Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) systems behave in an extraordinary and useful way: they react to light by transforming part of the incoming photons into electricity. Since PV installations require no fuel to operate, produce no pollution while producing electricity, they require little maintenance and are modular. These unique properties make the technology a cost and energy-effective means of permitting a wide range of solar- electric applications. Thus, innovative design and manufacture of PV devices and equipment, offers a new vision for consumers and business as to how power can be provided.
One such application involves the design and manufacture of a Solar-Powered Floating Fountain, including a robust design of experiment, performance, cost and safety analyses, is presented in this thesis. The uniqueness of the fountain manufactured for this research is the capability for aeration of stagnant water bodies, such as lakes and ponds. Aeration of these water bodies by using solar power is not only a new application of the renewable energy, but also, it provides an affordable method to promote biodiversity in stagnant ponds and lakes. The fountain was built by the Research Center for Cutting-Edge Technologies (RECCET) and installed on a pond at Innovation Park, Tallahassee. The system is composed of two pumps, an air compressor, six solar panels, kit of batteries, a linear current booster, pressurized water tank and the float. Aeration was by exposing the water to air through the nozzles on the tank. By using this technique, the lake gained dissolved oxygen in the lowest layer, accomplishing the main objective of this project. Statistical analysis using a Split Plot design showed a significant uptake of both dissolved oxygen and destratification.
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