environmental & intl. development portfolio
sunergy solar energy harvester
Principles of Engineering Project at Olin College
Timeframe: Fall 2008
Location: Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA (USA)
Key competencies: Assisting with the development of Sunergy's sensing and control algorithms, design of project deliverable website

As stated on sunergy.tk, “Sunergy is a next generation solar tracking energy harvester that sets itself apart through the use of two-axis solar tracking, which increases efficiency in energy harvesting up to 63% when compared to a stationary solar panel.  A sophisticated sensing and tracking algorithm ensures that the solar panel is always directed towards the sun, enabling maximum energy output. Sunergy uses a closed loop energy system, which powers all sensing, control and actuation mechanisms solely by means of the energy it has harvested from the sun. A number of innovative features, including day and night sensing and cloud-cover estimation allow the system to function autonomously with no need for manual operation. Sunergy’s sturdy and reliable mechanical design also minimizes the need for maintenance.


In the global push for renewable energy sources, Sunergy is providing solutions for solar power. Sunergy is a daughter project of Principles of Engineering (ENGR 2210). Principles of Engineering strives to educate engineers of the future by providing a project oriented learning experience. This experience should develop students’ ability to design, optimize, experiment, and simulate. Every daughter project of Principles of Engineering must contain a nontrivial electrical, software, and mechanical component. This requirement forces rising engineers to solve problems from a systems level perspective and to develop integration skills.”


For more information, please refer to the Sunergy website.

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