HSE (Hydro and Soler Energy) Hybrid Multi-Purpose Charging Station

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

According to the 2016 Philippine Power Situation Report of the Department of Energy, the most common source of electricity are coal-powered plants which utilizes a non-renewable resource. The number of smartphone users in the Philippines was estimated at 30.4 million in 2017 and was expected to rise by 40 percent in the next year (Statista.com). Since electricity is included in the usage of fossil fuels, the use of fossil fuels will also increase. This investigatory project aimed to build a charging station that would utilize water and solar energy as alternative sources of electricity that could charge four Android mobile phones or Android tablets, power banks, rechargeable mini fans, AA batteries, and an emergency light.

METHODS

The body of the device was made from blue and white acrylic plastic sheets. Two LED light bulbs were placed at the firstand second racks that would automatically turn on when the light sensor detected that the surroundings are getting dim and vice-versa. Four USB charging ports were mounted in the front of the device. An ATX2 microcontroller was stationed inside the emergency light's shelf together with AA charging tool. Pipes were stationed between the valve, crossflow turbine and vortex turbine for water to flow and turbines to generate electricity. Solar panels were placed at the top of the charging station. Solar panelsand generators were connected to the power bank. Thirty trials were conducted to test the functionality of each part. Percentage and One-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Several tests were conducted such as: a. functionality of charging ports to ensure that these charge several devices; b. sensitivity of sensors and actuators to ensure that they worked as they were programmed; c. functionality of solar panels; d. functionality of solar panel C in supplying power to the emergency light; e. functionality of AA battery charging tool, and; f. the overall function of the charging station. Each test resulted into 100% functionality. The calculated F of 3.220354 and p-value of 0.06 with a level of significance of 0.05 indicated that there was no significant difference between the number of gadgets being charged using HSE and wall outlet, and the time needed to charge 300 mA of power on gadgets.

DISCUSSIONS

It was concluded that the device works using water and solar energy as sources of electricity. Therefore, HSE can significantly contribute to energy conservation since water can be reused to generate electricity.