Proposed Research Topic 1

Research Title: ‘FilElectricity’: TEG – Powered Device for Electricity Generation and Filtration

Objectives:

The researchers will conduct the study regarding the development of ‘FilElectricity’: TEG – Powered
Device for Electricity Generation and Filtration to answer and fulfill the following objectives:

i. to design a working prototype that can deliver the qualifications of the product;
ii. to test the rate of filtration by the prototype in terms of:
- amount of soot
- Carbon Monoxide ppm
iii. and to measure the power developed by the thermoelectric generators.

Questions:

1. Be specific.
- I aim to create a device that can generate electricity using thermoelectric generators and
filter and capture the fumes form the exhaust of the pipe. Regarding the filtration process,
the device will include a tailpipe extender which contains a cartridge for the filters. This can
be changed upon the preference of the user. Attached on the extension is the small
container for the removal power bank which is powered by the thermoelectric generator
located between the muffler and the catalytic converter.
2. Is it design and development or design and simulation?
- I aim to develop a functioning prototype for this research as through this, I can perform
better calibrations regarding the necessary adjustments that I should do. Through
developing the device, I can measure the exact power developed through the
thermoelectric generators and perform the essential adjustments. However, I do believe
that in the event wherein there is a lack of resources to perform a laboratory test on
measuring the exhausted Carbon Monoxide ppm, I believe that a simulation set on the same
parameters should be performed. With this, I can say that the output for this project would
be a working prototype following the aforementioned objectives.
3. Include your design.
- The following are some rough designs for the prototype.

Figure 1. Tailpipe Extender

 Figure 1 shows the tailpipe extender for which it will be attached to the main tailpipe of the car.
The hollow part will be filled with the cartridge which is yet to be designed by the researcher. On the top
part of the contraption, the actual attachment of the extension to the car will be performed. The two
threaded holes are needed for the bolts and nuts to ensure the rigidity of the product. Lastly, the
bottom partis the container for the removable power bank storing the generated electricity.

Figure 2. Removable Cap for the Extension

Figure 2 shows the removable cap for the extension which features a threaded end to fit the
figure 1 perfectly. This part is also hollow to allow the exhaust pass through. The end part of the cap is
also a fine filter, the last anchor of defense for the mechanism, which is showed as translucent by the
researcher to show the hollow part.

Figure 3: Thermoelectric Generator Contraption

 Figure 3 shows the contraption containing the thermoelectric generators. As shown in the
figure, there are various gaps between the side of the square. These spaces will hold the TEGs with the
help of thermal paste. This device is also designed to ensure that the exhaust will continue to flow
through the large square hole. Regarding the spaces between the TEG and the cylindrical container, the
researcher will place insulators and coolants to maximize the temperature difference between the sides
of the generator thus increasing the gathered electricity.
 Proposed Research Topic 2

Research Title: ‘Plug Alert’: A Realtime Arduino-Based Power Regulation and Monitoring Device

Objectives:

The researchers decided to develop Plug Alert’: An Arduino-based power regulation and
monitoring device to fulfill the following objectives:

i. To design and develop the device with consideration to the stated qualifications namely,
- Accurately determine the power consumption for the certain appliance
- Display the measured power through the OLED screen
- Relay the gathered data to the smartphone application
ii. To test the accuracy of the device to the monthly billing issued
iii. To determine the significant difference between the user’s energy consumption approach
before and after using the product

Background of the Study:

The researcher decided to propose this idea as he believes that the approach towards the
preservation of the energy consumption in the world that we live in should not only be focused on
choosing the alternative energy options. He believes that through constant regulation and monitoring of
the certain appliances present in our homes, we could be more conservative on the manner on how we
consume electricity. An additional rationale on why the researcher decided to formulate this product is
due to him coming from a middle-class family where the monthly billing of electricity often comes as a
surprise. Through the creation of this product, he can regularly check the power consumption and its
corresponding billing price which can help the family regulate their energy expenditure.

Working Principle:

The researcher decided to use Arduino, one of the most famous microcontrollers available,
to ensure that the device would be capable in following the necessary tasks. The product is connected to
the house’s main power supply and acts as a plug for the appliances to connect to. To power up the
micro controller, a 5V power supply should be connected. When the electrical device is attached to ‘Plug
Alert’ a current sensor will detect the value of the current. This would then be delivered to the
microcontroller which is already presented with the necessary codes to calculate the real time power
consumption as well as the monthly billing amount in correspondence to the area’s kwh price
parameter. The researcher also decided to use an Arduino model with a built-in Wi-Fi module to enable
the users to see the data measure. A certain application called ‘Blynk’ can receive the data delivered
from the Wi-Fi module. Moreover, the calculated expenditure would also reflect on the OLED display.
The researcher included a rough block diagram for the contraption.
 Figure 1. Rough Block Diagram For ‘Plug Alert’

Design:

As the project focuses more on coding and electrical measurements rather than mechanical
movements of machines, the researcher decided to create a simple casing which will contain the
microcontroller, sensors, and OLED display. Regarding the aspect of mechanical engineering, the
researcher will portray their knowledge in materials engineering to ensure the most appropriate
materials needed for the project. Shown below is the simple casing design for ‘Plug Alert’.

Figure 2. Sample Lower Casing for ‘Plug Alert’