Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
5-2016
Primary Advisor
Ali Shaban
Abstract/Summary
This paper discusses the design and implementation of a solar-powered hot tub. The concept of this project was to design an independently-operated hot tub powered by a 12V rechargeable battery, charged during the day by a single 400W solar panel. For this purpose, a twenty-year-old name-brand hot tub was purchased, in used condition. The plumbing, AC electrical wiring, and mechanical pumps were all removed and replaced with new components to meet our design specifications. Additionally, a solar water-heater was designed and integrated into the system to directly apply the sun’s heat to water pumped in and out of the tub, which significantly reduced the power budget for the system. Furthermore, the tub structure was fitted with energy efficient LED lighting for night-time use. Lastly, a user-friendly control and display unit was designed and embedded into the tub’s mechanical structure to allow owners to adjust and set modes of operation, jet and heat cycle times, and lighting options. Our design allows an owner to continually power their hot tub at no additional cost every month. This project served as a channel through which much of our studies in microelectronic, embedded system, and power system design got put into practice.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/334