Project was to increase the efficiency of solar panels. It was by using a setup of bi-convex lens. The Bi-Convex lens setup was successful in charging the battery in less time than the conventional solar panel setup. It was also able to charge the battery in low light where the conventional setup failed.

1. Minor Project Report
(Project semester July-November, 2017)
On
“ENERGY CONSERVATION BY SPHERICAL LENS”
Submitted to,
(Department of Mechanical Engineering)
Amity School of Engineering and Technology
Amity University, Uttar Pradesh
In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of,
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
(Mechanical and Automation Engineering)
Submitted by,
PULKIT GOYAL - A2305414157
ABHISHEK RAI - A2305414118
ARUN JINDAL - A2305414164
Under Guidance of,
Mrs. Sheelam Misra
(Assistant Professor)

2. ABSTRACT
Solar energy is the energy that is produced by the sun in the form of heat and light. It is
one of the most renewable and readily available sources of energy on Earth. Solar
energy has been used by people since ancient times by using simple magnifying
glasses to concentrate the light of the sun into beams so hot they would cause wood to
catch fire. This project is all about harnessing more energy from the sun, even during
night hours and in low-light regions. Presently Solar Panels are being used to store
energy from sun but there are various problems which decreases the efficiency of
power stored. So to increase the efficiency of storage of solar energy, a system is being
developed which can generate more energy from sun and hence more power can be
stored with fewer losses. This technology will provide high amount of power harnessed
from the sun and can be used anywhere.
A spherical lens can be used, which magnifies the rays of light and concentrate it on
small size solar panels. Concentrated light beam will fall on conducting plate and the
generated energy will be stored in batteries. Thus increasing solar panel’s efficiency, as
instead of scattered light rays, concentrated ray of Sunlight is falling over the solar
panel.
Keywords:
Energy Conservation, Solar Energy, Spherical lens, convex lens

3. Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENT .......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................................2
Contents...............................................................................................................................3
1 Chapter 1 ......................................................................................................................5
Introduction..........................................................................................................................5
1.1 Solar Energy [1] .....................................................................................................5
1.2 Solar Vehicles ........................................................................................................5
1.3 Hybrid Vehicles ......................................................................................................5
2 Chapter 2 ......................................................................................................................7
2.1 Motivation...............................................................................................................7
2.2 Need of the project ................................................................................................7
3 Chapter 3 ......................................................................................................................8
Literature Review.................................................................................................................8
3.1 Solar Energy collection using spherical sun power generator [2]........................8
3.2 Solar Energy collection on spherical surface [1]...................................................8
3.3 High solar energy concentration with a Fresnel lens: A review [3] ......................8
3.4 Spherical glass amplifies solar energy collection [4] ............................................8
4 Chapter 4 ....................................................................................................................10
Project Work ......................................................................................................................10
4.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................10
4.2 Objective ..............................................................................................................10
4.3 Methodology.........................................................................................................10
5 Designing ....................................................................................................................12
5.1 CAD model...........................................................................................................12
5.2 Calculations..........................................................................................................13
6 Budget of Fabrication .................................................................................................14
7 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................15
8 Bibliography ................................................................................................................15

4. List of Figures
Figure 1: Working amplification by Spherical Lens………………………………………...9
Figure 2: GANTT Chart .....................................................................................................11
Figure 3: Side view............................................................................................................12
Figure 4: Isometric view ....................................................................................................12

