ST.

THEODORE PERPETUAL SCHOOL

S.Y. 2019-2020

PORTABLE SOLAR FAN

RESEARCHERS:

Anne Clodette L. Mendoza

Christian Dave M. Domingo

Jerssey Kylle B. Gregorio

Kristopher Orlando B. Jarlego

Leila Gwen B. Sangcada

Orvi Joseph S. Caballes

Ryle Kenyon S. Martin

DATE:

July 1, 2019

SUBMITTED TO:

Ms. Leah N. Tabarangao

TITLE PAGE i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

ABSTRACT iii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1-8

A. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1-6

B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 7

C. HYPOTHESIS 7

D. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 7

E. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS 8

F. DEFINITION OF TERMS 8

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 9-17

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 18

A. MATERIALS 18

B. PROCEDURE 18

CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION 19-24

CHAPTER V GENERALIZATION 25-26

CHAPTER VI RECOMMENDATION 27

BIBLIOGRAPHY 28

ii
 ABSTRACT

Portable Solar Fan covers on how rechargeable battery and solar panel would work as its

sources, and to know the advantages and disadvantages of it. Our study aims to produce a solar

powered fan that absorbs solar energy. Our study also aims to help the people who live in the

places who don’t have electricity. Our study also aims to produce a fan out of renewable energy

resources. We also aim to produce a cooling fan that is suitable for one user and is portable.

In order to perform this study the following materials are needed: 2 pieces USB

connector, 20000 mAh power bank, 5V mini rechargeable fan, 6V 3.8W solar panel, cutter pliers,

long nose pliers, Phillips screwdriver, ruler, soldering iron, and a soldering lead. To be able to

perform this study, first, open the mini rechargeable fan using a Phillips screwdriver. Hold the

USB connector. With the use of cutter pliers, cut the micro-USB and strip the wire. With the use

of long nose pliers, hold the stripped wire and combine it to the wirings of the battery, solder it

using soldering iron and soldering lead. Connect it on the positive and negative pole of the fan.

From the wirings of the solar panel, measure 12 inches of the wire then cut it using cutter pliers.

Cut another USB connector in half; connect the micro-USB on the wirings of the solar panel.

While the USB-A on the other half. Connect the micro-USB to the micro-USB port of the power

bank - that will act as storage of power. Connect the USB-A to the USB-A port of the power bank

to receive energy to be able to operate the fan.

We anticipate that we will be able to produce a functional portable solar fan. We also

anticipate that our study will be successful. We also anticipate that our fan will provide a cool air.

iii
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A solar fan is a mechanical fan powered by solar panels. The solar panels are either

mounted on the device or are installed independently. Solar fans are used for cooling purposes

during day time. Some types are also used for heating purposes. It runs the fastest when it is the

hottest outside providing savings on air conditioning costs.

ADVANTAGES

 A solar fan is more environmentally friendly.

 Though initially the installation may be costlier, in the long term it would turn out to be

cheaper because it does not use power from the utility grid and may provide savings up to 30

percent on air conditioning costs.

 Risks of electric accidents are eliminated as there are no electric cords attached to the solar fan.

 A cordless appliance offers much more mobility compared to conventional fans. 1

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells. As light hits the solar panel, it forces electrons

to move through a circuit, creating electrical energy. Each photovoltaic cell consists of two

layers, which have positive and negative charges like a magnet. The manufacturer then links

enough of the cells together to produce a panel large enough to provide the power to turn the fan.

Homeowners often prefer using solar fans for attic space because there is no need to add

electrical wiring to power the fan. Instead, the solar panel provides about 10 volts to operate the

motor and turn the fan blade. Because the installation is on the rooftop, many homes provide the

unobstructed sunlight the fan requires to operate. As the sun is the primary reason for the buildup

of heat in the attic, the fact that the fans do not operate at night is not a problem. In applications

1
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar-powered_fan
1
where the fan needs to continue turning after dark, manufacturers add a battery to store electricity

produced by the solar panel.2

Photovoltaic solar panels absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. A

photovoltaic (PV) module is a packaged, connected assembly of typically 6x10 photovoltaic solar

cells. Photovoltaic modules constitute the photovoltaic array of a photovoltaic system that

generates and supplies solar electricity in commercial and residential applications. The most

common application of solar energy collection outside agriculture is solar water heating systems.

