Sheffield Hallam University Preparatory year

(Produced by: The Sheffield College, Engineering Academy)

Engineering Investigations 55-301366

CW2 Referral/Deferral Work

LED

Control electronics
Solar Panel

Light level sensor:

Task 2:

Solar panel:

 Function:
Solar panels collect solar radiation from the sun and actively convert that energy to electricity.

 Operating principles:
The energy generated from photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be
knocked out of their orbits and released, and electric fields in the solar cells pull these free electrons in a
directional current, from which metal contacts in the solar cell can generate electricity.

 Characteristics (things that affects the way it is used):

The intensity of the sunlight.
The thickness of air
Cell temperature, the difference from ambient air temperature.
Pitch and orientation; the angle to which the solar panel is placed can affect the efficiency.

LED:

 Function:
LEDs emits visible light when an electric current pass through it.
  Operating functions:
When a current is applied to the leads, electrons are able to recombine with electron holes within the
device, releasing light energy.

 Characteristics:
Allows current to flow in one direction only.
Different material of LED causes a different emitting colour of the LED.

Light level sensor:

 Function:
Light level sensors optimise energy efficiency by dimming or disabling lights depending on the light
outside.

 Operating function:
The light sensors include wall, ceiling and external mounted sensors with a 0-10V output plus a
combined light level and occupancy sensor with a relay output suitable for controlling internal lights.

 Characteristics:
Brightness level
Battery charge level

The control electronics:

 Function:
Control electronics Incorporates communication between various system inputs and outputs related to
lighting control with the use of one or more central computing devices. A control system manages,
commands, directs, or regulates the behaviour of other devices or systems using control loops.

 Operating principles:
Detects the inputs and makes an output relative to the input and the function of the system. Control
electronics uses control loops which monitors the process regularly to make sure everything is working
well.

 Characteristics:
The inputs
How big the control system is
The purpose of the system

Task 3:

Copper

The properties of copper include, good electrical and thermal conductivity. It is also corrosion resistant, this
means that it can withstand damage caused by oxidation. Furthermore, it is very ductile (which means that it can
withstand high tensile stress). Plus, it is tough. Copper is also non-magnetic and very malleable, and it is
recyclable.

Mostly, copper is used for wiring and motors because it conducts both heat and electricity very well and can be
drawn into wires. Furthermore, other electrical applications, includes computer technology, televisions, mobile
phones and portable electronic devices. Within those devices you’ll see copper in micro-chips, more wiring,
electromagnets and semi-conductors. As well as this, copper is seen in transformers and all telecom wiring.
Other uses of copper also include coins for money, door knobs, locks and hinges.

Aluminium
The properties of aluminium include being a very light weight metal, this can be beneficial as it can cause less
energy consumption. In relation to its weight, aluminium is twice as good as an electrical and thermal conductor
to copper. It is also very ductile and has a low melting point and density, and recyclable like copper.

Due to aluminium being so light and cheap aluminium is the preferred metal used in electrical transmissions. All
high and medium voltage overhead wiring is made by aluminium, as well as all low and medium underground
cables. Other uses of aluminium include, tin cans, foils and aeroplane parts.

Task 4:

Glass

Glass is a common insulator, this is because it has very high resistivity, a low coefficient of thermal expansion
which means that the material won’t change in shape much due to a change in temperature. As it is transparent,
impurities can be easily detected inside the glass insulator body.

Glass is used in power transmission and power lines. Furthermore, glass is also used in fibre optic cables to
carry information. Glass is also used in flasks due to being a really good insulator, as well as cups and beakers
due to having a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Plastics have low thermal and electrical conductivity, hence why it is a good insulator. Plastics also have a high
resistance to corrosion and chemicals. Plus, it has a high strength to weight ratio, great durability and high
resistance to shock.

Uses of plastics include, wrapping wires, for example, electrical tape. Styrofoam cups are made from plastics and
is a very good insulator. Acrylic is a plastic that is used for car light covers, this is because of its insulation
properties. Polyamide is used for cable ties due to its insulating properties.

Refrences:

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-main-purpose-of-solar-panels-How-do-they-work

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/howsolarpowerpanelswork.php

https://www.livescience.com/41995-how-do-solar-panels-work.html

https://www.pursolaraz.com/solar/what-affects-solar-panel-efficiency/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/light-emitting-diode-LED

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_8.html

www.emersonclimate.com/asia/en-AP/Products/.../sensors.../LightLevelSensors.aspx

www.sstsensing.com/how-does-a-liquid-level-switch-work/

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/systems/electronic-system.html

copperalliance.org.uk/education-and-careers/.../copper-properties-and-applications
https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1446

www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/13/aluminium

https://www.electrical4u.com/electrical-insulator-insulating-material-porcelain-glass-poly...

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