5. 1 Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Solar Energy (Chi Lin, Deng, Gu, & Chan, 2014)
The Sun is the main energy source of the Earth. All fossil fuels used today are indirect
forms of solar energy. Most of the renewable energy sources, such as winds and ocean
waves, also exist because of the sun. Therefore, collecting energy directly from the sun
is an intuitive approach. Solar energy is in most abundance in nature and is a
renewable energy source. It is a nonpolluting source of energy and reduces greenhouse
effect. It is a form of thermal energy. It can be used for generating electricity for
household or industrial power purposes. Solar Panels are used for converting solar
energy into electrical.
1.2 Solar Vehicles
Solar cars use a system which works on PhotoVoltaic cells to convert sunrays into
electricity. Solar thermal energy converts solar energy into heat-energy for household
purposes, industrial purposes or to be converted to electricity, PhotoVoltaic cells directly
convert light of sun into electricity. When sunlight (photons) strikes PV cells, they excite
electrons and allow them to flow, creating an electric current. PV cells are made up of
semi-conductor materials such as Si and alloys of In, Ga and N. Crystalline Si is the
most common material used and has an efficiency rate of 15-20%. The 1st
solar family
car was built in 2013. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have also
developed a better solar car which can recharge more quickly, due to improved
materials used in the solar panels.
1.3 Hybrid Vehicles
A hybrid vehicle is a means of transportation that uses two or more than two distinct
power sources to run the vehicle. The term generally refers to the Hybrid Electric
Vehicles (HEVs), which integrate one or more electric motors and an internal
combustion engine. Hybrid Vehicles are gaining popularity and have become more
common. To become more environmentally accountable, more and more number of
cities is shifting their service vehicles and public transportation over to the hybrid
vehicles. While most of the people associate hybrid vehicles with the kind that uses
electricity as their primary alternate fuel, there are many more options available now.
Till now work has intensely been done in hybrid train using fossil fuel and electric motor.
However work has also been done in hybrid train using electric power and Human

6. power. Henry Thomas has shown that ergonomics play a fundamental role in the power
application by human.
These hybrid vehicles can be classified on the basis of vehicle type, engine type and
the power train configurations. In the vehicle type we have two wheelers and heavy
vehicles. In the Engine type we have variations based on types of fuels used whereas in
the powertrain configuration we have types ranging from parallel hybrid, mild parallel
hybrid, series hybrid etc. The two wheeled vehicles like Mopeds, electric bicycles are
simple form of hybrid vehicles powered by an electric motor or Internal combustion
engine and human power. There are two sub classifications namely parallel and series.
In parallel type a mechanical coupling of human and motor torques takes place at the
pedal or the wheel. In the series type the required torque is delivered by the user
pedaling, charging the battery of the generator. The first prototype was published in
1975 and since then many improvements and changes have been made.
The use of human power to run vehicle for short distances is the oldest form of
transport. The use of electric power to run vehicles is comparatively a recent form but is
being accepted very enthusiastically by the country’s market. But electric power faces
one big disadvantage: the batteries or the source of electric energy needs to be
recharged very frequently (every night for the E-rickshaws) and is generally time
consuming. One solution is to increase power to weight ratio. Lithium ion batteries are
an excellent example but their high costs make it unfit for a market such as India. Also
extended range electric vehicles require a comprehensive human - electric interface.
This project is about overcoming this dilemma of frequent charging. However, it is not
about increasing the power to weight ratio of the batteries but to introduce a new source
of energy.

7. 2 Chapter 2
2.1 Motivation
The major motivation for this project is for us to provide a cheap and efficient method to
charge batteries to encourage the future of solar powered electric cars which is a vital
alternative to fuel powered cars. We as humans are always looking in the direction of
development, but it is also our responsibility to leave a minimal impact on our mother
earth which has provided us all that we have asked for. This was the driving force
behind our project.
Live green, love green, think green.
We wanted to create an alternative method of charging batteries that would give a boost
to electric cars; to do that requires a lot of input and hard work. Pollution is affecting our
mother earth in more ways than we know, so now is the best time for us to look for
alternatives in order to survive.
2.2 Need of the project
Solar powred cars are well thought-out to be the vehicles of the upcoming time and
there is no surprise in that. These cars are incredible vehicles that every person should
use. When you take a solar powred car you are in fact driving a vehicle powered by
energy formed by the sun. Even despite the fact that the industry of solar powred cars
manufacturing is still narrow, we can definitely say that these cars symbolize a key
opportunity to entirely change the vehicle manufacturing industry. Still, different
improvements have been brought to the most current models of solar powred cars.
 Increasing the range of the car is the first feature to be mentioned. A few of the
first models of solar-powered cars had the most important disadvantage of not
being capable to go that far with no recharge.
 This leads to the second method in which solar powered cars can be
enhanced. Refining photovoltaic panels used to power these vehicles could be
a great plan. The panels that are used at present by most solar powered cars
can simply be describe as inefficient.
 Ever-increasing battery capacity may also be useful. The enhanced range of
the solar battery cells, the more efficient each charge will be. This means that the
vehicle will be more practical, cheaper and trustworthy.