THEORY AND CONSTRUCTION

Photovoltaic modules use light energy (photons) from the Sun to generate electricity

through the photovoltaic effect. The majority of modules use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells

or thin-film cells. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer

or the back layer. Cells must also be protected from mechanical damage and moisture. Most

modules are rigid, but semi-flexible ones based on thin-film cells are also available. The cells

must be connected electrically in series, one to another.

A PV junction box is attached to the back of the solar panel and it is its output interface.

Externally, most of photovoltaic modules use MC4 connectors type to facilitate easy

weatherproof connections to the rest of the system. Also, USB power interface can be used.

Module electrical connections are made in series to achieve a desired output voltage or in

parallel to provide a desired current capability (amperes). The conducting wires that take the

current off the modules may contain silver, copper, or other non-magnetic conductive transition

metals. Bypass diodes may be incorporated or used externally, in case of partial module shading,

to maximize the output of module sections still illuminated.

2
https://www.reference.com/home-garden/solar-powered-fans-work-db7099f6df24bc6e

2
 Some special solar PV modules include concentrators in which light is focused by lenses

or mirrors onto smaller cells. This enables the use of cells with a high cost per unit area (such as

gallium arsenide) in a cost-effective way.

Solar panels also use metal frames consisting of racking components, brackets, reflector

shapes, and troughs to better support the panel structure.

HISTORY

In 1839, the ability of some materials to create an electrical charge from light exposure

was first observed by Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel. Though the premiere solar panels were too

inefficient for even simple electric devices they were used as an instrument to measure light. The

observation by Becquerel was not replicated again until 1873, when Willoughby Smith

discovered that the charge could be caused by light hitting selenium. After this discovery,

William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day published "The action of light on selenium" in

1876, describing the experiment they used to replicate Smith's results. In 1881, Charles Fritts

created the first commercial solar panel, which was reported by Fritts as "continuous, constant

and of considerable force not only by exposure to sunlight but also to dim, diffused daylight."

However, these solar panels were very inefficient, especially compared to coal-fired power

plants. In 1939, Russell Ohl created the solar cell design that is used in many modern solar

panels. He patented his design in 1941. In 1954, this design was first used by Bell Labs to create

the first commercially viable silicon solar cell.3

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of

ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar

architecture, molten salt power plants, and artificial photosynthesis.

3
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel

3
 Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using

photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP systems use lenses

or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. PV converts

light into electric current using the photoelectric effect.

Solar power is anticipated to become the world's largest source of electricity by 2050,

with solar photovoltaics and concentrated solar power contributing 16 and 11 percent to the

global overall consumption, respectively. In 2016, after another year of rapid growth, solar

generated 1.3% of global power.

Commercial concentrated solar power plants were first developed in the 1980s. The 392

MW Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, in the Mojave Desert of California, is the largest solar power

plant in the world. Other large concentrated solar power plants include the 150 MW Solnova

Solar Power Station and the 100 MW Andasol solar power station, both in Spain. The 250 MW

Agua Caliente Solar Project, in the United States, and the 221 MW Charanka Solar Park in India,

are the world's largest photovoltaic plants. Solar projects exceeding 1 GW are being developed,

but most of the deployed photovoltaics are in small rooftop arrays of less than 5 kW, which are

connected to the grid using net metering and/or a feed-in tariff.4

A fan is a powered machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas such as air.

A fan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which act on the air. The rotating

assembly of blades and hub is known as an impeller, a rotor, or a runner. Usually, it is contained

within some form of housing or case. This may direct the airflow or increase safety by preventing

objects from contacting the fan blades. Most fans are powered by electric motors, but other

sources of power may be used, including hydraulic motors, handcranks, internal combustion

engines, and solar power.

4
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy

4
 Mechanically, a fan can be any revolving vane or vanes used for producing currents of

air. Fans produce airflows with high volume and low pressure (although higher than ambient

pressure), as opposed to compressors which produce high pressures at a comparatively low

volume. A fan blade will often rotate when exposed to an air fluid stream, and devices that take

advantage of this, such as anemometers and wind turbines, often have designs similar to that of a

fan.

