Heat-Responsive Sunshade in Producing Electricity for Charging Mobile Phones

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Renewable energy is not an entirely new concept, but it continues to emerge rapidly as an alternative to fossil fuels and other harmful energy sources. Products are being created on an unprecedented scale, and various systems are available for use. Solar technologies are extremely promising with ever-increasing energy output efficiency and the capability to be used in a variety of locations.

METHODS

The study used single group design to measure the time of the sunshade exposure and the current and voltage produced. The data were gathered using a multimeter, directly connected to the circuit in the sunshade. Pearson R Correlation Coefficient was used for statistical treatment since it deals with measuring the degree of linear relationship between two variables whether positive or negative, showing the effects of different lengths of time exposure of the sunshade to the produced voltage and current of the sunshade.

RESULTS

The data obtained showed the voltage and current will reach a specific range of value during the time under the sun. Though after a while, the voltage and the current will decrease due to the melting ice, resulting to a thermal equilibrium where the Seebeck effect does not apply. Using Pearson R Correlation Coefficient, data showed that there is a very small positive correlation between the time of sun exposure and the output voltage --result that is the same with the current during their 12.5-minute experimental period. This correlation proves that the length of time of sun exposure has a negligible impact on the voltage and current produced. Nevertheless, the values are enough to make a boost converter work and charge a mobile phone.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of the study suggest that the sunshade is an effective source of electricity for charging small-scale devices, producing energy sufficient for charging a mobile phone. At some standards though, the voltage and current are low and that the input is higher than the output energy, errors which make way for future improvements.