I originally used this idea in fifth grade for Invention Convention. I decided that it would be a good project to put on Instructables.
I first got the idea for this gadget when I noticed that the lights by my garage would turn on when there was still sunlight outside. The light would turn on too early because the sensor that controls the light is beneath the soffit. When the sun begins to set it casts a shadow on it which causes the light to turn on too early in the evening. Similarly, it turned off too late in the morning when it was already bright outside. Also on cloudy days when the sunlight is blocked the light goes on. I decided that something had to be done about these problems because energy was being wasted which could easily be prevented.
This gadget works by reflecting light from the bright sky into the light sensor. After testing I estimated that in my case, I save 30 minutes of energy in one day including dusk, dawn, cloudy and rainy days.
I first got the idea for this gadget when I noticed that the lights by my garage would turn on when there was still sunlight outside. The light would turn on too early because the sensor that controls the light is beneath the soffit. When the sun begins to set it casts a shadow on it which causes the light to turn on too early in the evening. Similarly, it turned off too late in the morning when it was already bright outside. Also on cloudy days when the sunlight is blocked the light goes on. I decided that something had to be done about these problems because energy was being wasted which could easily be prevented.
This gadget works by reflecting light from the bright sky into the light sensor. After testing I estimated that in my case, I save 30 minutes of energy in one day including dusk, dawn, cloudy and rainy days.
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
This is a very simple instructable and it is not very hard to make. All you need is:
A metal clamp size 36
Any ordinary wire that can easily be bent, but it holds its shape
A wire connector
A small mirror (In my case I used a periscope mirror. You can also use any small mirror, such as a disposable dental mirror)
Super glue
A screw driver
This should all cost you a little less than five dollars.
A metal clamp size 36
Any ordinary wire that can easily be bent, but it holds its shape
A wire connector
A small mirror (In my case I used a periscope mirror. You can also use any small mirror, such as a disposable dental mirror)
Super glue
A screw driver
This should all cost you a little less than five dollars.
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2
wobbler says:
Nov 11, 2010. 8:22 AMReply
Clever and simple!
dhawal_harkawat says:
Apr 8, 2010. 3:17 AMReply
thats really a nice technology of utilizing solar energy , post me more of these projects
4
carlo$ says:
Sep 6, 2009. 10:34 AMReply
Congrats, excellent idea. One question? on windy days, does your invention get out of adjustment? Where I live its very windy and I think I would have to be readjusting the mirror every day.
texpear says:
May 13, 2009. 5:27 PMReply
Not bad. This is a perfect example of how tiny individual changes in energy use can make a huge impact when used by the masses (similar changes could apply to recycling, e.g. cutting on plastic bag use). I like your calculations. Usually we don't understand big numbers but examples with number of coal used in terms of train cars is mind boggling.
49
lemonie says:
May 10, 2009. 3:28 PMReplyDo I understand that you're lighting up your garage when it's dark? I have thoughts of light-switches and motion-sensors - unless I've missed something you're using energy without a purpose for a bit less time than you used to use energy without a purpose? (couldn't you move the sensor?) L
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