PROJECT NUMBER: WZM-1M11 A MAJOR QUALIFYING PROJECT REPORT Home Energy Automation Technology Final Report WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Electrical & Computer Engineering Submitted by: ___________________________________ Michael Audi
[email protected] ___________________________________ Scott Cloutier
[email protected] ___________________________________ John Manero
[email protected] Approved by: ___________________________________ Professor William R. Michalson
[email protected] ___________________________________ Professor Stephen J. Bitar
[email protected] Date Submitted: January 2nd, 2011 Acknowledgements As contributors to this Home Energy Automation Technology (H.E.A.T.) Major Qualifying Project, we would like to recognize the following individuals and organizations listed below for their generous support to this project. Marc Pepin, Product Marketing Engineer, Intel Corporation Fred J. Looft, Professor and ECE Department Head, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Dr. William R. Michalson, Professor and Project Advisor, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Stephen J. Bitar, Professor and Project Co-Advisor, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Alexander E. Emanuel, Professor, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Page | i Abstract The purpose of this project is to explore residential household climate control systems and develop a viable product concept that integrates any and all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sources into an automated electronic control system. This project will incorporate a microcontroller- based modular system that provides multiple communication mediums to adapt to most household configurations. This system will utilize a web-based control server that implements efficient climate control algorithms, resulting in improved heating and cooling efficiency for residential and small- business consumers. Page | ii Executive Summary This project focuses on the development of a product concept that provides a solution to an existing problem found in households with multi-sourced climate control systems.