Typical applications include climate control and personal thermal comfort (e.g., an

electric table or floor fan), vehicle engine cooling systems (e.g., in front of a radiator), machinery

cooling systems (e.g., inside computers and audio power amplifiers), ventilation, fume extraction,

winnowing (e.g., separating chaff of cereal grains), removing dust (e.g. sucking as in a vacuum

cleaner), drying (usually in combination with a heat source) and to provide draft for a fire.

While fans are often used to cool people, they do not actually cool air (electric fans may

warm it slightly due to the warming of their motors), but work by evaporative cooling of sweat

and increased heat convection into the surrounding air due to the airflow from the fans. Thus,

fans may become ineffective at cooling the body if the surrounding air is near body temperature

and contains high humidity. During periods of very high heat and humidity, governments actually

advise against the use of fans.

SOLAR POWERED FAN

Electric fans used for ventilation may be powered by solar panels instead of mains

current. This is an attractive option because once the capital costs of the solar panel have been

covered, the resulting electricity is free. In addition, electricity is always available when the sun is

shining and the fan needs to run.

5
 A typical example uses a detached 10-watt, 12 in × 12 in (30 cm × 30 cm) solar panel and

is supplied with appropriate brackets, cables, and connectors. It can be used to ventilate up to

1,250 square feet (116 m2) of area and can move air at up to 800 cubic feet per minute (400 L/s).

Because of the wide availability of 12 V brushless DC electric motors and the convenience of

wiring such a low voltage, such fans usually operate on 12 volts.

The detached solar panel is typically installed in the spot which gets most of the sun light

and then connected to the fan mounted as far as 25 feet (8 m) away. Other permanently mounted

and small portable fans include an integrated (non-detachable) solar panel. 5

5
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_(machine)

6
B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The researchers will try to identify if a portable fan would work by the means of

rechargeable battery and solar energy from the solar panel as its sources. This study seeks to

answer the following questions:

1. How much will be the total cost of each Portable Solar Fan?

2. Does the Portable Solar Fan help reduce the heat index of a certain person?

3. How effective is the Portable Solar Fan compared to the regular electric fans?

4. How will the researchers incorporate Mathematics in this study?

5. What are its advantages and disadvantages?

C. HYPOTHESIS

Based on our research, we assume that it would be more effective to increase the usage of

portable solar fans. We also assume that it would be better if we decrease the using of regular

fans. We also assume that it would help lessen thermal pollution. We also assume that it would be

a great help for our fellows who has no electricity in their houses. We also assume that it would

help patronize the renewable energy resources here in the Philippines. We also assume that it

would produce a dual sourced fan that is portable.

D. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The Portable Solar Fan can be significant by the means of preserving our environment. It

does not produce air pollution, water pollution, or greenhouse gases. It helps promote the use of

renewable energy resources. Everyone in the community can be a benefactor of it whether it is a

baby, a toddler, an adolescent, or even the elderly. Whether you are poor or rich. Everyone can

benefit from this machinery!

7
E. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The researchers will conduct the study at St. Theodore Perpetual School. Our sample

population will be 20 respondents. The respondents will be our family, relatives, friends, and

neighbors. The focus of the study is to provide a cool air from the Portable Solar Fan. This study

limits only on how a Portable Solar Fan works with a rechargeable battery as its main power

source and solar panel as its secondary power source. This study limits also on how the

researchers would incorporate Mathematics in this study, to know the advantages and the

disadvantages.

F. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. DC motor - is a type of electrical machine that converts electrical energy from the solar panel

to the fan.

2. Electricity - a form of energy that transports through the solar panel to the fan.

3. Fan - a device that creates a current of air for cooling.

4. Photovoltaic (PV) junction box - an important part of a solar panel. It is an enclosure on the

module where PV strings are electrically connected.

5. Photovoltaic cells - a specialized semiconductor diode that converts visible light into direct

current.

6. Solar energy - the use of the sun’s energy directing to the solar panel to power up the

fan.

