Solar Oven Sun Trackers....The Motor and Power Source

by James Simmons
(Boise, Idaho)

After watching a bunch of YouTube videos to get some ideas I found one that was rather interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPFbcQ8i4PE

I headed off to the local thrift store to find a DC motor to drive a rotating platform. My first thought was that it needed to be strong enough to rotate a platform with a little weight. I found a rechargeable (name brand) drill for $2 which is probably overkill for power, but it should suffice. Aside from discharged batteries the drill actually worked and the batteries would still hold a charge.

Now I need to find a small wheel with a shaft on it to chuck in the drill and press on building an oven platform. Maybe I can find one from a kid's toy car or something.

Okay I admit I already have a feasible power source for charging the batteries, but am debating on which to use. I have a few solar panels, a 5W amorphous, 10W crystalline and a small household battery charger type. I'll use the small one toggle a relay that provides power to the motor. Unlike the crystalline type, the amorphous panel will still output some power even when partially blocked to maintain charging the batteries.

As for controlling the motor drive direction I don't think that's an issue. I don't intend to move south of the equator anytime soon unless someone wants to buy me an island in the South Pacific.

It's a work in slow progress, but I'm in no hurry.



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Great Project James,

This will be interesting to see how it turns out.
I know there are others who will also be interested in the progress and results of this project.
Keep us appraised.

Thanks for sharing.

Nathan
Admin.