SOWLR GIRAFFE
Community Partner and Project Advisors: Mr. David Cohen (The Center for Contemporary Environmental Art) Dr. Jack McGourty (Columbia University) Ms. Naomi Klinghoffer (Columbia University) Dr. Jose Sanchez (Columbia University) SOWLR POWER: Kasey Strawbridge, Tehrem Rehman, Roisin O’Toole, Harry Liu, Kapil Wattamwar
Client Objectives Portable solar power unit Interactive and fun classroom-based instruction on environmental sustainability Educational tool Advertise product to New York City public school educators and board members
Formal Problem Statement Unit will: Convert solar energy to alternating current Power a small appliance (ie. Laptop) Educate New York City children about sustainable energy via demonstration Be compact and portable Be durable
Market Identification Target: NYC public schools Grades K-12 Buyers: Principals and Board Members Users: Teachers and Students
Market Size: 1600 public schools within NYC Department of Education Intention: To educate future generations on alternative energy solutions Not to replace schools’ energy means
Market Research Only 0.07% of total energy consumption in U.S. from solar energy However, steady increase in total renewable energy consumption Creates jobs Financial incentives
NYSERDA’s Energy Smart Students Program Source: United States EIA “Renewable Energy Consumption and Electricity Preliminary Statistics” 2008 report http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/alternate/p age/renew_energy_consump/rea_prerep ort.html
Design Constraints Generates 180 watts of power Can be moved by fewer than 3 people Fit through varying window sizes 3 feet wide; 6 inch clearing
Costs at most $1200 Child-friendly and weatherproof
Initial Design
Final Design
Design Specifications Number of distinct parts: 6 Solar Panel: 65 W 51.8” x 13.5” x 1.6” Power output warranty: 25 years
Vertical Telescopic Tube: Min Ext. 1’, Max Ext. 4’ Horizontal Telescopic Tube: Min Ext. 6”, Max Ext. 24”
Estimated force to roll cart: 18 lbs Estimated force to raise rod on cart: 13.4 lbs Wheels: 330 lbs static load capacity Diameter=4”
Aluminum box: 24” x 12” x 12” Instruction Manual included
Manufacturing Total manufacturing cost≈$1100 Suppliers of major components: Solarland: SOL6512S Skinny Solar Panel 65 W Ridgerock: 300 Watt Power Inverter Harco: Extendable Neck Vertical/Horizontal Telescopic Metal Tubes US Battery: 12 Volt Sealed AGM Renewable Energy Battery Eco Direct: Morningstar Charge Controller 6 Amp, 12 Volt Unirac: Solar panel pole mount Tente: Swivel Caster with Wheel Brake China Wholesale Supplier: Aluminum Storage Box
Alternative Solutions Initial Design
Dual panel system-more wattage flow Hinged panels-adjustable panel position Horizontal neck rotates 180o
Unit similar to an air conditioner
Fits inside the window However, limited portability and power output
Cart with detachable solar unit
Solar unit sits on windowsill Eliminates need for long horizontal neck
Branding Strategy Competing Products: Educational Solar Kits Smaller scale Less powerful Fewer practical applications
Our Product: Solar Giraffe Larger scale Harvests enough energy to power a laptop Visual appeal to children and educators
Acknowledgements Mr. David Cohen Dr. Jack McGourty Ms. Naomi Klinghoffer Mr. Jose Sanchez
Client Objectives Portable solar power unit Interactive and fun classroom-based instruction on environmental sustainability Educational tool Advertise product to New York City public school educators and board members
Formal Problem Statement Unit will: Convert solar energy to alternating current Power a small appliance (ie. Laptop) Educate New York City children about sustainable energy via demonstration Be compact and portable Be durable
Market Identification Target: NYC public schools Grades K-12 Buyers: Principals and Board Members Users: Teachers and Students
Market Size: 1600 public schools within NYC Department of Education Intention: To educate future generations on alternative energy solutions Not to replace schools’ energy means
Market Research Only 0.07% of total energy consumption in U.S. from solar energy However, steady increase in total renewable energy consumption Creates jobs Financial incentives
NYSERDA’s Energy Smart Students Program Source: United States EIA “Renewable Energy Consumption and Electricity Preliminary Statistics” 2008 report http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/alternate/p age/renew_energy_consump/rea_prerep ort.html
Design Constraints Generates 180 watts of power Can be moved by fewer than 3 people Fit through varying window sizes 3 feet wide; 6 inch clearing
Costs at most $1200 Child-friendly and weatherproof
Initial Design
Final Design
Design Specifications Number of distinct parts: 6 Solar Panel: 65 W 51.8” x 13.5” x 1.6” Power output warranty: 25 years
Vertical Telescopic Tube: Min Ext. 1’, Max Ext. 4’ Horizontal Telescopic Tube: Min Ext. 6”, Max Ext. 24”
Estimated force to roll cart: 18 lbs Estimated force to raise rod on cart: 13.4 lbs Wheels: 330 lbs static load capacity Diameter=4”
Aluminum box: 24” x 12” x 12” Instruction Manual included
Manufacturing Total manufacturing cost≈$1100 Suppliers of major components: Solarland: SOL6512S Skinny Solar Panel 65 W Ridgerock: 300 Watt Power Inverter Harco: Extendable Neck Vertical/Horizontal Telescopic Metal Tubes US Battery: 12 Volt Sealed AGM Renewable Energy Battery Eco Direct: Morningstar Charge Controller 6 Amp, 12 Volt Unirac: Solar panel pole mount Tente: Swivel Caster with Wheel Brake China Wholesale Supplier: Aluminum Storage Box
Alternative Solutions Initial Design
Dual panel system-more wattage flow Hinged panels-adjustable panel position Horizontal neck rotates 180o
Unit similar to an air conditioner
Fits inside the window However, limited portability and power output
Cart with detachable solar unit
Solar unit sits on windowsill Eliminates need for long horizontal neck
Branding Strategy Competing Products: Educational Solar Kits Smaller scale Less powerful Fewer practical applications
Our Product: Solar Giraffe Larger scale Harvests enough energy to power a laptop Visual appeal to children and educators
Acknowledgements Mr. David Cohen Dr. Jack McGourty Ms. Naomi Klinghoffer Mr. Jose Sanchez