8. 3 Chapter 3
Literature Review
3.1 Solar Energy collection using spherical sun power generator (THE
SPHERICAL SUN POWER GENERATOR, 2017)
In this research work, an idea of solar gathering that prints the solar cells openly onto a
spherical face or a balloon is studied. The determined solar power means focus the
sun’s energy from big area into a smaller area, which generates plenty of heat that can
be used to generate electricity. Author mentioned some advantages of spherical shape
of lens which we are using in our project. Advantages are:
• Bigger exposure to sun rays.
• Gravitation Inside.
3.2 Solar Energy collection on spherical surface (Chi Lin, Deng, Gu, & Chan,
2014)
In this research work, contrast between a flat- panel collector and spherical surface
collector is done on basis of their efficiencies. Author concludes that with no barrier, the
flat plate collector is more capable than the spherical surface collector. But due to
continuing change of the sun location and only a shorter instance in a day that the flat
plate collector can collect, efficiency is not as much. The reverse of the spherical
surface can collect considerable amount of scattered radiation and reflected solar
energy that makes it as efficient as the flat plate with no barrier. Taking into account the
barriers, the spherical surface collector can be enhanced choice in definite situations.
3.3 High solar energy concentration with a Fresnel lens: A review (Madhugiri &
Karale, 2012)
In this research work, Author paying attention on the solar energy high temperatures by
means of parabolic solar concentrator and Fresnel lens. Author eliminates the two main
problems with parabolic solar concentrator which requires better field of view and good
tracking system. The examination introduced that with two axis sun’s tracking to decide
the problem of repeated tracking and standing in the sun. The condition of two way
tracking system for a parabolic type solar concentrator permits exact and effortless
focus of solar radiation on the receiving surface of the utensil positioned at the focus of
the reflector.
3.4 Spherical glass amplifies solar energy collection (Boom, 2012)
In this article, solar energy’s amplification had vast improvements over the years.
German based Scientist Andre Brosesel used a spherical glass to strengthen the sun’s
rays for electricity production. Solar energy collection has becomes effective on
immeasurable scales, particularly in solar farms, where panels adjust themselves

9. optimally to collect the most light feasible. The spherical lens and its specific geometric
arrangement amplify energy efficiency by 45%. In comparison with old-fashioned PV
dual-axis solar panels, the spherical lens includes a fully rotational, weather proof
tracking system, which will work effectively on inclined surfaces and walls. This could
permit any building to be retrofitted with these glass lenses to produce more solar
power.
The spherical lens has the aptitude of concentrating scatter daylight and even
moonlight, creating solar energy collection a more effective use. The third model is filled
with water and has many photovoltaic cells to produce solar energy.
With additional expansion, and the declining cost of solar panels, such a new device
might be uncommon, especially when comparing the size between it and other similar
photovoltaic cells. However, its ability to generate energy more efficiently and the
chances to even produce energy at night might become the deciding factors.
Figure 1: Working amplification by Spherical Lens

