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FilterEye: Energy-Saving Embedded Electronic Device to Alert User to Change Air Filter

CSEF · 2023 Environmental Engineering Second Award

Dao Jeanelle · 8

Overview

According to the US Department of Energy, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems consume 235 billion kWh of electricity and $3.5 billion worth of air filters annually. Dirty HVAC air filters increase energy consumption by 5-15%. Many change their filter too frequently or infrequently, wasting money or energy, because of inaccessibility. Using light and pressure sensors, FilterEye, a low-powered embedded IOT device, alerts the user with an app or buzzer, notifying them of the optimal time to change their filter. FilterEye senses the increasing air pressure drop in hectopascals between two sides of a filter as it clogs. The light sensors process how dirty the air filter by measuring the dirt’s discoloration in luxes. FilterEye utilizes a 2uA low-power sleep mode, consuming only 60mAh/year. Using wireless communications, FilterEye’s app interface displays the status of the user’s filter. The design fits within the constraint of a prototype budget of $100 and size limit of 100cm^3. The product was tested using a HVAC system model consisting of an enclosure holding the filter connected to the intake of a high airflow fan. The three design criteria were 85%+ indication accuracy, 1+ year of battery life, and 60dB alarm chirp lasting over 1 week. FilterEye passes these tests by working 92% of the time and lasting 2 years. The buzzer lasts for a week 100dB loud, using 20mA beeping for 0.25sec in 10-minute intervals. FilterEye can greatly reduce energy consumption, airborne illnesses, and filter replacement costs if widely adopted.

Source coverage

This record comes from a published award list, not a complete project archive. Its abstract comes from CSEF's public project showcase as archived by the Internet Archive before judging (https://web.archive.org/web/20230401224130/https://ca-csef.zfairs.com/showcase/ShowcaseInfo?f=838e60b7-ea75-46e8-865c-fde4864244b3); the version presented may differ.

Awards (3)

  • Category Award: 2
  • Sponsored Award: Junior Division Environmental Engineering Award
  • Sponsored Award: Junior Division Air Quality Award

Competition history

  • CSEF 2023 Environmental Engineering · Entry J1104

Resources

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