Date

2001

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Science & Environmental Policy

Abstract

olar power has the potential to provide a limitless and cleaner form of enegy than everyday "throw away" (alkaline, lithium, Nickel Cadmium, etc.) batteries. The goal of this project was to determine whether or not solar cells could provide an effective alternative to batteries as a power source for shallow underwater scientific instrumentation. This was achieved by reseaching the most appropriate types of solar cells available, and then testing their capabilities both on land and below the ocean. The solar cells used seem to be an expensive and highly limited option. The 37mmx33mm solar cells I used can provide 5.5V with 0.275mA current at a depth no greater than 10 feet, midday. The circuits using solar cells in conjunction with capacitors do not seem economical when comparing with batteries to power the same small dataloggers. Pros and cons of solar power are discussed along with further research ideas aligned with this topic.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.S.) Earth Systems Science & Policy Institute

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