CENTRAL HEATING

[MEED]

hello, i am doing an engineering scheme at school and have been set a task, which involves - succesfully making a device that will automatically turn the central heating off when its detects that the house is empty. (in other words when someone leaves the house)

It must also then turn the heating on when it detects that someone enters the house.

Any help would be gratefull

-MEED-

[toscal]

Re: CENTRAL HEATING

The problem with just using motion sensors is at bedtime or if you are watching the TV motion might not be detected, but the house is not empty.
A way round this would be to use IButtons, these are small RFID type devices. They are normally used in conjunction with a touch reader. You just touch the reader with the IButton, or place the button on the reader and leave it there. The buttons come in a key fob format. So yu an attach one to your house keys, and when you leave the house you pick up your keys, the reader looses the signal from the button, and therefore the house is empty. Used in conjunction with a few motion sensors as back up. You could get a reliable indication of an empty house.
Many alarm systems have this function. When you do a full arm the heating temp is set back.

[MEED]

Re: CENTRAL HEATING

thanks, thats a great idea with the key fobs. i will look into into more. if you have any more possibe solutions the post please

[toscal]

Re: CENTRAL HEATING

Found the website that sells iButton stuff etc for you.

http://www.myrialog.com/cgi-bin/ic/homechip/index.html

Good luck with your project.

[MEED]

Re: CENTRAL HEATING

thanks very much, i have looked into the ibuttons but i am unsure what components i will need. please u could u specify what i will need.

in my project there are 2 people whao have keys (mum and dad) so i presume i need to sets of key fobs. would i also just need a controller?!?

thanks

[toscal]

Re: CENTRAL HEATING

IF you contact the guys on the website they will be able help you, with what you need.