Net-Zero Home Sensor Project

Project Description:

This project came to be when the client, Carolyn Lorimer, wanted to build a net-zero home. The first of its kind in Canada. She knew that a system of sensors monitoring data must be implemented. This system needed to be able to monitor the air quality of the earth tube heat exchange, which will be the primary heating and cooling method for her home since it is an incredibly efficient method. It is also needed to compare the exterior air temperature to the interior air temperature to ensure gauge the effectiveness of the earth tube. To create this system, Carolyn needed help from Electrical Engineering Technology students, so she came to Algonquin College to give students a chance to learn via the project course.
This project was then assigned to the student team. Over the course of the project lifespan, the team then researched the equipment that was purchased, and put together a plan to build a working system. To do this, the team got individual sensors working with the controller. After the sensor configuration was done, a ‘wiring harness’ was created so that once the home was built, Carolyn or another group could install the system on the house.
Over the lifespan of this project, the team had numerous learning outcomes, including, but not limited to, sensor configuration, troubleshooting, project management, project documentation, and programming skills. By working on this project, the team needed to develop their skills using various sensors, especially sensors which they were not familiar with beforehand. Their troubleshooting skills were brought to a higher level since they were working with software and equipment they were not familiar with. The team gained new troubleshooting skills by fixing things when they were not working. By working on this project, they had to develop their project management skills by creating various documents for every step of the way, as well as managing the whole project.

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