PROJECT OBJECTIVES

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General Objective

Eco Energy aims to reduce energy waste in homes, businesses, and society at large by promoting the responsible and efficient use of electricity. The project seeks to raise awareness about unnecessary energy consumption and foster sustainable habits that contribute to environmental protection and the proper use of energy resources.

Specific Objectives

  1. To reduce electrical energy waste in households caused by unnecessary use of devices left connected to power sources.
  2. To promote awareness about responsible energy consumption among domestic and commercial users.
  3. To encourage sustainable habits that contribute to energy efficiency in daily life.
  4. To decrease the environmental impact generated by unnecessary electricity consumption.
  5. To support the efficient use of energy resources in homes, businesses, and society.

General Problematic

Energy waste happens because many electrical devices remain plugged in even when they are not being used. This occurs due to lack of awareness, forgetfulness, and the absence of systems that help users monitor or control their electricity consumption. As a result, unnecessary energy usage increases electricity bills, contributes to environmental pollution, and leads to inefficient use of energy resources in homes, businesses, and society in general.

Specific Problems

  • Devices plugged in

    Devices stay plugged in even when not in use.

  • Forgetfulness

    People forget to unplug devices.

  • High consumption

    Electricity consumption increases.

  • No reminders

    No reminder systems exist.

  • Environment impact

    Environmental impact rises.

  • No control tools

    No tools to control energy usage.

PROJECT SOLUTION

Device Description

The device seeks to reduce energy waste generated in households, since between 5% and 16% of electrical energy is wasted by leaving devices plugged in when they are not being used.

The solution will consist of an adapter with a timer that can be configured so that after a certain amount of time it produces a sound reminder indicating that the device should be unplugged.

It will include a small display showing the remaining time, a small speaker (buzzer) that produces sound when the counter reaches 0, and three buttons:

  • Button 1: Pause timer and reset to 0
  • Button 2: Increase timer by 15 minutes
  • Button 3: Increase timer by 30 minutes

Device Design

The device will be covered with ABS plastic, the same material used in many chargers. This material is important because it does not conduct electricity, resists impacts, withstands high temperatures, is inexpensive, and easy to manufacture.

The adapter will be compatible with electrical connections from different countries.

Power Supply

  • Input: 110V-240V AC (multivoltage)
  • Internal conversion to low voltage (5V or 3.3V DC)
  • Operating temperature: 30-60 °C

Required Materials

  • Arduino board
  • 3 push buttons
  • LCD 16x2 display
  • Buzzer
  • AC-DC power module
  • Jumper wires
  • Terminal blocks

How It Works

  • The Arduino controls the timer
  • The buttons modify the counter
  • The display shows the remaining time
  • When it reaches 0, the buzzer sounds