A. Quinn, E. Saenz, L. Bryand, O. Caglayan
University of Incarnate Word,
United States
Keywords: wearable device, noncontact voltage detection, electromagnetic fields, electrical safety, capstone project, university-industry partnership, sensor fusion, situational awareness, microcontroller-based system, environmental monitoring, hazard prevention, AC/DC voltage detection, real-time feedback, electrical enclosures
Summary:
This paper presents a university-industry partnership capstone project focused on designing an innovative device that provides real-time feedback on the energy status of electrical equipment, identifies potential electrical hazards, and alerts users to prevent inadvertent contact, thereby enhancing safety in work practices. The objectives of two semester senior engineering design project were twofold: 1) To establish a collaborative project with a local industry partner and the university to provide engineering design experiences, facilitating a successful transition from college to effective engineering careers in the industry, 2) To design a multi-sensor wearable digital device that can detect the presence of voltage by measuring electromagnetic fields and monitoring environmental conditions to protect individuals who may be exposed to hazardous voltages. Electrical enclosures commonly found in residential and commercial facilities can contain high voltages ranging from 110 volts (V) to several thousand volts, posing a risk of injury or damage. Regulations covering these enclosures, including Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), require that high voltages inside these enclosures be verified to be absent before any updates, repair, or maintenance work can begin. When working in areas where there may be live electricity, it is imperative for individuals, such as electricians, linemen, plumbers, firemen, etc., to quickly determine if the electrical units, such as devices, switches, outlets, breaker boxes, systems, are still energized. The current state of voltage detectors or tester technology accessible to workers is mostly limited to tools which are often carried in a bag, worn on clothing, and thus are not readily available when needed, and may be misplaced or otherwise forgotten. Thus, there is a need for a wearable digital device that is practical to utilize in day-to-day operations to detect the presence of electricity and simultaneously provides situational awareness by measuring environmental conditions. The proposed device was implemented by using a 32-bit microcontroller for sensor data fusion, analysis, presentation and computing algorithms to provide real time Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) voltages, displaying magnetic field, temperature, humidity readings, and time, within 8 t o12 inches from a surface to protect individuals who may be exposed to hazardous voltages. This project provided the undergraduate engineering students with an opportunity to apply their existing technical knowledge, improve their time management, communication skills, and work as a team on a real-world problem. Additionally, the faculty lead, student team, and industry partner submitted a provisional patent application for their invention, which was accepted in the summer of 2024.