Inspiration
Fans are inefficient - they cool you off by moving the air around you, but have to spin around the entire room (catching you in its path only some of the time), or be stationed in one single position (again if you move, you won't be cooled off).
What it does
This fan follows you around the room to always aim at you. You can set your preferred temperature (after entering your password) and the fan will activate when the room temperature is at or above your preferred temperature.
How we built it
On an Arduino set: We used two slightly offset ultrasonic sensors on a motor to triangulate a moving object's location, and to spin to center that object. We integrated a 4x4 keypad that takes a passcode and lets the user set their preferred temperature once it's "unlocked". The temperature sensor activates the fan.
Challenges we ran into
The ultrasonic sensors only wanted to scan to the left...but we fixed it! Our 3D print to cradle the Keypad and LCD display also failed, but we printed it again!
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Figuring out the code (none of us knew Arduino). Also, figuring out the ultrasonic triangulation.
What we learned
We work way better on different assignments - it's harder to get in each other's way. We also learned how to work in an Arduino IDE.
What's next for HackUmass Smart Thermostat
We would like to implement a solar panel for a sustainable version, and to put a bigger fan on top.
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