Notre-Dame University
Faculty of Engineering
ENG 200, Introduction to Engineering
Assignment 1
Solar-Powered Power Bank
Instructor: Dr. Semaan Georges
Students’ names: Vidyoud Wallakka Lokuge
Johnny Chawki Lahoud
Michel Jamil Toufic
Needs Analysis:
The solar panel power bank project aims to fulfill various needs, primarily focusing on energy
independence, environmental impact, accessibility, and portability. It strives to provide a
sustainable and convenient solution for charging electronic devices, especially in outdoor settings
or during power outages. Users require a portable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly power source
that captures and stores solar energy efficiently. Durability, longevity, and ease of use are crucial
for a reliable user experience. Furthermore, the project caters to users seeking backup power for
emergencies. Ultimately, the project's core objectives are to reduce reliance on traditional
electricity sources, minimize environmental impact, and offer a convenient and affordable
renewable energy solution.
Problem Definition:
Our primary objective is to develop an affordable homemade solar panel power bank prototype by
the end of December, meeting the client's cost-effective requirements. Effective teamwork and
collaboration are paramount, ensuring seamless integration of our components for a reliable and
competitively priced solar power bank.
Our approach starts with thorough research into solar power bank technologies, best practices, and
cost-effective materials. This phase aims to identify innovative solutions, components, and design
principles guiding our prototype's development. Simultaneously, we analyze the availability of
cost-effective materials, considering the client's budget constraints, with comprehensive market
price analysis. Next, we conduct feasibility studies to assess technical and economic viability,
helping us set realistic goals and refine our project scope. We also consider the environmental
impact to align with sustainability goals, given the growing emphasis on eco-friendly solutions.
Through continuous collaboration within our team, we allocate roles and responsibilities,
leveraging each member's expertise.
Our project management includes regular progress monitoring and problem-solving. In summary,
our approach focuses on comprehensive research, cost-effectiveness, feasibility analysis, and
sustainability. Effective team coordination and a well-structured project plan are crucial to
efficiently achieve our objectives within the specified timeline.
Research and Preparation:
Solar energy plays a crucial role in the effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and combat
climate change, safeguarding both human and environmental well-being. Additionally, solar
energy has the potential to enhance air quality and decrease water consumption in energy
generation. According to the research, the expansion of solar energy may necessitate up to 5.7
million acres of land, equivalent to roughly 0.3% of the contiguous United States, by the year 2035
(Office of ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGY, 2022). “Solar panel prices have
dropped significantly in the first two months of 2023. Experts predict significant price drops of
10% annually for the next ten years.” (Solar Emporium, 2023). A Chinese company going by the
name “TEDATATA” produces some of the most affordable tech products on the market, however,
reliability, customer service, and quality is not usually their main traits. They have produced a
20,000 mAh power bank that is powered by a singular 70 mAh solar panel. It also contains 6 bright
LED beads for practicality (Amazon, 2023). Although, this may seem the better product, the
client/clientele needs a product that is self-sustaining, requires minimum maintenance, and less
reliability on the grid for families, and people wanting to go out in the wilderness with the power
grid on their rearview mirror. This product can be customized to cater to the specific requirements
of individuals residing in households without consistent access to electricity.
For assembly:
We systematically install key components, starting with the chassis as the foundational structure.
It securely houses internal components and provides structural support. We attach foldable solar
panels (6 x 6V 180 mAh) (Amazon.in, 2023) strategically to maximize sunlight exposure when
unfolded, offering portability and flexibility. Batteries (5 x 2500 mAh 5V 2A) (Amazon.uk, 2023)
are carefully positioned within the chassis, connected to the solar panels and circuitry. The circuitry
includes charge controllers and power management systems, integrated into the chassis for
efficient energy flow management. Throughout the installation, precision and attention to detail
are maintained, ensuring a seamless, fully functional solar panel power bank aligned with our
project's objectives.
Conceptualization:
One of the major problems that may arise when this product is released is the efficiency of solar
panels. To address this issue, higher-quality solar panels and optimal tilt angle tests must be
conducted. As on the customers’ end, they must be able to keep the solar panel clean and
unscratched for maximum input. Another issue may arise in the batteries, however lithium-ion
batteries will be used which can last from 2 to 3 years. The solar power manager is brought from
an outside supplier with warranties, so the client responsible for the product will not have an issue
with defective materials.
