Table of ContentsProblem StatementImpactsEnvironmental SustainabilityContemporary IssuesConstraintsDesign CriteriaThe planet faces the ever-increasing dangers of climate change and limited fossil fuel resources. This increases the need and demand for renewable energy. Kennesaw State University aims to meet this demand by planning the use of a solar panel and outdoor outlet. Due to the aesthetic limitations of solar panels, many designs have been made to mimic an everyday tree while maintaining high efficiency. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayProblem StatementAs the mechanical half of this project, the problem is an aesthetically pleasing and efficient design of a solar panel, whose The image should imitate that of a tree. Mechanically, the solar tree will be composed of 3 parts: the trunk, the branches and the solar generator housing. The total budget for the mechanical part of the project is $2,000. The tree will be constructed using the pattern of a concrete base commonly used for lighting poles. From there, the trunk of the solar tree should house the battery while also providing support for the other sections. The trunk should be designed to allow easy access to all internal components as well as easy battery replacement. The branches should be designed to accommodate different tilt angles while still being strong enough to support the solar box. Preferably, the branches will be hollow to help protect the wires of the solar panel as they travel to the battery. The solar panel housing will consist of the electrical engineering department's solar panel housed in a plexiglass housing. The housing must be replaceable and account for angles relative to the sun's path that are important to be as effective as possible. The solar tree must be able to operate continuously for 10 years, excluding parts to be replaced.ImpactsThe project will provide, at a societal level, information displayed through the panel, a leisure place to recharge electronic devices and will demonstrate a innovative use of futuristic technology. Globally, the solar tree design will help advance the field of renewable energy and its applications. Economical The solar tree design will use renewable energy to power many information graphics and electronic devices. Kennesaw State University will save money on energy produced with only an initial investment and maintenance. The project received an initial investment budget of $3,000, including $2,000 for the mechanical portion of the project. Environmental Sustainability The solar tree, at a fundamental level, is a project based on environmental sustainability. This tree, in addition to representing the Year of Morocco, is designed with longevity in mind, well beyond the first year of its use. The design will also show other college campuses and even current students at the university that moving toward clean energy alternatives must be of paramount importance in the years to come. Contemporary Issues Energy consumption has been increasing at a rapid rate due to the increasing demand for energy. One solution to this is a renewable energy source. The United Nations released a report on climate change in 2018 saying the world has just 12 years to reduce net global human-caused carbon dioxide emissions to reach zero.