7. Solar fan - is a kind of fan that works with the help of solar panels wherein it generates

electricity needed to turn the fan motor.

8. Solar panel - a large, flat piece of equipment that uses the sun's light or heat to create electricity

in order to power up the fan.

9. Solar power - power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays.

10. Solar thermal energy - is a form of energy and technology for harnessing solar

energy.
 8

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?

The global spike in energy costs has led many to find alternative and sustainable fuel

sources. There are many options available today including wind, solar and hydropower. Of the

three, solar is the fastest growing and almost everyone can learn to capture its power to perform

tasks like cooking; lighting, heating, and many other household chores. Two of the key reasons

many invest in harnessing the sun is to get energy for heating water in homes and to generate

electricity.

By definition, solar energy is energy derived from the sun. The energy can be used

directly to heat, and light homes or it can be converted into electricity using solar energy

technologies like solar panels. People are increasingly investing in solar energy to save on out-of-

pocket costs and get rid of dangerous and expensive power lines.

Solar energy i.e. energy from the sun provide consistent and steady source of solar power

throughout the year. As our non-renewable resources are set to decline in the years to come, it is

important for us to move towards renewable sources of energy like wind, hydropower, biomass

and tidal. The main benefit of solar energy is that it can be easily deployed by both home and

business users as it does not require any huge set up like in case of wind or geothermal power.

Solar energy not only benefits individual owners, but also benefit environment as well. Solar

energy is one of the most widely used renewable energy source.

I’D PUT MY MONEY ON THE SUN AND SOLAR ENERGY. WHAT A SOURCE OF

POWER! I HOPE WE DON’T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL OIL AND COAL RUN OUT BEFORE

WE TACKLE THAT.
– THOMAS EDISON

VARIOUS ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

There are many advantages that solar energy has to offer over traditional sources of

energy like coal and oil. Not only it is completely renewable but is also protects the environment.

Here are some of the advantages of solar energy.

1. It’s a renewable resource

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy as it can be used to produce electricity as

long as the sun exists. Sunshine occurs naturally. As long as we are alive, we are always going to

see the sun, which means it is infinite. This energy can be harnessed by installing solar panels that

can reduce our dependence on other countries for consistent supply of coal to produce electricity.

This makes it an attractive energy prospect for most countries that are looking to go completely

green in the future.

Although solar energy cannot be produced during night and cloudy days but it can be

used again and again during day time. Solar energy from sun is consistent and constant power

source and can be used to harness power even in remote locations.

2. It’s eco-friendly

If you are scavenging the internet in search of ways to minimize your carbon footprints,

solar energy is the sure fire answer. Solar energy will not only help you dial back on your carbon

footprint, but also oversize your systems to ensure you live in a carbon-free house. Some states in

the U.S. even allow individuals to invest in other people’s roofs to create a lot more solar energy.

Solar energy is an alternative for fossil fuels as it is non-polluting, clean, reliable and

renewable source of energy. It does not pollute the air by releasing harmful gases like carbon

dioxide, nitrogen oxide or sulphur oxide. So, the risk of damage to the environment is reduced.
Solar energy also does not require any fuel to produce electricity and thus avoids the problem of

transportation of fuel or storage of radioactive waste.

10

3. Cuts back on electricity bill

One of the most interesting things about solar energy is that it can help you minimize

your annoying utility bills. You can accomplish this by installing solar panels in your home. Solar

energy takes up energy consuming activities like heating water and heating homes. Solar energy

has the potential to save you up to 20% of your energy costs, even after financing costs are

factored in. And with the ever rocketing of electricity costs, you could save up to $60,000 in the

next 30 years.

4. Can enhance the value of a home

If you are looking to sell your home in the future, suffice to know that installation of

solar technologies can significantly increase its value. This especially manifests in areas where

buyers are more likely to buy a home installed with solar panels like high populated cities where

environmental degradation is taken seriously by the authorities. According to research findings,

solar panels can add up to $20,000 to the value of a house. This figure represents the amount

required to install a solar panel, which means you will be able to recoup your money when you

sell the property. That represents a bright investment in your property.

