Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Transitioning to fabrication/testing phase
Developed preliminary software code and began testing
Developed preliminary sensor array design
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Used the variable resistor provided to determine a feasible voltage output of the photodiode
Compared the voltage output of a pyranometer to photodiode under direct sunlight and decided that photodiode would work better with Arduino board
Had a SolidWorks draft model for sensor array design
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Purchase Battery/Solar Panel: Andy
Inspecting more on SolidWorks model of sensor array (housing): Jeff
Develop code for sensing process: Tyler/Victor
Inspecting options for other sensors: All
Develop a consistent method to measure sensor performance: All
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Sponsor's comments:
· Start developing the programming as soon as possible once the components are working for certain (April 11, 2012, in person)
Actions Taken:
· April 1 – A draft structure of code for taking data (with no processing) was proposed.
· April 11 – Started on developing a functional code for two sensor system.
· April 12 - Revised code and troubleshot using two sensor array.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Instructor's comments:
· Provide a quantified comparison (both indoor and outdoor) of the phototransistor and the pyranometer (diagrams, data, calculations, etc.)
· Determine the accuracy of the system
· Determine signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor
Actions Taken:
· April 6 – Victor met with Steve Roberts to determine noise issue on system. He stated that it is something to consider after the system has been built. It is a fine tuning process, not a developing process. Also, a filter should not be applied to the system because that will slow down the central system’s ability to sample. In fact, the filter will reduce the amplitude of the signal, which can be troublesome to determine whether it is a cloud or just simply noise.
· April 9 – Conducted an outdoor testing to compare the phototransistor and the pyranometer.
· April 10 – Conducted an indoor testing on phototransistors to compare the results of outdoor testing.
· April 11 – Proposed that the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor could be estimated by measuring a constant signal then observing the fluctuation in measurements. Will inspect this estimation method more to provide quantified validation for the phototransistors.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Complete structure of the codes is still under concern
The suitable size of solar panel that can provide enough power supply
A consistent method to test the performance of the sensors for comparison
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Velocity of the testing objects (ex. Human hands) to compare the results of our sensor system
Power consumption of the complete system to decide correctly what power source to use
Schedule
The approaching milestone will be finalizing sensor array that optimizes the performance
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Amount Available: $ 1930.98
Amount Spent: $ 69.02
Progress on Report and Webpage
Updated and completed