Autonomous Temperature Monitoring Robot
Course Instructor
Don Lee
Abstract
The project presents the design and implementation of an autonomous robotic system intended to collect and monitor temperature data at multiple heights beneath solar panels installed in the parking lots of the University of the Pacific. In recent years, the urban heat island effect has gained increased attention, and according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, densely populated urban centers experience elevated temperatures when compared to surrounding rural areas. This project investigates whether the installation of solar panels can help mitigate excessive heat accumulation in such environments and offers real-time temperature tracking capabilities using a data visualization application.
The developed robot is equipped with sensors and temperature probes that measure thermal variations at three specific levels: at ground level and at two distinct heights above ground. This multi-layered sensing configuration allows for a comprehensive analysis of temperature fluctuations to create a vertical gradient, thus providing insight into the potential cooling impact of the solar panels in the parking lot environment. The autonomous nature of the robot ensures efficient navigation across complex outdoor settings, where it is designed to avoid obstacles such as vehicles and pedestrians.
A key aspect of this design is its ability to operate continuously for a minimum duration of two hours under varying conditions. The robot is engineered to provide a data upload to an app, where the gathered temperature readings are visualized via dynamic heat maps and other graphical representations. This allows for real-time monitoring and analysis, which is vital in understanding the mitigating effects of solar panels on urban heat accumulation. The system design also emphasizes resilience and robustness. The robot has been built to withstand environmental extremes, functioning effectively within temperatures ranging from 0°C to 50°C. A detailed breakdown of engineering requirements and justifications is provided through specifications ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the collected data.
Overall, this project offers an innovative approach to addressing the urban heat island effect by leveraging robotics, autonomous navigation, and comprehensive data analytics. The deployment of this system in a real-world setting not only assesses the environmental impact of solar panels but also provides a scalable solution for sustainable urban development initiatives at the University of the Pacific and similar environments. This project also illustrates the integration of advanced robotics and environmental science, offering scalable solutions for urban cooling challenges in real time.
Autonomous Temperature Monitoring Robot
The project presents the design and implementation of an autonomous robotic system intended to collect and monitor temperature data at multiple heights beneath solar panels installed in the parking lots of the University of the Pacific. In recent years, the urban heat island effect has gained increased attention, and according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, densely populated urban centers experience elevated temperatures when compared to surrounding rural areas. This project investigates whether the installation of solar panels can help mitigate excessive heat accumulation in such environments and offers real-time temperature tracking capabilities using a data visualization application.
The developed robot is equipped with sensors and temperature probes that measure thermal variations at three specific levels: at ground level and at two distinct heights above ground. This multi-layered sensing configuration allows for a comprehensive analysis of temperature fluctuations to create a vertical gradient, thus providing insight into the potential cooling impact of the solar panels in the parking lot environment. The autonomous nature of the robot ensures efficient navigation across complex outdoor settings, where it is designed to avoid obstacles such as vehicles and pedestrians.
A key aspect of this design is its ability to operate continuously for a minimum duration of two hours under varying conditions. The robot is engineered to provide a data upload to an app, where the gathered temperature readings are visualized via dynamic heat maps and other graphical representations. This allows for real-time monitoring and analysis, which is vital in understanding the mitigating effects of solar panels on urban heat accumulation. The system design also emphasizes resilience and robustness. The robot has been built to withstand environmental extremes, functioning effectively within temperatures ranging from 0°C to 50°C. A detailed breakdown of engineering requirements and justifications is provided through specifications ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the collected data.
Overall, this project offers an innovative approach to addressing the urban heat island effect by leveraging robotics, autonomous navigation, and comprehensive data analytics. The deployment of this system in a real-world setting not only assesses the environmental impact of solar panels but also provides a scalable solution for sustainable urban development initiatives at the University of the Pacific and similar environments. This project also illustrates the integration of advanced robotics and environmental science, offering scalable solutions for urban cooling challenges in real time.
