SOLAR TUBE

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING

PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by

SOC F BATCH 1

GANESH VTU25351

SUSWANTH VTU25597

BANUSH VTU25605

ASHOK VTU25606

SUMANTH VTU25607

KISHORE VTU25612

VEL TECH RANGARAJAN DR.SAGUNTHALA R&D

………….INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DECEMBER 2023
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 VEL TECH RANGARAJAN DR.SAGUNTHALA R&D
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CHENNAI 600 062

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project “Solar tube” is the bonafide work of Ganesh raj
(VTU25351), Suswanth (25597), Banush (VTU25605), Ashok (VTU25606),
Sumanth (VTU25607) and Kishore (VTU25612) who carried out this project
work under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

PROJECT COORDINATOR HOD

Dr.B.Balamuralitharan
Associate Professor,
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering.

The Examination is held on __________________________

EXAMINER 1 EXAMINER 2

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ABSTRACT
In addressing the growing energy demand and environmental concerns, our
presentation introduces a groundbreaking solution: the Solar Tube. The
problem lies in the inefficient utilization of natural light within buildings,
leading to increased energy consumption for artificial lighting. Current
methods often fall short in capturing and distributing sunlight effectively.
Our proposed idea involves implementing Solar Tubes, an advanced
technology that channels sunlight from rooftops into interior spaces through
reflective tubes... The technology employed in Solar Tubes utilizes highly
reflective materials to enhance light transmission and diffusion. The theme
of our presentation centers on sustainable architecture and energy efficiency,
where Solar Tubes offer a transformative solution to create well-lit, eco-
friendly living and working environments.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

ABSTRACT iii

LIST OF FIGURES v

LIST OF TABLES vi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vii

1 INTRODUCTION 6

2 EXISTING SYSTEM 7
3 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION 8
4 PROPOSED SYSTEM 9

5 BLOCK DIAGRAM 10

6 MATERIALS AND METHODS 11

7 WORKING 16

8 ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS 19

9 CONCLUSION 20

10 REFERENCE 21

11 LIST OF MODEL 22

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 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

1 PROPOSED SYSTEM 9

2 BLOCK DIAGRAM 10

3 ALUMINIUM TUBE 11

4 ALUMINIUM FOIL 11

5 DIFFUSER 13

6 LIGHT 13

7 DOME 14

8 AC TO DC CONVERTER 14

9 SOLAR PANEL 15

10 SLIDING DOOR 24

11 POWER SUPPLY BOARD 26

12 SIMPLE AND COMPOUND GEAR 28

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Our presentation revolves around the overarching theme of "Renewable Energy,"
focusing on sustainable solutions to address the global energy crisis. Within this
context, our project introduces the Solar Tube, a cutting-edge technology designed
to harness and maximize the use of natural light. By leveraging sunlight to
illuminate interior spaces, the Solar Tube aligns seamlessly with the renewable
energy theme. This innovation promotes energy efficiency by significantly
reducing the dependence on traditional, non-renewable sources for lighting.

The Solar Tube represents a paradigm shift in the realm of sustainable design and
energy efficiency. Its fundamental premise is rooted in the ingenious concept of
capturing and channeling sunlight to illuminate interior spaces. This not only
serves as a beacon of innovation but also underscores a harmonious integration of
technology with nature. By leveraging sunlight, a clean and abundant resource, the
Solar Tube aligns seamlessly with the core principles of renewable energy.

One of the hallmark features of the Solar Tube is its ability to maximize the use of
natural light, thereby reducing our reliance on traditional, non-renewable sources
for lighting. Traditional lighting methods, often fueled by fossil fuels or
conventional electricity, contribute significantly to carbon emissions and
environmental degradation. The Solar Tube, in contrast, offers a sustainable
alternative that not only mitigates these harmful impacts but also promotes energy
efficiency on a substantial scale.

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 CHAPTER II
EXISTING SYSTEM
• The existing method that Solar Tubes build upon is the traditional use of
skylights and windows to bring natural light into buildings. While skylights
and windows are effective to some extent, they have limitations in
distributing sunlight throughout the interior spaces, especially in areas with
limited access to direct sunlight or during certain times of the day.
Additionally, conventional methods may not fully optimize the capture and
utilization of natural light, leading to inefficient energy consumption through
artificial lighting.

