Report for the Solar Home Automation Research
Written by: Jerelyn Y. Co (III-BS Computer Engineering)
Adviser: Mr. Paul Cabacungan
AIC Project
Period: May 2, 2013 - June 4, 2013
Objective
The group aims to create a system for infant incubators by incorporating our own calibrated sensors. In this manner, it will allow the production cost lesser compared to the commercially available systems. Targets of production are the health centers with minimal funds and runs with no abundant medical resources.
Current Technologies and their Limitations
Infant Incubators are highly priced in the Philippines with its price ranging from a hundred thousand pesos and above. Because of this, most of the rural health centers or even government hospitals in the Philippines cannot afford to buy this essential machine.
Description of Work Done
In order to equip every member in the group, there were multiple meetings dedicated for orientation.
- Photosensor
The group was able to scrutinize the components of the available photosensor provided by Sir Paul Cabacungan. The functions of the sensor were studied (the lux range, response time) and the electrical connection was tested using a light bulb. Currently, the photosensor circuit is under deployment for the Aquaponics system.
Measuring the lux and the distance by which the photosensor will function
- Reporting
The group performed reporting twice. The first was done personally (Arduno programming, Bluetooth/Wifi, Solar Panels, photosensor) while the second one was done through online submission (LED, Wires and Inverter and solar charge controller).
The pictures were taken at Faura Hall, 2nd floor. Orientation for the materials to be use
Arduino Reporting at Ateneo Innovation Center
- Processing
In accordance to Arduino programming, Sir Toto Oppus provided a mini seminar to the AIC interns. The group members were invited to join to know some basic concepts of processing for future purposes.
- Sensors
Aside from the photosensor, the members were introduced to the other different photosensors. These include the temperature, RH and IR sensors. There were teams created and were asked to study the functions of the sensors and calibrate them through the use of Arduino programming.
As of now, we are done in testing the sensors through Arduino.
Lessons Learned
First of all, the members were able to know their co-workers in the project. We found out our strengths and also, the manner on how we’ll work with the people in the team. Besides from that, the members were introduced to the concepts that are most likely the members will deal with like the sensors, Arduino, and even the basic ideas for the tools (DMM, battery, solar panels etc) that we will be using in the project.
One of the problems that we encountered is the time. Due to different schedules, meetings are hard to decide on. Also, we are also expecting heavy academics load in this semester that will limit our time in doing this project.
Next Steps
On the next meetings, we’ll be closely coordinating with the BarangayBarangca Health Center as our first area of focus. They approved of the idea and said that they’ll be giving us a room in their center for research purposes. In connection to this, we will be placing all the sensors in an Arduino/Gizduino and prepare for the future deployments to the Barangay Health Center. To make this system even more complete, we will be trying to merge the phototherapy light group with the mentorship of Dr. Dennis Marquez and Prof. Carlos Oppus.
From June 10-14, we will be setting a demo system and do a stress test in the AIC to prepare for the upcoming deployments.