Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | Consumer device which indicates real-time signals [Pitched Project] |
Bipin Ghimire Brian Oh Sakar Karki |
Jialiang Zhang | ||
| #Problem: The urgent challenge of climate change has driven focus on energy production's carbon intensity. Yet, the real-time carbon impact of electricity consumption remains obscure to consumers. Existing models do not provide instantaneous feedback on the carbon intensity (CO2e/MWh) of electricity from local grids. This gap prevents consumers from making informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint actively. #Solution We propose a real-time carbon intensity indicator for residential consumers. This device will visually and audibly alert users to the current and changing carbon intensity of their local grid's electricity. The product will leverage this data to prompt automated energy consumption reduction during high grid strain or suggest energy-efficient appliances. The pitch states “the function would be to get a residential electricity consumer to see and hear an indicator, whether via light, notification popup, or a sound which alerts them to either a current state or a changing state of real-time carbon intensity on their local grid. As the basic device matures, the business would be built around using this information to automate reductions in energy consumption overall or at times of grid strain, or identify more energy efficiency appliances, both with direct carbon reduction impacts.” Green, yellow, and red LEDs to show good, OK, bad, and a similar set of sounds. The product is wifi-enabled wall plug with a light and speaker controlled by a small circuit. #Solution Components ##Subsystem 1: Real-Time Data Acquisition and Communication This subsystem will acquire real-time carbon intensity data from sources like ElectricityMaps, WattTime, and similar services. It will use the Wi-Fi module (ESP32) to fetch and communicate data to the indicator. ##Subsystem 2: User Interface Indicator Involves a set of LEDs (Green, Yellow, Red) and a speaker to provide visual and auditory feedback based on the real-time data. Part numbers: Green LED (WP710A10SGC), Yellow LED (WP710A10SYC), Red LED (WP710A10SRC), and a small speaker (CUI CMS-0361KLX). It will also provide a potential user input button (MDPSLFS) to trigger and automate energy-saving actions. ##Subsystem 3: Control and Automation Logic This will use a microcontroller (ESP32P) to process the data and control the LED and sound alerts. It will also interface with home automation systems to control energy consumption based on carbon intensity. AC prongs (Q-910) will also be used to be able to plug the device into the power outlet for power data and as a power source. #Criterion For Success Our project's success will hinge on the following testable goals: Accurate display of real-time carbon intensity with less than a 60-second lag from the data source. The ability to trigger and automate energy-saving actions in response to high carbon intensity readings. User-friendly interface that clearly communicates the current state and changes in carbon intensity to the consumer. |
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