Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
76 Watt Balance
 John Howard
Julian O'Hern
Justin Ansell
 Abhisheka Mathur Sekar design_document1.pdf
final_paper2.pdf
other2.jpeg
other1.pdf
photo1.jpeg
proposal1.pdf
proposal2.pdf
# Watt Balance (Pitched Project)

Team Members:
- John Howard (johnlh3)
- Justin Ansell (jansell2)
- Julian O’Hern (johern2)

# Problem
In 2019, the universal kilogram standard was redefined from the physical definition based on a platinum-iridium alloy object to a relation to Plank’s constant. Researchers have developed a method of measuring mass in relation to the velocity and force of an induced field from the balance usually called a Watt or Kibble Balance.. A group of graduate researchers in the ABE department at UIUC made their own watt balance, but found their measurements are often off by up to 30%. They pitched a project hoping to find ways to improve the accuracy of the Watt Balance.
# Solution

To solve the problem of inaccurate results, we are proposing improvements to iterate on the current design. We plan to increase the accuracy of the sensors for current readings and velocity readings, reduce the friction from the fulcrum, and allow for better user control of the device through updated control software. We also plan to make the device as reliable as possible by shielding from external electromagnetic interference and ensuring that the voltage supply delivers a precise constant voltage. With these changes, we believe that we can significantly improve the accuracy of the mass readings of the balance.

# Solution Components

## Velocity Measurement
In order to properly calculate the mass on a Watt Balance, two measurements are needed: velocity and force. Velocity measurement entails calculating the movement of the scale, which will require a sensor to detect the rotational movement. This velocity is used in one half of calculating the mass of the object on the scale.

## Force Measurement
Measuring the force requires applying a precise current to one coil, while measuring the resulting induced current in the other coil by the motion of the permanent magnet through it. This force is used in the other half of calculating the mass of the object on the scale. Combined with the velocity calculations, an accurate mass can be determined.

## Data Processing
The method for processing data on the existing model is an Arduino with several breakout boards, which is not ideal for quickly gathering and processing the data required. Our plan is to create a custom PCB with all the necessary components to streamline the process of data collection, and improve the PID control.

## Balance Control and Display
Currently the graphical interface for the display consists of a rudimentary program in MATLAB with the control buttons and data. Improving the GUI to both be able to see more in-depth information about the feedback from the scale, along with more sophisticated tuning methods that will help to more quickly debug and fix issues with the balance.


# Criteria For Success
Our device must:
- Accurately determine the magnetic force generated by measuring the induced current in the coil
- Accurately determine the rotational velocity of the balance by measuring the rotational position of the fulcrum.
- Calculate and display the mass of the object placed on it
- Allow for control and parameter modification from a computer application

We have some stretch goals as well, such as auto-calibration given a known mass, but the items listed above are the minimum criteria for success.

Wireless IntraNetwork

Daniel Gardner, Jeeth Suresh

Wireless IntraNetwork

Featured Project

There is a drastic lack of networking infrastructure in unstable or remote areas, where businesses don’t think they can reliably recoup the large initial cost of construction. Our goal is to bring the internet to these areas. We will use a network of extremely affordable (<$20, made possible by IoT technology) solar-powered nodes that communicate via Wi-Fi with one another and personal devices, donated through organizations such as OLPC, creating an intranet. Each node covers an area approximately 600-800ft in every direction with 4MB/s access and 16GB of cached data, saving valuable bandwidth. Internal communication applications will be provided, minimizing expensive and slow global internet connections. Several solutions exist, but all have failed due to costs of over $200/node or the lack of networking capability.

To connect to the internet at large, a more powerful “server” may be added. This server hooks into the network like other nodes, but contains a cellular connection to connect to the global internet. Any device on the network will be able to access the web via the server’s connection, effectively spreading the cost of a single cellular data plan (which is too expensive for individuals in rural areas). The server also contains a continually-updated several-terabyte cache of educational data and programs, such as Wikipedia and Project Gutenberg. This data gives students and educators high-speed access to resources. Working in harmony, these two components foster economic growth and education, while significantly reducing the costs of adding future infrastructure.