• Solar Tubes improve upon this existing method by introducing a more

advanced and efficient technology. They consist of a series of reflective
tubes that capture sunlight from the rooftop and guide it into interior spaces.
The reflective materials within the tubes enhance light transmission,
allowing for a more even and widespread distribution of natural light. This
innovation overcomes the limitations of traditional skylights and windows,
providing a more effective solution to maximize the benefits of renewable
energy in indoor environment

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 CHAPTER III
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

. Limited Capture Efficiency: Some solar tubes may struggle to capture and
channel sunlight effectively, especially in low-light conditions or during overcast
days. This limitation can result in suboptimal performance and reduced energy
savings.

2. Cost Considerations: The initial cost of installing solar tubes, including the
materials and professional installation, can be a barrier to widespread adoption.
While they offer long-term energy savings, the upfront investment may deter some
potential users.

SOLUTIONS
1. To attain maximum capture efficiency we have used more reflective foils inside
the tube to allow to more light to come out from the tube…………………………

2. Since people have misconceptions such as whether this is worth the money the
solar tube uses cheap and long lasting materials to satisfy their needs……………

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 CHAPTER IV
PROPOSED SYSTEM

• To attain maximum capture efficiency, we have used more reflective foils

inside the tube to allow to more light to come out from the tube

• Since people have misconceptions such as whether this is worth the money
the solar tube uses cheap and long-lasting materials to satisfy their needs

• Since solar tube is a old technology we can improve it by placing solar panel
inside or outside the tube and have alternate light source so when rain is
there we don’t have to worry about dim lights

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Figure No.1 Proposed System

CHAPTER V
BLOCK DIAGRAM

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Figure No.2 Block Diagram of Solar Tube

CHAPTER VI
MATERIALS
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 1. WOOD
2. ALUMINIUM TUBE
3. ALUMINIUM FOIL
4. LIGHT
5. SWITCH
6. DOME
7. CONNECTING WIRES

ALUMINUM TUBE
The main purpose of the tube is to act a passage way for the incoming sun light
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This tube has height of 30cms and diameter of 5cm and width of 1.6mm

Figure No.3 Aluminium Tube

ALUMINIUM FOIL
The purpose of using the foil is to reflect more light which will give a bright light

Figure No.4 Aluminium Foil

DIFFUSER

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The purpose of the diffuser is to spread the receiving light to all end of the room
and also to give white light

Figure No.5 Diffuser

LIGHT
The purpose of this material is to use it as an alternate source of energy if incase
solar tubes can’t function at certain (e.g. rain)

Figure No.6 Light

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 DOME
The purpose of the dome is to collect the sunlight above and send it to the tube it
also acts a protective shield against harmful uv rays

Figure No.7 Dome

DC TO AC CONVERTER
The purpose of this device is to convert DC current to AC this is helpful in lighting
up the lights

Figure No.8 Dc to Ac converter

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 SOLAR PANEL
The purpose of the solar panel is to act as a source of energy for the
alternative light system and will help for emergency purposes.

Figure No.9 Solar Panel

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 CHAPTER VII
WORKING

• First the lights pass through the dome from which it enters the tube

• Since the tube is has reflective foil inside it reflects the incoming light and
passes it to the diffuser

• The diffuser receives the light and spread the lumination across all places to
the room

• If incase there is a dim light from the solar tube we can rely on the alternate
source where the solar panels collect electricity

• With the help of connecting wire the electricity passes through the lamp and
light is emitted

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 CHAPTER VIII
HARDWARE DISCUSSION

• Aluminum tube

The main purpose of the tube is to act a passage way for the incoming sun light

This tube has height of 30 cms and diameter of 5 cm and width of 1.6 mm

• Aluminium foil

The purpose of using the foil is to reflect more light which will give a bright light

• Diffuser

The purpose of the diffuser is to spread the receiving light to all end of the room
and also to give white light

• Light

The purpose of this material is to use it as a alternate source of energy if incase

solar tubes can’t function at certain (e.g. rain)

• Dome

The purpose of the dome is to collect the sunlight above and send it to the tube it
also acts a protective shield against harmful uv rays

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 • Switch

The purpose of this device is to turn on and off so that the light is emitted

• Solar panel

The purpose of the solar panel is to act as a source of energy for the alternative
light system and will help for emergency purposes.

