Automation Group

The Smart House Automation Group pools resources and experience to accomplish many varied automation implementations. Some of the projects the Automation Group collaborates on includes the Rainwater Irrigation System, the Biomass Digestion System, the Energy Recovery Wheel, Exercise Monitoring, and the Biomass Air Filtration Project. Students involved in this group work on many different aspects of the house design and gain valuable experience in controls and automation. Below is a summary of some of the tools we use.

Arduino

Image credit: SparkFun Electronics

Arduino is a physical computing platform designed for rapid implementation and ease of use. Smart House employs Arduino microcontrollers in applications where ZigBee wireless mesh networking, RFID, or GPS are necessary. The Exercise Monitoring and Biomass Filtration projects make extensive use of Arduino tools.

Proportional Integral Derivative Controllers (PID)

Image credit: Omega Engineering

PID controllers are used for closed loop temperature regulation in specific isolated applications. PID controllers are useful because they are quick to implement, interface with a variety of thermocouples, and are cost effective. PID controllers are used in a variety of isolated systems, such as experimental cooking tools.

ZigBee

Image Credit: Digi

Zigbee is a low cost, low-power wireless mesh networking protocol. It is particularily suited for applications which have very little power available, or battery operated sensors and devices. Devices using ZigBee radios form a self organized wireless mesh network suited for home automation and sensor networking. 

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

PLCs are used in implementations where multiple input and output arrangements are necessary, or the equipment is being operated in extreme environments, such as high/low temperature or with potential interference. One application where PLC controllers are usedis the rainwater irrigation system; an array of water level sensors, pressure sensors, and analog converted humidity sensors are inputs, anddepending on their real time conditions, a series of solenoid valves and pumps are operated to irrigate the property and green roof.