My entry for the Fibonacci Design Challenge: A Weather Buoy powered by perovskite solar cells.
Note: This was my first time using xStudio, and for some reason, the model didn’t display the circular ring after importing. I tried multiple times but couldn’t resolve the issue. I apologize for the incomplete entry with xStudio and appreciate the opportunity to participate with the limited time I had.
What’s a weather buoy?
A weather buoy is a critical tool for monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, providing essential data for weather forecasting and climate research.
What is a perovskite solar cell?
My SOLIDWORKS model includes perovskite solar cells, which are considered a game changer in renewable energy. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, perovskite cells are:
- Lightweight and flexible, making them adaptable to various surfaces.
- Highly efficient, even under low-light or diffuse light conditions.
- Cost-effective, due to simpler manufacturing processes compared to silicon cells.
Perovskite technology is being heavily researched globally because it holds the potential to revolutionize solar energy systems by overcoming many of the limitations of traditional solar panels. This innovation aligns perfectly with the buoy’s remote, marine-based energy needs, ensuring continuous operation with minimal environmental impact.
What Inspired Me:
I have always been passionate about working on SolidWorks projects to raise awareness about climate change and sustainability. I wanted to create a design that combines technology with environmental impact. Integrating perovskite solar cells with a Fibonacci-inspired arrangement demonstrates how engineering can mimic nature to achieve both functionality and aesthetics.
Tools and Techniques Used:
- SolidWorks Features: Sketch tools, circular pattern, and manual placement of solar cells following the Fibonacci golden ratio angle (137.5°).
- Fibonacci Sequence: Applied in vertical offsets and rotational placement of solar cells for optimized sunlight capture and aesthetic design.
Perovskite Solar Cell Integration: Designed panels to reflect their lightweight and flexible properties while emphasizing their potential as a sustainable energy source.
Vertical Offsets for Solar Cells
The vertical placement of the solar cells was based on the Fibonacci sequence, scaled by a factor of 100mm for practical implementation. The unscaled Fibonacci numbers used were: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8. Each number represents the increment between successive solar cells.
The table below shows the calculated heights of the six solar cells from the bottom of the cylinder:
And here's the final render in xStudio (apologies again for the unacceptable entry). I wish I could dedicate more time to such an amazing challenge.
Fibonacci Challenge