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 CHAPTER IX
ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES

 It reduces energy cost by 30%

 It is a active source of renewable energy

 It is cost effective compared to many sources of energy such as electricity

DISADVANTAGES

 It cannot work during night as there is no light

 It can get dim during rainy or foggy days

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 CHAPTER X
CONCLUSION
 Solar tube can be very reliable in a large-scale place

 Solar tubes are effective in both cost and well as energy saving

 In conclusion, the Solar Tube stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm

of renewable energy. By harnessing the power of natural light, it addresses
the global energy crisis head-on, promoting energy efficiency, reducing
carbon footprints, and paving the way for a more sustainable and
ecologically responsible future.

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 REFERENCES

NAME OF
SL.NO. TITLE AUTHOR YEAR
JOURNAL/PUBLICATION
1 Analysis of light Indonesian Journal of Electrical Ravi Kumar 2020
tubes in interior Engineering and Computer
daylighting system Science Badri
of a building Narayan
Mohapatra

Sushanta k
mandal

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2 A Review of Solar Research & Reviews: Journal of Amulya 2022
Tube as an Architectural Designing Gupta
Alternative to
Artificial Light hbrp publications Kuldeep
Sources Kumar

3 Analytical study Journal of Architecture, Arts Dr. Maha 2022

of size of solar and Humanities – Volume Fawzy Aly
tubes for interior Seven – Issue Thirty Six Anver
space

4 International Journal of Vineet 2013

Modifying Scientific and Technology Kumar
the design of solar Research
tube to produce Amit
cost effective Kumar

CHAPTER XI
LIST OF MODELS
Carpentry

o Wooden window
o Sliding door
o Wheel chair
o Crank and slotted link

Electronics

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 o Power supply board
o Emergency light
o Relay Board

Machine Shop

o Machine Vice
o Bolt and nut assembly
o Simple and compound Gear train
o Sheet metal tray

MODEL 1
CARPENTRY: SLIDING DOOR
AIM: To create a sliding door

APPARATUS:
1. Jack phone
2. Carpentry vice
3. Try square
4. Marketing gauge

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 5. Steel rule
6. Tenon saw
7. Rip saw
8. Firmer chisel
9. Mallet

PROCEDURE:
1) Measure and mark the desired heigh and width for the leave opening
2) Install a hack or rail system along the top and bottom
3) Attach the p0anels of the sliding door to the vaulters or wheels that will slide
along the hack
4) Make sure the door panels are properly aligned
5) For smooth operation sotter the edge of the panels before keeping to attach
6) Install the operation
7) Tense the sliding motion to ensure smooth operation
8) Finally install any necessary handles or locks on the door panels

DIAGRAM:

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 Figure No.10 Sliding door

RESULT:
Sliding door is constructed and can give an aesthetic vibe.

MODEL 2
ELECTRONICS: Power supply board

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AIM: To fabricate single side PCB for power supply board.

APPARATUS:
Diodes

Capacitor (1000 uf/25)

Capacitor (1uf/25v)

Transformer (230v)

LED

Voltage Regulator (LM7812)

PROCEDURE:
1) Gather the necessary components such as a transformer rectifier, capacitors
and voltage regulators
2) Design a circuit layout for the power supply board
3) Create a pcb design using a software
4) Transfer the pcb design onto a copper board using transfer method
5) Etch the copper board to remove unwanted ones and reveal the circuit design
and datasheets
6) Drill holes for component placement and solder pas
7) Solder the components onto the pcb following the circuit design and
datasheets

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 8) Double check all the connections and ensure there are no short circuits
9) Test the power supply boards using a multimeter or power supply tester

10)Once the boards asses the tests enclose it in a suitable housing for safety and
protection

DIAGRAM:

Figure No.11 Power Supply Board

RESULT:
When current flows through circuit the LED bulb will grows thus the circuit is
correct

MODEL 3

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 MACHINE SHOP: SIMPLE AND COMPOUND GEAR

AIM:

To prepare the simple and compound gear train specification

provide

APPARATUS:
Steel rule

Outside caliper

Vernier caliper

Flat smooth file

Center drill bit

Threading tool

Parting tool

PROCEDURE:
To make a simple gear train you will need driver gear connect the gears by
aligning their teeth and securing them in place when the driver gear test rotates it,
it transfers motion to the driver gear, causing it to rotate the first driven gear, which
will rotate the first driven gear, which will rotate the next gear in the series and so
on. This allows for different gear combinations.

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DIAGRAM:

Figure No.12 simple and compound gear

RESULT:
Simple and compound gear projects completed successfully.

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