Projects
University of Connecticut, Institute of Materials Science, Electrical Insulation Research Center
Pulse Width Modulation Automated Sample Breakdown Observer (April 2023 - Present)
The Pulse Width Modulation Automated Breakdown Test Observer is a system designed to automate the testing of insulator samples. It utilizes an Arduino microcontroller to control stepper motors, which move between open and closed positions to complete portions in the circuit that put each sample under load. The Observer uses a 1000:1 downscaling voltage probe to monitor the voltage readings, and it accurately detects breakdown events by comparing the running average of the voltage reading to a predefined threshold. The breakdown time for each sample is then recorded.
During setup, the Observer establishes serial communication with the monitor and configures the GPIO pins. This includes attaching the steppers to their respective Arduino pins, enabling precise control of the stepper motors. The memory array is also initialized here to store the voltage readings for calculating the running average.
In the main loop, the Observer waits for the signal to start the system and proceeds to test each sample sequentially. It detects breakdowns by monitoring the voltage reading's running average and comparing it to the threshold. When a breakdown is detected, the system records the breakdown time and moves on to the next sample. At the end of the testing process, the code resets the variables to their initial states and prints a summary of the breakdown durations for the user.
Additional functions within the code map floating-point values between different ranges and calculate the running average of the voltage probe readings. These functions contribute greatly to the accuracy of the probe's voltage reading.
The Observer streamlines the testing process, saving users time and providing precise measurements of the time until the breakdown of electrical insulation samples is detected.
Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut, The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education Innovation Day
The Posture Chair was an innovative solution designed to promote correct sitting posture. It was a chair add-on that addressed the issue of poor posture by reminding the user to sit properly. The chair incorporated sensors and LEDs, which worked together to provide real-time feedback on the user's posture.
Using the sensors, the Posture Chair detected the user's sitting position and provided immediate feedback on whether the posture was correct or not. The LEDs integrated into the chair visually indicated the user's posture status, making it easier for them to make necessary adjustments.
Extensive testing and optimization were conducted to ensure the Posture Chair was both comfortable and effective. The chair was designed to maximize user comfort, recognizing that an uncomfortable chair would discourage consistent use. Simultaneously, the effectiveness of the chair was fine-tuned to ensure it consistently reminded users to maintain proper posture and encouraged healthy sitting habits.
Overall, the Posture Chair served as a supportive tool that promoted good posture by utilizing sensors and LEDs to provide real-time feedback on the user's sitting position. Optimizing both comfort and effectiveness encouraged users to maintain correct posture, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and reducing the risk of posture-related issues.
The auto composter is a specially designed composting system to optimize the composting process. It was created with the goal of achieving efficient composting by carefully monitoring and controlling the pH, humidity, and moisture levels within the composting environment. To achieve this, the composter is equipped with sensors that can accurately measure these parameters.
To automate the composting process, the sensors are programmed to continually monitor the composting conditions within the composter. Based on the readings obtained from the sensors, the composter could make real-time adjustments to create an optimal environment for the decomposition of the organic matter inside. By automatically regulating the pH, humidity, and moisture levels, the composter ensures that it remains within the ideal range of these factors, maximizing its efficiency.
To validate the effectiveness of the auto composter, a series of experiments were conducted. These experiments involved comparing the performance of the auto composter against traditional composting methods. The data collected during these experiments was analyzed to assess the efficiency of the auto composter in terms of the speed and quality of compost produced. The results of these experiments provided evidence of the auto composter's ability to optimize the composting process.
Smart Tank (January 2019 - May 2019)
The Smart Tank is a climate-controlled terrarium/aquarium with real-time temperature and humidity tracking. It utilizes sensors to maintain optimal conditions for plants or animals inside. The sensors are programmed to automatically adjust temperature and humidity levels based on real-time data, ensuring consistent and ideal environments without the need for manual intervention.