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Plant GrowthPlants grow over time due to getting the proper amount of energy. Much like this plant video, our project will work when it gets the right amount of energy. The photovoltaic robot mimics plants and the natural process of phototropism. If you watch closely, the plant grows slightly to the left, which is where the source of light was providing the most energy to the bulb garden.
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Phototropic PhenomenaThis contraption is a prototype of what will supply power for our plant-based installation. Existing photovoltaic solar panels move throughout daytime, but only based on predetermined angles of the sun that are set manually before installation. Our robot will move throughout the day by reading the sun and following it, rather than adhering to set angles. It will do so through four light sensors: two vertical and two horizontal. As the earth rotates throughout the day and the sun is in a different area of the sky, shadows will be cast upon these light sensors due to the “plus sign” construction they are attached to. As light moves, the sensors will search for it and return the panel in that direction controlled by two motors. This will ensure the maximum amount of solar energy is collected. We came up with this design after researching the topics of biomimicry and phototropism. Phototropic plants, such as sunflowers, follow the sun throughout the day in order for them to collect the most energy from the sun, just like our solar panels. This is a form of biomimicry, which is the imitation of natural processes. Not only will this robot fuel our project, it will change the way people look at solar energy.
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