AGH UST Campus has new PV bench

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AGH UST students have designed and built the first photovoltaic bench to be placed at the AGH UST Campus. This unique device follows the Smart City concept as it uses ecological sources of energy while promoting modern solutions in public space.

The bench, which is almost 2 metres in length, 67 cm in width and 2.5m in height is located in the vicinity of the AGH UST Centre for Energy. The frame of the bench is made of carbon steel, the internal parts are protected by a steel casing and the seating is made of wood. Two PV panels of 150 Wp each, which are the only source of power for the bench, are its most important elements. One of the panels has been fitted on the roof while the other one – on the side wall. In favourable weather conditions the panels produce surplus power which is stored in three batteries of 165 Ah total capacity. Thanks to this, the device can work in a continuous mode as it is fully independent of external energy sources.

The roof of the bench has been equipped with LED lighting which is activated automatically at dusk. Additionally, at the end of the seat one can find an induction charger for wirelessly charging your mobile phone. The side wall features three USB ports which can be used to charge multimedia devices. The charging control mechanism featured in the bench’s construction enables automatic control and optimisation of its performance parameters.

The PV bench is a project developed by Student Research Society Nova Energia affiliated with the Faculty of Energy and Fuels. Students themselves developed the design, conducted the necessary strength calculations and created models of the device components.  They were also in charge of handling both the assembly and the selection of materials and components.  The project received AGH UST funding awarded under the “Rector’s Grant” Scheme.

Nova Energia is a group of student enthusiasts of power engineering, economics and new technologies. Along with the ongoing improvements to their PV bench, the team of students is currently researching a wind turbine design and developing their proprietary pneumatic vehicle.

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