serve as a transition from the school
to the new outdoor playground, serving as a collaborative learning space as well as a recreational spot to sit and relax.
Plan
Design and photo taken from Ben Volta’s website
Perspective View
Perspective View
Perspective View
Schoolyard Plan