10. 4 Chapter 4
Project Work
4.1 Introduction
This project is about increasing the efficiency of Solar panels and at the same time to
make them smaller. We are trying to gain more output from a smaller size solar panel
than a comparatively bigger one. Solar panels face many problems because of which
their output reduce.
In this project, Spherical lens in used to increase the efficiency of solar panels. We are
going to first design a mechanism by using spherical lens which focuses sun rays on a
solar cell and due to larger aperture of spherical lens, it can actually trap large amount
of solar radiations. Spherical lens also acts as a magnifying lens which means it will
magnify the incident rays of sunlight and these magnified rays have larger amount of
energy and concentrate the radiations on a smaller area of Solar panel. By solar cell,
we are converting energy of these concentrated rays into electrical energy which is
stored in the batteries.
4.2 Objective
Objective of this project is to improve the use of solar panels and to maximize the use of
solar energy. Solar panels work properly in sunny days and should be installed in open
area or at heights but they fail to work in not-sunny days or if high raise building cast its
shadow on it. Solar panels do not produce any output in night. In this project solar
panel’s inability to produce power in low light is reduced.
4.3 Methodology
a) Experimentation by using simple convex lens;
Comparison is done between the efficiencies of solar cells of same
characteristics when they are put directly into sunlight. Convex lens is placed
above SP. So concentrated light rays pass through the lens and fall on the panel.
Power generated in both the cases, i.e. with and without
b) Theoretical calculation:
This requires the basic formulae of optics to adjust the distance between lens
and solar cells and for calculating intensity of light falling on solar cells.
c) Practical calculation:
In this part, values are measured to do comparison between theoretical and
practical results.
d) Result :
In this part, efficiency of this mechanism is justified and research work is used for
publishing papers and patents.

11. Figure 2: GANTT Chart

12. 5 Designing
5.1 CAD model
Solid model of solar panel and spherical lens apparatus on a car is shown in figures 3
and 4.
Figure 3: Sideview
Figure 4: Isometric view

13. 5.2 Calculations
The formula for the collection of solar radiation can be presented by the following
equation:
P = I×Rab×A×Cin×Ccl
Where;
P: Absorbed Power, (Watts)
I: Solar intensity, )
Rab: Solar voltaic absorption rate
A: Collection area, ( )
Cin: Coefficient of incident = Cos α, where α is the incident angle
Ccl: Coefficient of clarity

14. 6 Budget of Fabrication
Table 1: Budget
S. No. Items (with specification) No. of
Pieces
Cost/Piece
(Rs)
Total Cost (Rs)
1. Spherical Lens (10cm
Diameter)
1 9000/- 9000/-
2. Solar Panels
(12V)
4 500/- 3500/-
3. Battery (12V) 2 500/- 2000/-
4. Model of car 1 1000/- 1000/-
5. DC Motor 1 500/- 500/-
Grand Total 16000/-

15. 7 CONCLUSION
Experiment of two solar panels with similar characteristics kept in sunlight at same time
for same duration but one panel was attached with a convex lens while other was not.
Power generated by both the panels was compared.
Theoretical and Experimental values were compared.
Efficiency of solar panel-convex lens set-up was justified.
A paper on “Increase in efficiency of Solar panels” is presented in “International
Conference on Composite Materials ICCMMEMS-2018”. Will be indexed in Scopus
(Elsevier) Conference Proceedings, Citation Index (part of web of Science).
8 Bibliography
Admin. (n.d.). Element Solar. Retrieved from http://www.elementsolar.com/?f
Admin. (2013, 06 13). Solar Powered Cars. (Generate Press; Word PRess) Retrieved
from http://www.solarpoweredcars.net/2013/06?cv=1
Boom, D. (2012, 08 28). Spherical Glass Amplifies Solar Energy. Designboom , p. 1.
Chi Lin, K., Deng, W., Gu, J., & Chan, H. (2014, 02 02). hrpub. Retrieved from
http://www.hrpub.org/download/20140105/EEE2-14501585.pdf?cv=1
Madhugiri, G. A., & Karale, S. R. (2012). High solar energy concentration with a Fresnel
lens: A Review. International Journal of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER) , Vol.2
(Issue.3), 1381-1385.
Masih Ingin Belajar. (2013, 01 04). (Teknologi dan Bisnis Online) Retrieved from
http://masihinginbelajar.blogspot.in/2013/01/history-of-solar-energy-
full.html?showComment=1359011016925
THE SPHERICAL SUN POWER GENERATOR. (2017, 08 31). Energy Inventions;
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