Human Proximity Sensing and Reduction of Power Consumption ECE 480 Design Team 5 For Whirlpool Corporation JUDGE’S COPY Kevin D. Harrison Leslie G. Hodges Eric T. Hosey Nathan C. Kelly Berna Saracoglu Dr. Virginia M. Ayres – Facilitator Randy Jeffery – Sponsor Final Report Wednesday, December 9, 20092 Executive Summary: The drive to lower energy consumption and protect the environment has become a growing priority in consumers’ minds. The Environmental Protection Agency & U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR compliance is anticipated to develop a new requirement that appliances must enter a standby mode and consume one watt of power or less. In light of the energy demands, Whirlpool Corporation is determined to design and manufacture the most customer friendly and energy efficient products. This has created a need for appliances that include proximity detection both in the same room and directly in front of the product. Near negligible cost is also necessary with respect to Whirlpool’s lower-end products. ECE 480 Design Team 5 has developed an end design that includes a proof of concept for appliances to detect user proximity and minimize power consumption using standby mode. A passive infrared sensor was implemented for in-room detection. Inexpensive infrared sensors were integrated inside appliances to detect possible use, and ultrasonic sensors were interfaced with certain high-end appliances to enhance the user experience. The addition of these sensors into appliances will conserve energy and save consumers money on their utility bills by implementing a low power standby mode as well as optimize customer experience.3 Acknowledgements: ECE 480 Design Team 5 would like to express their greatest thanks to the following people for their help in integrating proximity sensors into home appliances: Whirlpool Corporation: Mr. Randy Jeffery, for his support and direction on appliance hardware and software features MSU College of Engineering: Dr. Virginia Ayres, Dr. Erik Goodman and Mr. Qaiser Malik, for their support and guidance throughout the design process MSU ECE Technical Services: Mr. Brian Wright, Mr. Gregg Mulder and Mrs. Roxanne Peacock, for their support in easily obtaining all necessary components4 Table of Contents: 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5 1.1. Whirlpool Project .................................................................................................... 5 1.2. ENERGY STAR ........................................................................................................... 5 1.3. Whirlpool Corporation ............................................................................................ 5 1.3.1. Whirlpool in Association with ENERGY STAR .................................................. 6 1.4. Advantages of the Proximity Sensor Approach ..................................................... 7 2. Solutions ......................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Gantt Chart ............................................................................................................. 12 3. Technical Description ................................................................................................... 15 3.1. Hardware Design ................................................................................................... 15 3.2. Hardware Implementation ................................................................................... 18 3.3. Software and Interface Design ............................................................................. 22 3.4. Software Implementation ..................................................................................... 24 4. Data Testing and Proof of Functional Design .............................................................. 27 4.1. Human Proximity Sensor Detection Ranges ........................................................ 27 4.2. Whirlpool Washer User Interface Testing and Results ........................................ 28 4.3. Washer Power Consumption Proximity Detection ON/OFF ................................ 29 4.4. Whirlpool Refrigerator User Interface Testing and Results ................................ 30 4.5. High-end Graphical Interface Testing and Results ............................................... 31 4.6. Testing Conclusion ................................................................................................. 32 5. Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 32 5.1. Summary of Overall Project, Project Cost, Schedule, and Future Work ............. 32 6. Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................... 35 6.1. Technical Roles ...................................................................................................... 35 6.1.1. Berna Saracoglu .............................................................................................. 35 6.1.2. Eric T. Hosey ................................................................................................... 36 6.1.3. Kevin D. Harrison ............................................................................................ 37 6.1.4. Leslie G. Hodges ............................................................................................. 39 6.1.5. Nathan C. Kelly ............................................................................................... 40 7. Appendix 2 .................................................................................................................... 41 7.1. References ............................................................................................................. 41 8. Appendix 3 .................................................................................................................... 47 8.1. Parts Identification ................................................................................................ 47 Figure 8.1d. USB Multilink ........................................................................................... 47 8.2. Code Warrior Code [Confidential] ........................................................................ 48
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