The major parts of the system of components would include the solar panels, solar power manager,
rechargeable batteries, and battery display.
I.
II.
The goal is to have less people rely on the power grid for charging their devices and as a
result produce less harmful greenhouse gases by using less power. In the future, it is a
viable option to start making the switch to solar energy as it is a renewable resource and
will keep on evolving and becoming more efficient and affordable as time progresses.
Thus, the product can also evolve and become more profitable.
Timeline:
Week 1: Pickup equipment, machinery, materials, setup working space for production
Week 2: First couple prototypes are produced and to be inspected and agreed upon by client
or board.
Week 3: Once permission is granted, layout, cost, manufacturing, source of materials and
electronics will be chosen.
Week 4: Ready for mass production after factory is found or built, and product is ready to
hit the market.
o Design I use average materials such as PVC plastic, no extra circuitry and accessories such
as antenna signal booster, reflective material, 4400 mAh battery capacity, and 6 x 60mAh
Solar Panels…
o Design II uses a machined aluminum body for durability, reflective material, signal booster
built it, 10,000mAh battery capacity, and 6 x 180mAh solar panels.
Figure 1: 3D Render of the Final Design(aluminum) of the power bank with signal
extender antennas visible
Figure 2: Circuit Diagram of the Circuit Responsible for Input/Output of Power, excluding the
signal extender (requires complicated circuitry)
Design Criterion:
Positive
Originality
Practicability
Manufacturability
Reliability
Performance
Durability
Appearance
Profitability
Total
Negative
Production Cost
Operating Cost
Maintenance Cost
Time to complete
the project
Environmental
Impact
Total
Net Score:
I
Design I
R
4
5
5
5
5
4
4
5
2
3
2
3
3
2
2
3
8
15
10
15
15
8
8
15
94
3
3
3
4
4
4
3
3
12
15
15
20
20
16
15
15
128
5
4
3
5
2
2
3
2
10
8
9
10
3
3
2
3
15
12
6
15
5
4
20
4
20
RxI
Design II
R
RxI
57
68
37
60
The net score shows that the second design although costing more in production and operating
costs yields more benefit to the company. The higher quality and capacity of the second design
will also obtain better customer retention and loyalty to the brand while building a brand name that
is recognizable as a quality, and must have product.
Conclusion
To summarize, the design process assisted us in creating a product that would benefit the world as
it is powered by a renewable resource, but at the same time teach us about the importance of taking
certain steps when beginning such a journey. We were able to produce to research on existing
products instead of trying to use revolutionizing ideas, while wasting money. Then, we modified
it to our hypothetical clientele’s needs. Finally, we compared different methods of production and
design, which included weighing the disadvantages and advantages of both and giving each a net
score to see which one would work best. By immersing ourself in this process, we were able to get
a feel of a hands-on, real-world context. This strengthened our problem-solving skills and ability
to work in groups as engineers usually do.
References:
o Imagination, M. (2021). Make a DIY solar power bank that folds! Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgxu_lZoDxI&t=11s
o Is it still a good idea to get solar panels in 2023? (2023). Retrieved from
https://solaremporium.com.au/blog/is-it-still-a-good-idea-to-get-solar-panels-in-2023/
o Amazon, 2023. Electronic Spices Solar for DIY Square Shape Mini Solar Panel Alligator
Clip
Attached
Panel
6V-180
mAh.
Retrieved
from https://www.amazon.in/Electronicspices-Square-Alligator-Attached-6V180/dp/B084T3L1F2?th=1
o Solar Energy, wildlife, and the environment. Energy.gov. (n.d.).
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-wildlife-andenvironment#:~:text=As%20a%20renewable%20source%20of,water%20use%20from%2
0energy%20production.
o Amazon, 2023. CBJJ 14500 Rechargeable Batteries of 3.7V 2500mAh Battery for LED
Flashlight Lamp Doorbell. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/RechargeableBatteries-2500mAh/s?k=Rechargeable+Batteries+2500mAh