A Solar Panel
This example demonstrates how BERT can model a solar panel system as an energy transformation device with environmental inputs and electrical outputs.
Overview
The solar panel model showcases:
Energy transformation: Converting sunlight into electricity
Environmental interface: Photovoltaic cells as the conversion mechanism
Output management: Useful electricity and waste heat
System efficiency: Real-world conversion limitations
Key System Components
1. System Definition
Name: Solar Panel
Complexity: Adaptable (degrades over time, responds to conditions)
Time Unit: Hours (suitable for daily energy cycles)
Purpose: Sustainable electricity generation
2. Input Pathway
Solar Radiation
Source: Sun (environmental source)
Interface: Photovoltaic Cell Array
Flow: Variable based on weather and time of day
Substance: Electromagnetic radiation (sunlight)
3. Output Pathways
Primary Product: Electricity
Interface: Power Inverter
Flow: DC to AC conversion
Sink: Power Grid or Battery Storage
Usability: Immediately usable for devices
Waste Product: Heat
Interface: Thermal Dissipation Surface
Flow: Excess thermal energy
Sink: Environment (atmospheric dissipation)
Impact: Reduces panel efficiency at high temperatures
4. System Boundaries
Physical: Panel enclosure and mounting structure
Functional: Limited by photovoltaic conversion efficiency (~20%)
Environmental: Weather-dependent performance
Learning Points
This model illustrates several key engineering concepts:
Energy Conservation: Input energy equals output electricity plus waste heat
Interface Efficiency: Photovoltaic cells have theoretical and practical limits
Environmental Coupling: System performance depends on external conditions
Waste Management: Even clean energy systems produce waste (heat)
Try It Yourself
Load this model in BERT using the Model Browser
Examine the energy transformation pathway
Consider adding battery storage as a subsystem
Model seasonal variations in solar input
Extensions
Consider extending this model by:
Adding a battery storage subsystem
Including an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller
Modeling degradation over 20-year lifespan
Adding cooling systems to manage waste heat
Creating a full solar farm with multiple panels
Real-World Applications
This solar panel model can be adapted for:
Residential planning: Size systems for home energy needs
Grid integration: Model renewable energy contributions
Efficiency optimization: Identify improvement opportunities
Investment analysis: Calculate ROI based on energy flows
Sustainability Insights
BERT's systems approach reveals that even "clean" technologies:
Have multiple inputs beyond the obvious (manufacturing materials)
Produce waste products (heat, end-of-life disposal)
Exist within larger systems (grid, weather, economics)
Require holistic analysis for true sustainability assessment
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