ATA Brisbane Branch meeting – Thursday 26th March
When: Thursday 26 March
Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start
Where: Albion Peace Centre, 102 MacDonald Rd, Albion (underneath Albion Overpass; UBD 140 Ref. D14)
Cost: $3, to help cover venue hire costs
RSVP required: Phil Alford phil_nicole@tpg.com.au
A two-axis mechanical photovoltaic tracking system
The first formal ATA branch meeting for 2009 will feature an interesting presentation by Colin Jones on a two-axis mechanical solar tracking system for a photovoltaic electricity generating system.
Colin has always had a keen interest in design, prototyping and testing new products, even as a child tinkering in his father’s workshop. He trained as a sheet-metal worker and worked in the industry for approximately 15 years before commencing business. Through his original company, “Stainless and Design”, he has worked with installing commercial kitchens, stainless steel waterfalls (prior to water restrictions) and other stainless steel products. At the same time, he has been working with Solar Power & Pumps in installing on and off grid PV systems and assisting them with mechanical design.
In 2005, he won a design award from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy for his design of a roof mounting system for difficult east-west roof PV installations. Recently he has refocused his business on solar-associated product development (new company name “Renewable Designs”), commercialising a roof rail system for mounting solar. In 2008, in conjunction with Solar Power & Pumps, he received recognition from the Clean Energy Council, with an Innovation and Design Merit award for the current solar tracking system.
Colin’s presentation will focus on:
* How it all started
* His mechanical tracking system (including demonstration module)
* How it is different and the benefits
* Overcoming tracker reliability issues of the past
The format for the evening:
7:30pm – 9:00pm:
* Welcome
* Presentation by Colin Jones, from Renewable Designs
* Brief break
* General meeting
9:00pm – around 9:30pm:
* Tea/coffee/nibbles/socialising
Pre-meeting Get-together
Note that prior to the meeting, members of the Brisbane ATA committee will be meeting over a bite to eat at the nearby Albion Hotel (300 Sandgate Rd, Albion, 5 minutes walk from Peace Centre). Other ATA members are most welcome to join us for the meeting.
RSVP to Phil at phil_nicole@tpg.com.au would be appreciated.
Cheers, Phil Alford
Brisbane Branch Convenor
Phone (07) 3856 5638
phil_nicole@tpg.com.au