5. Requires little maintenance

The cost of installing a solar panel can be high. But once it’s up and running, you will

enjoy the benefits for many years, while injecting just a small amount for its maintenance. If your

energy needs change and you desire to add more panels, it would be a lot easier. Initial cost that is

incurred once can be recovered in the long run that range from 10 years – 15 years. Apart from

this, solar panels do not create any noise or release any toxic substances.

6. Easy Installation
 Solar panels are easy to install and does not require any wires, cords or power sources.

Unlike wind and geothermal power stations which require them to be tied with drilling machines,

solar panels does not require them and can be installed on the rooftops which means no new

11

space is needed and each home or business user can generate their own electricity. Moreover,

they can be installed in distributed fashion which means no large scale installations are needed.

With the advancement in the technology and increase in the production, the cost of solar panels

have come down slightly. Areas where cost of electricity is high, payback times can be even

lower.

7. Can Be Used in Remote Locations

Solar energy can be of great boon in areas which have no access to power cables. It

works great in remote locations where running power lines would be difficult or costly. Solar

panels can set up to produce solar energy there as long as it receives the sunlight.

8. Comes with money back guarantee

Besides saving up a lot on your utility bills, you might get a big portion of your money

back by installing solar panels. Most governments give tax credits to homeowners in a bid to

encourage the use of solar energy. These tax credits mostly cover more than 30% of the

installation cost. Lots of states also extend tax rebates to homeowners that utilize solar energy. To

add to that, if your solar panel generates more than enough energy, utility companies allow you to

sell back the energy to them.

9. Long Lasting Solar Cells

Solar cells make no noise at all and there are no moving parts in solar cells which makes

them long lasting and require very little maintenance. Solar energy provides cost effective

solutions to energy problems where there is no electricity at all.

TOP 5 COMMON EXAMPLES OF SOLAR ENERGY

renewable resource. Its efficiency also continues to increase, rendering it a lot more attractive to

businesses and industries. Some common examples of solar energy include?

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1. Solar water heating

Many are not fully aware that solar water heaters and solar space heaters are cost-

effective and efficient ways of heating homes without having to go the expensive route of

installing solar panels. Solar space heaters capture the sun’s energy and turn it into thermal

energy with the aid of air or liquid medium. Solar water heaters, on the other hand, make use of

water as a means of thermal transfer.

Solar heating systems are come as active or passive. Active systems make use of pumps

in order to allow movement of water, hence, generation of heat. Passive systems, on the other

hand, use natural circulation. One aspect that makes thermal heating systems stand above other

heating systems like oil and gas pumps is the capability to heat an entire swimming pool at an

insanely inexpensive rate.

2. Solar cells

Solar cells are used to power many things ranging from calculators to entire businesses.

Although small cells have been used over the years to power tiny things like calculators, the past

few years has witnessed large cells making inroads into the marketplace. Large cells have the

capacity to power entire homes. They are cool sources of energy due to their friendliness to the

environment. They are also long lasting; require minimal maintenance and are cost-effective in

the long run.

3. Solar tech

Electronics these days come with features that can enable charging using solar energy. A

common example is the solar powered charger that is able to charge any electronic from tablets to

cell phones. Solar powered flashlights also exist today that are able to be charged just by
exposure to sunlight. As more emphasis is being placed on solar energy, there is no shadow of

doubt that solar will continue to be embraced by lots of people for products that can be powered

by sunlight. A typical example where solar energy has successfully been used to power an

13

electronic device is the Apple smart watch. Unlike a conventional watch, an Apple smart watch

doesn’t need to be plugged in to recharge every day.

4. Solar lighting

Most homeowners enhance the aesthetic value and efficiency of their homes by

incorporating outdoor solar lighting. Unlike conventional exterior lighting, solar lighting does not

need sophisticated set up because the lights come with wireless technology and capture the sun’s

energy during the day to alleviate the need for traditionally supplied electricity during the night.

While solar lights have not been as popular as solar panels, they are fast catching up with

smart home thermostats and LED light bulbs as energy efficient products that can help bring

down energy bills. On top of that, solar lighting comes with a whole lot of elaborate lighting

arrays that can substantially enhance the outdoor appearance of any property. These lighting

products are cheap ($20 per light) and easily obtainable at local retail shops. The low cost and

ready availability aspects are the reason for the proliferation of street lights today.

