Posted on

Erika’s Status Report for 2/22/2025

This week, I completed the design of the model house, ensuring it is manufacturable and fulfills all the requirements of our project design, including a variety of loads and a solar panel energy input suitable for energy optimization analysis. I also made significant progress on the user dashboard web app, setting up the basic framework and integrating initial features for visualizing household energy consumption.

I am on schedule with the project timeline. Completing the model house and starting the user dashboard are tasks planned for upcoming weeks, but it is great to get a head start.

Next week, I plan to integrate real-time energy consumption data into the user dashboard. I also aim to enhance the dashboard’s UI to improve user interaction and clarity. Furthermore, I plan to determine additional materials for the model house such as acrylics for walling and small decorations or toys to simulate a real home with active appliances.

Posted on

Erika’s Status Report for 2/15/2025

1. Accomplishments:
This week, I worked on:

  • Design Review Presentation: I created the slides for the following sections:

    • Testing and Verification Methodology: Outlined our approach to validating system accuracy, including sensor calibration tests and data integrity checks.
    • Implementation: I included a visual of what our user dashboard will look like.
    • Project Management: Developed the Gantt chart, task assignments, and bill of materials for the team.
      [Include a screenshot of your slides or the presentation document]

  • User Dashboard Web App: I started building the front end of the user dashboard using Next.js. I implemented the homepage layout and began integrating basic components such as energy usage graphs and a real-time energy savings counter.

This image is serving as the inspiration for my own dashboard.

  • Model House Demo: I designed the layout for our model house, which will be used to showcase SmartWatt’s real-time monitoring capabilities during the demo. I determined the dimensions of each rooms and the placement of each load.

  • Materials Planning: I determined the quantity of wood and acrylic needed to build the model house. I have ordered the wood so I can start laser cutting as needed. However, I plan to wait until later in the semester to assemble the model house since we don’t currently have a large enough storage space.

2. Progress Status:

  • I am currently on schedule with my tasks. The design review slides are complete, and I made significant progress on both the web app and model house design.

3. Goals for Next Week:

  • Web App: Complete the first iteration of the front-end visualizations and user input interface.
  • Model House: Receive the balsa wood and cut each piece to size. I will also order wood glue to assemble the pieces in the future.
  • Design Review Submission: My teammate will present our design review on M/W.
Posted on

Erika’s Status Report for 2/8/2025

This week, my team presented our proposal to the class. Taking what I learned from the presentation’s feedback, I wrote up an overarching plan for my capstone project. Then, I researched components and implementation ideas. I spent time refining my approach, identifying key technical considerations, and ensuring the feasibility of my design. This foundational work helped me map out the next steps for development.

My progress is on schedule, as I focused on planning and research to ensure a smooth transition into prototyping. If any unforeseen delays arise, I will allocate additional time to testing and debugging to stay on track.

Next week, I aim to finalize my component selection, begin ordering necessary parts, and start initial circuit and system design.