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Abstract
This senior design report details the stages of a design project in which the team created a
prototype of a solar powered push lawn mower. The team provided an economic analysis to justify the
success or failure of the design. The goal of this design was to determine if adding electrical
components to an existing push lawn mower frame was a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a
new lawn mower. To start the design process, the team researched previous design reports which
attempted to build a solar powered push lawn mower. After considering the pros and cons of these
past projects, three preliminary designs were developed. From these preliminary designs, a final
design was chosen. Next, the components needed to complete a prototype were designed and chosen
based on calculations and requirements. Once the prototype was constructed, tests were completed to
see if the design was successful. The first tests resulted in the conclusion that the motor was
undersized. A new motor was sized and selected which resulted in better cutting capabilities. An
economic analysis was completed based on a budget and it was decided that this design could be
justified financially. Finally, future changes and improvements to the design were discussed.