5. Rooftop solar

Due to the huge array of gadgets available on the market today, most disregard the most

vital use of solar energy, which is rooftop solar. While solar power has many uses including

charging batteries and fly airplanes, it can also play a critical role of dialing back on carbon

footprints and energy bills. A rooftop solar can save a homeowner thousands of dollars each year.

When exploring ways to change up to solar energy, make a point to do an estimate of

your potential solar savings and ascertain the effects investment in solar technology could do for

your home finances. Embracing tiny products and home improvement devices to enhance your
home’s efficiency is a bright practice. However, in the long run, the best bet to lower your energy

bills and improve your carbon footprint lies in the installation of a solar panel. 6

A table fan is a small, portable type of fan that is used in various rooms of a home or

office. It is more convenient compared to other types, like kitchen exhaust, window, and pedestal

fans because of its portability. It serves a number of functions for home owners and office

workers such as conservation of energy compared to using air conditioners, removal of heat and

unwanted fumes from indoor areas, cooling a room and generation of mechanical noise that helps

to distract a person's attention from undesirable background noise so he could focus on his task.

The idea of a solar fan has been proven to be a very good especially for a country like Nigeria

that enjoys an average of 8 hours of sunlight daily. The same sun that causes heat is made to

power an object of thermal comfort at a low level of sophistication. In this design, a 3-blade table

fan of 25 watt capacity capable of 6 hours of continuous operation was powered with just 1.0

Photo-voltaic (PV) module of 80 watt power rating. Also a minimum of 85% efficiency was

designed for and the fan runs at a low torque of 0.95Nm. The fan blade rotates at a tip speed of

500rpm rotates on a 10mm diameter shaft. In order to maintain a constant operation during the

night and when the sun is not at its peak, a 75Ah 12V battery has been considered suitable for

power storage assessor. The fan meets up ASHRAE recommendation of thermal comfort range of

50 – 100cfm for fans.7

A crystalline silicon solar panel, or module, is a series of interconnected silicon cells

joined together to form a circuit. In greater numbers the amount of power produced by these

interconnected cells can be increased and used as an electricity production system.

Solar panels come in different sizes for different purposes. The current standard offering

in the market is a 60-cell panel, with larger 72-cell panels being used for larger-scale installations.

Smaller panels are also available and used in the off-grid market, where space is at a premium or

for layouts where more flexibility is required.

14
7
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305639791_Design_of_an_office_table_solar-
DC_powered_fan
15
CELL PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

At cell structure level, different kinds of panels exist, such as monosilicon, polysilicon or

thin-film. Monosilicon cells are manufactured from a single crystal. Their higher production costs

leads to them being more expensive than other types. Monosilicon cells often have a higher

efficiency rating than other technologies. However, as they are cut from cylindrical ingots, they

do not completely cover a panel without substantial waste, lessening the efficiency of the overall

panel.

Poly-silicon cells are made from melting different silicon crystals together. These are less

expensive to produce than monocrystalline, but less efficient. Recent times have seen much more

investment in polysilicon technology and the best polysilicon panels now demonstrate a

performance equal to or close to mono. This, coupled with the lower costs, has led polysilicon to

emerge as the premier material for solar panels.

Thin film solar cells are created through a co-evaporation process of chemicals on a glass

sheet. They have lower conversion efficiencies than silicon, but reduce the amount of material

required in creating the cell.

IMPROVEMENTS IN CELL EFFICIENCY

In the current challenging market situation, substantial reductions in production costs are

necessary to increase the attractiveness of solar and make it more affordable.

In the climate of oversupply and continuously falling prices, manufacturers are focusing

on reducing production costs, while increasing performance. Among the major areas of focus for
new developments are improved wafer crystallization, selective emitter technology, back surface

passivation and metal-wrap through technology.

