Evan Cauchi, The EcoEntry System
Transcript
Evan has created the EcoEntry system: an automated boom gate system that integrates RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and an infrared sensor for secure and efficient access control, and a solar powered panel. These features represent an exploration of the practical application of renewable energy and automation in modern infrastructure, emphasising sustainability and functionality.
The EcoEntry system consists of a ‘pedestal’: a 105cm-high vertical cuboid frame shrouded in a grey cover (fastened with velcro) which houses the motor and electronics required to allow the boom arm to move.
On one side, a vertical pipe is attached by two T-tubes, extending vertically upwards beyond the height of the pedestal. This provides a mount for a solar panel, positioned at an upwards-tilting angle.
The horizontally-positioned boom arm is mounted near the top of the pedestal and extends out to form a waist-high barrier that, at rest, sits parallel to the ground. Alternating white and red reflective strips run, like a dashed line, across the white PVC-encased wood boom arm. A grey plastic cap on the end of the arm bears the name of its creator – Evan – rendered in 3D.
A separate, more slender cuboid atop a low profile, square mounting plate carries the RFID: a matchbox-sixed sensor which sits just above the height of the resting boom arm. An angular hood atop this ‘RFID Pole’ shades and directs the interaction between the reader and its authenticating artifact.
The third component is a half-size version of the RFID pole (topped by another ‘Evan’ branded ‘cap’). Three quarters the way up this shorter pole is the infrared sensor, housed in an eye-shaped black case.
When operational, the horizontal boom arm pivots upwards until it reaches the vertical, over a period of about 14 seconds, to allow the authenticated vehicle through. Once the sensor detects the vehicle has passed beyond the boom, the arm pivots back down to the horizonal position, blocking access once more.
The materials used in this design as listed on the exhibitor label include: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, JayCar RFID Module, Single Infrared Beam Sensor, 5-inch LCD Display, 5V Relay, 24VDC 4PDT Relay, Barber Colman Actuator, 24V 100W Solar Panel, 2x 12V 9Ah SLA Battery, and PVC.
Evan’s 170-page, image-rich project portfolio includes research (such as analysis of the pros and cons of the various design elements), and a risk assessment (complete with mitigating actions) of the project’s development and activation. It details the electronics and coding used in the boom’s automation, and the construction process of the physical structure. It journals the development and testing that led to the final product and a final evaluation.