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Smart Pergola
Smart Pergola
1- What sustainability-related problem or need does your project address? What were you inspired by? What is/are the SDG/s you are tackling in your project? Include images and videos of similar projects
1- What sustainability-related problem or need does your project address? What were you inspired by? What is/are the SDG/s you are tackling in your project? Include images and videos of similar projects
Smart Pergola project addresses the need for energy-efficient outdoor spaces that adapt to changing weather conditions while reducing energy consumption and enhancing comfort.
Traditional pergolas provide shade but lack dynamic adaptability, often leading to excessive heat or insufficient protection from the elements.
This results in increased reliance on air conditioning, contributing to higher energy use and carbon emissions .
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We were inspired by bioclimatic architecture and nature-inspired design, particularly how plants adjust their leaves to optimize sunlight exposure. Modern automated shading solutions and smart home integration further influenced our approach.
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project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By reducing reliance on artificial cooling and heating through smart shading.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Creating eco-friendly and adaptive urban spaces.
SDG 13: Climate Action – Lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
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2- Conduct a feasibility/impact assessment using the standard template and attach it below. How do you think this assessment will guide your design?
2- Conduct a feasibility/impact assessment using the standard template and attach it below. How do you think this assessment will guide your design?
Explain your impact assessment on those four pillars: social, economic, environmental, and natural resources. And, explain how this assessment will influence your project concept and goals.
impact assessment
impact assessment
3- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
3- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
Automated panel System
Motorized adjustable panels open or close based on sunlight, rain, and temperature.
On hot days, the system provides shade to reduce heat absorption.
On cool days, the louvers tilt to allow sunlight in for natural warmth.
When it rains, the louvers close automatically to provide shelter.
Smart Sensors & AI Integration
Temperature, light, and rain sensors continuously monitor the environment.
The system automatically adjusts settings for maximum energy efficiency and comfort.
Users can control the pergola remotely via a smartphone app or voice assistant .
4- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
4- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
Project Planning
Project Planning
5- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
5- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
Construction Parts
Frame & Louvers:
Made from aluminum, wood, or composite materials for durability and weather resistance.
Motorized Louvers:
Mechanized panels that open and close based on weather conditions
Input
(Sensing, Tactile Input, and/or Graphical Input)
Light Sensors (LDR)
Temperature or Humidity Sensors
Motion Detectors
Action
(Physical and/or Graphic)
Motors or Actuators: Adjust the position or angle of panels for shading or ventilation.
Brain
Arduino
Power Management
Power Sources:
Battery: Rechargeable battery packs for standalone operations.
Adapter: Provides consistent power for larger installations.
Power Circuitry: Includes voltage regulators and power distribution circuits to ensure the
6- How will you use tools like the laser cutter and 3D printer with sustainable materials to make your project eco-friendly? What materials will you use, and why are they sustainable choices?
6- How will you use tools like the laser cutter and 3D printer with sustainable materials to make your project eco-friendly? What materials will you use, and why are they sustainable choices?
Describe how your project will leverage maker tools like laser cutters or 3D printers to reduce waste, and increase maintainability. Also, explain your choice of materials such as fabric, plastic filament, or recycled plastic sheets to support green innovation. Select materials with low environmental impact, and explain their relevance to your project.
Using Tools to Support Sustainability
Laser Cutter
Precision and Minimal Waste:
Laser cutting enables precise and efficient use of materials, reducing offcuts and waste during fabrication. This precision is particularly useful for cutting panels, frames, or decorative elements for the dynamic facade.Optimized Design:
CAD software allows nesting of parts, maximizing the use of material sheets during cutting and further minimizing waste.
3D Printer
Customizable Components:
A 3D printer creates bespoke parts (e.g., joints, connectors, or decorative elements) with exact dimensions, avoiding excess material use.On-Demand Manufacturing:
Components are only printed as needed, reducing the likelihood of surplus or unused parts.Recyclable Filament Use:
Many 3D printers support recycled or biodegradable filaments, promoting sustainable practices.
materials
PLA and we can use a recycled filament
plywood 3mm the wood id sustain
7- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
7- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
fully closed panel
semi closed panel
semi opened panel
fully opened panel
8- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
8- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
. Minimum Features
. Minimum Features
1. The panel moves if button pressed
Action: Servo Motors
Sensing : None
User Input :push button
2- The panel moves depending on Temperature , LDR Readings
action : Servo motor
Sensing: LDR Sensor , temperature
user input: None
Complete User Features
Complete Features
Complete Features
Complete Features
1- lighting system
action : LED
Sensing: None
user input: Button
Nice-to-have User Features
Nice-to-Have Features
Nice-to-Have Features
1- using Bluetooth to communicate with the device
Action:
Sensing:
User Input:
9- How will you incorporate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators to enhance the sustainability features of your project?
9- How will you incorporate Arduino programming, sensors, and actuators to enhance the sustainability features of your project?
Describe how you’ll use Arduino programming, along with sensors and actuators, to create functions that improve your project’s efficiency, reduce resource use, or monitor environmental impact.
Using Arduino Programming for Sustainability
Using Arduino Programming for Sustainability
Energy Optimization:
Sensor Integration:
Automation for Efficiency:
Sensors to Improve Efficiency and Reduce Resource Use
Sensors to Improve Efficiency and Reduce Resource Use
Light Sensor
Temperature Sensor
Actuators to Enable Sustainable Functions
Actuators to Enable Sustainable Functions
Motors or Actuators:
10- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
10- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
Component/Material
Amount
Link
Light Sensor Digital Module [LDR]
1
from kit
Temperature & Humidity sensor [DHT11]
1
from kit
Arduino UNO
1
from kit
Adaptor
1
from kit
Breadboard Large [GS-830]
1
from kit
Jampers
set
from kit
Plywood
3:4
from kit
Filament
90 g
from kit
11- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
11- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task
Sub-Tasks
From:
To:
Design
Concept Sketches & Initial 3D Model
Enclosure Design "A space for electronics"
Photorealistic Rendering & Animation
Preparing files for Fabrication
Mechanism design, simulation, and testing.
20 feb
27 feb
Digital Fabrication
Mechanism Testing through material "Cardboard, Wood,..etc"
Fabrication (3D Printing, or Laser Cutting)
Aesthetic Finishing & Coating
Assembling the project and placing the connections and screws
28 feb
1 Mar
Electronics & Programming
Components Testing
Testing block of codes for each component
Tinkercad Simulation
Real-Life Simulation
Mobile App or Web-based Control Interface
Code Integration
2 Mar
5 Mar
Integration & Testing
Basic Prototype Assembly & Functionality Check -Integration-
Performance Testing ?
6 Mar
8 Mar
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