16

Panel performance is not only impacted by new technology but also by changes to

assembly techniques, materials of construction and quality of the components. A standard panel

consists of a glass layer on the front, with an insulating layer and a protective back sheet on the

rear of the panel. This helps keep the manufacturing cost of a panel down and allows a better

dissipation of heat from the panel. Some panels use a glass layer on the front and on the back.

This increases panel strength and adds further protection from damage and humidity ingress to

the cells but compromises the cell efficiency as heat is not dissipated so easily, in turn affecting

panel output.

An aluminum frame usually surrounds a panel. This adds strength to the structure,

allowing it to withstand more load and protects the edges of the glass from knocks and breakages

as well as from humidity ingress. The use of a frame has the further advantage of allowing the

mounting of the panel in a variety of ways, for example with mounting clamps, bolts or a slide-in

system.

OUTLOOK

Despite the current uncertainty in the industry caused by oversupply of panels, the future

still looks bright for PV. Demand for renewable energy is growing, and potential applications of

solar energy are expanding. At the same time, improvements in cell efficiency, assembly

techniques and materials of construction are making solar power competitive. 8

8
https://www.solarpoweredworldonline.com/2013/05/what-are-solar-panels-made-of/

17
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. MATERIALS

 2 pieces USB connector

 20000 mAh power bank

 5V mini rechargeable fan

 6V 3.8W solar panel

 Cutter pliers

 Long nose pliers

 Phillips screwdriver

 Ruler

 Soldering iron

 Soldering lead

B. PROCEDURE

1. Open the mini rechargeable fan using a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Hold the USB connector. With the use of cutter pliers, cut the micro-USB and strip the

wire.

3. With the use of long nose pliers, hold the stripped wire and combine it to the wirings of

the battery, solder it using soldering iron and soldering lead. Connect it on the positive

and negative pole of the fan.

4. From the wirings of the solar panel, measure 12 inches of the wire then cut it using cutter

pliers.
 5. Cut another USB connector in half, connect the micro-USB on the wirings of the solar

panel. While the USB-A on the other half.

6. Connect the micro-USB to the micro-USB port of the power bank - that will act as a

storage of power.

7. Connect the USB-A to the USB-A port of the power bank to receive energy to be able to

operate the fan. 18

CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION

The researchers conducted a survey from various people around Makati City to find out

what are their impressions about our product. We choose 20 respondents to answer the survey.

The respondents answered a 10-question survey with the ratings of 5 as Excellent, 4 as Very

Satisfactory, 3 as Satisfactory, 2 as Fair, and 1 as Needs Improvement. Below are the graphs that

represent each question on how the respondents evaluate our product.

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

FIRST GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Does our product helps

lessen electricity consumption?" 11 respondents choose excellent; 6 of them tag it as very

satisfactory; 2 responded satisfactory; and 1 responded as fair. This results for an excellent

outcome in lessening electricity consumption.

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

SECOND GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question " Do you think our

product can help those communities who does not have electricity?" 12 responded excellent; 4

choose very satisfactory; 3 of them tag it as satisfactory; and 1 responded fair. This results for an

excellent outcome in helping communities who does not have electricity.

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

0
THIRD GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Will this product suites

the weather here in the Philippines?" 6 responded excellent; 8 responded very satisfactory; 4

choose satisfactory; 1 of them tag it as fair; and 1 responded for needs improvement. This results

for a very satisfactory outcome in making the product suitable for the weather in the Philippines.

20

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

FOURTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Can this product be

useful while you're on the go?" 7 respondents choose excellent; 9 of them tag it as very

satisfactory; and 4 responded satisfactory. This results for a very satisfactory outcome in making

the product portable.

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

0
FIFTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Is the product eco-

friendly?" 16 respondents choose excellent; 3 responded very satisfactory; and 1 of them tag it as

satisfactory. This results for an excellent outcome in making the product eco-friendly.

21

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

SIXTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Does the design of the

product suites your taste?" 7 respondents choose excellent; 10 responded very satisfactory; 2 of

them tag it as satisfactory; and 1 responded fair. This results for a very satisfactory outcome in

providing our respondents for the design of the product.

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

0
SEVENTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Is it handy?" 10

respondents choose excellent; 6 responded very satisfactory; 3 of them tag it as satisfactory; and 1

responded fair. This results for an excellent outcome in making the product handy.

