Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi

I need help finding a Science Fair Project related to Energy and Physics. Can someone help me find some projects related to this.

I also came across this project which seems to be interesting called "Build Your Own Helio Tracker—a Self-powered Mechanical Sunflower that Turns with the Sun". I need help finding instructions on how to build the Helio Tracker. I am also planning on comparing the power output to another solar panel that does not track the sun. Will this project be achievable?

Thanks,

ssrivi - There is a Helio Tracker described in the Science Buddies guide. Here is a link to that experiment.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p045.shtml

You can find other sources for solar trackers on the web. Obviously the output of a solar cell array is highest when the plane of the array is perpendicular to the source. You could use math simulations to predict output at different azimuth and elevation angles then measure results in the form of power delivered by the solar cell. Sounds like an interesting experiment.

Rick Marz

I came across a project which involves piezoelectric Transducers, which when placed in a shoe insole will generate electricity when walking or running with the shoe. Seems to be very interesting topic.
1. Can anybody help me in the circuit and connectivity to establish this.
2. Wanting to know if the number or the size of the piezoelectric contribute a huge difference in the power output.
3. I am thinking of using a power bank and focusing first on charging a small appliance which requires minimal power.
4. Also wanted to know how could I take the reading using multimeter and the connections to it.
5. Planning to test it with different modes like pressing, walking, running and jumping using the shoe fixed with the piezo insole.

Please let me know if you think this idea is feasible.

Thanks