Integration and Test Stage

Activities:

  • Weekly meetings with Faculty Mentor and Client
  • Write Arduino Code - Programming microcontroller to take in electrical parameters and produce digital waveform to control switching component of boost converter
  • Research existing Arduino libraries for PID controller
  • Research existing boost converter topologies for part numbers

Milestones:

  • Department of Energy Report First Draft - First draft of complete Mechanical and Electrical components of the project delivered to client on March 28, 2017.
  • Department of Energy Report Second Draft - Second draft of complete Mechanical and Electrical components of the project delivered to client on March 31, 2017.
  • Department of Energy Report Final Draft - Final draft of complete Mechanical and Electrical components of the project delivered to client and the Department of Energy on April 5, 2017.
  • Complete Rectifier Board - delivered to client on April 4, 2017.
  • Complete Boost Converter Board - delivered to client on April 14, 2017.
  • Collegiate Wind Competition - Team members attend Department of Energy competition in Colorado to demonstrate functionality of wind turbine and its electrical components on April 20-22, 2017.
    See results here.
  • Class Presentation - Practice presentation detailing progression of capstone project to class in preparation of UGRADS presentation on April 25, 2017.
  • UGRADS Presentation - Undergraduate Symposium presentation to audience of varying backgrounds on April 28, 2017.
  • Final Client Status Report - Comprehensive report detailing progress made by team during current stage. Submitted to client on May 5, 2017.

Tools:

  • Arduino Software IDE to compile microcontroller algorithm
  • Soldering Station

Design Decisions:

  • Rectifier board - requested by client on March 31, 2017.

Design Work:

  • Rectifier Board
  • Boost Converter Prototype
  • Boost Converter Final

Testing:

  • DROK LTC 1781 Boost Converter - Testing successful.
  • DROK LTC 1871 Boost Converter - Testing successful.
  • Linear LT 8705 Buck-Boost Converter - Testing successful.
  • SiC Schottky Diodes - Testing unsuccessful. Diodes purchased are not compatible with board and were unable to be tested. Different packages purchased.
  • New Schottky Diodes - Testing successful.
  • MOSFETs - Testing successful.
  • IXYS FUS45-0045 AC-DC Rectifier - Testing successful. Rectifier experienced smaller losses and higher efficiency than rectifier built with six Schottky diodes.
  • Arduino Leonardo - Testing successful. Arduino code can be edited and changes in code are reflected in LED outputs

Challenges:

  • Discrepancies in expectations from Faculty Mentor and Client
  • Determining best team member to attend Collegiate Wind Competition due to restricted number of people that could attend