Grantee Research Project Results
2016 Progress Report: Developing a Wireless Device for Monitoring Water Usage for Hotel Showers
EPA Grant Number: SU835935Title: Developing a Wireless Device for Monitoring Water Usage for Hotel Showers
Investigators: Johannes, Tyler
Institution: University of Tulsa
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 2015 through September 30, 2017 (Extended to August 31, 2018)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2015 through September 30,2016
Project Amount: $74,999
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2015) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
Hotels consume a significant amount of water in the U.S. and around the world. Most hotels do not monitor individual guest water usage and as a result, millions of gallons of potable water are wasted every year by hotel guests. The proposed work aims to develop a commercially viable wireless device for monitoring water use from hotel guest room showers. This device will be based on the prototype design developed during Phase 1 and will be designed to fit most new and existing hotel shower fixtures and will wirelessly transmit hotel guest water usage data to a central hotel accounting system.
Progress Summary:
At this time, our initial device concepts have been modeled using CAD software and fabricated using 3D printing technology. Device software has been developed to allow for the transfer of data between the device and a preliminary database we have established. A testing apparatus has been constructed for use in prototyping and determining flow measurement accuracy and reliability. A survey has been created for market research purposes, and a preliminary set of operational requirements have been developed. We have performed community outreach activities in both the fall and spring semesters. Last fall, we visited a local elementary school and spoke to fifth graders on the importance of conserving water and ways they could conserve water at home. We also hosted a table at an Earth Day event for approximately 1000 children and had coloring sheets with messages regarding water conservation.
Based on our work, we have proof of concept for the design of our device. Fluid flow measurements can be obtained in a small impeller system and communicated to a database for storage and analysis, and micro-generators are already on the market that can produce power using flowrates and pressures commonly found in shower systems. Additional time and testing is required to develop an all-in-one device capable of self-powered water monitoring and wireless data transmission.
Future Activities:
An all-in-one prototype device with power generation, flow measurement, and data transfer systems all housed in a single unit is under development. The completed testing apparatus will be employed to allow for rapid testing of the prototype and its capabilities. Currently, we intend to use 3D printing technology to fabricate the device housing and framework, while using ready-made generator and microcontroller components before moving to custom manufactured components.
The device will be analyzed and assessed on its ability to accurately measure and reliably communicate water usage to a database accessible by a mobile device. Furthermore, a projection with projected costs of production and product viability will be further refined through interviews with individuals in the hospitality industry (surveys, interviews, etc.).
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Water conservation, urban water planning, sustainable water managementProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractP3 Phase I:
Developing a Wireless Device for Monitoring Water Usage for Hotel Showers | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.