22

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

EIGHTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Do you find portable

solar fan helpful to those people who are stuck in traffic?" 10 respondents choose excellent; 6 of

them tag it as very satisfactory; 2 responded satisfactory; and 2 responded fair. This results for an

excellent outcome in making the product helpful to those who are in traffic.

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

0
NINTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question "Will you save a lot when

you use a portable fan powered by solar energy rather than a portable fan powered by

electricity?" 12 respondents choose excellent; 5 responded very satisfactory; 2 responded

satisfactory; and 1 of them tag it as fair. This results for an excellent outcome in saving energy

from electricity by using this product.

23

20

15
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

10

TENTH GRAPH In this graph, the respondents evaluated the question " Would you recommend

this product to your colleagues?" 13 respondents choose excellent; 5 of them tag it as very

satisfactory; and 2 responded satisfactory. This results for an excellent outcome in providing a

functional, energy-saving product.

EXCELLENT
FAIR
VERY SATISFACTORY
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
SATISFACTORY
 The chart shown above shows the total percentage of the survey we have made. 52%

from 20 respondents choose excellent in our product, 31% from 20 respondents of them tag it as

very satisfactory, 13% from 20 respondents responded satisfactory, 3% from 20 respondents

responded fair, and 1% from 20 respondents responded needs improvement.

24

CHAPTER V

GENERALIZATION

The researchers were able to create a mechanical portable fan called Portable Solar Fan

which has two sources a solar panel and its built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery. Based from the

study, the researchers were able to proved that it would be more effective to increase the usage of

portable solar fans because of the positive feedback from our respondents. The researchers also

proved that it would be helpful for the environment if we decrease the using of regular fans

because solar panels are powered by solar energy which comes from the radiant light and heat of

the Sun. The researchers also proved that it would help lessen thermal pollution because the solar

panel does not produce carbon emissions unlike electricity which comes from power plants. The

researchers proved based from the survey, 60% of the respondents positively agreed, that the

product would be a great help for our fellows who has no electricity in their houses. The

researchers also proved that it would help patronize the renewable energy resources here in the

Philippines since 16 respondents choose excellent as their choice for this question. The

researchers also proved that they produced a dual sourced fan that is portable.

The researchers spent PHP1000.00 in making this project because the materials are quite

expensive, especially the solar panel which costs PHP750.00, while the portable fan costs

PHP250.00. The researchers found out that the Portable Solar Fan can help reduce the heat index

of a certain person due to its different speeds ranging from 1 up to 3. The Portable Solar Fan is

much effective than the regular fans. Since it is lightweight, the user can easily bring it anywhere.

The product would also contribute in lessening various kinds of pollution. The product would
also help commuters stuck in traffic. Its advantages are lightweight, handy, and eco-friendly.

Also, this product will not produce electric shocks since it is solar powered. While on the other

hand, the solar panel does not have storage for the energy collected, the researchers connected it

on a power bank. But the wires on it are detachable so that the product is still portable.

25

In order to know its Mathematical concepts, the researchers computed that approximately

3 hours is the running time of the fan when the solar panel is being used. While approximately 4

hours of running time when the rechargeable Li-ion battery is being used. The researchers also

computed the charging time of both solar panel and rechargeable Li-ion battery. The charging

time of the solar panel, in order to be full, is 8-9 hours while the charging time of the

rechargeable Li-ion battery is 3-4 hours.

We therefore conclude that we created a functional Portable Solar Fan that is lightweight,

handy and eco-friendly. We also conclude that the product received a positive outcome from

different respondents across the city.

CHAPTER VI

RECOMMENDATION

We recommend this topic because the Portable Solar Fan are one of the appliances that

are eco-friendly, which would be a big help for the environment in lessening various kinds of

pollution. We would like to recommend to those people who want to create their own Portable

Solar Fan to buy a Solar Panel with a built-in storage of energy. We would also recommend that

by making the product detachable it is easier to store in bags and is more handy.
 27

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Kukreja, R. (2009, August). What is Solar Energy? Retrieved 28 August, 2019, from Conserve

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