Improvement of a Solar Powered Carbureted Gasoline Engine Trainer

Authors: Kimberly Anne E. Cresido, Yuri Bernardo B. Da Silva, and Danielito R. Escaño

Abstract: An average car battery has a capacity of around 48 amp hours which means that fully charged, it delivers 1 amp for 48 hours, 2 amps for 24 hours, 8 amps for 6 hours and so on. A basic charger usually charges at around 2 amps - and so needs 24 hours to deliver the 48 amps needed to fully charge a flat, 48 amp hour batteries. But there is a wide range of chargers with different charge rates on the market - from 2 to 10 amps. The higher the charge output, the faster a flat battery is recharged. Fast charging, however, is undesirable as it can buckle the battery plates. The loads imposed on a battery may be gauged from the amount of current used by the various electrical components: headlights take about 8 to 10 amps and a heated rear window about the same. Theoretically, a fully charged battery, without taking in current from the generator, should work the starter for about ten minutes, or the headlights for eight hours, and a heated rear window for 12 hours. As the battery nears full discharge, the lights gradually grow dimmer and finally go out altogether. There are also causes other than short trips and cold weather which can affect the state of the battery. Failure is more common on cars equipped with a dynamo rather than an alternator, because the alternator produces more electricity and charges better at low engine speeds. The study focused on charging battery and engine starter to cope up the needs of the department in lacking of battery charger. The improvement of a solar powered carbureted gasoline engine trainer was conducted following the different methods and strategies which includes: canvassing and purchasing of materials used in the design project; fabrication of the frame of the solar panel; fabrication of the charge controller cabinet; wiring connections of the components; testing and evaluations

The two major parts of the design project were installed in a different frames made up of angular bar that could  hold the component, the two major part of the project is put in different frame and placed in different location. The solar panel is placed in the 3rd floor of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology building and fixed using bolts and knots, while the charge controller is placed at automotive laboratory and fixed in the frame using bolts and knots. The design project was operated with charge controller, solar panel, starter circuit, and circuit breaker for safety purposes. The design project was proven to be useful for the instructor, students and tool keeper. The design project serves as a battery charger and engine starter that could be use in the automotive laboratory. The design project costs a total amount of Php 42,559.50.

Keywords: Solar Powered Carbureted Gasoline Engine, Renewable Energy