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How to Build a Smart Home Attic Ventilation System

Create an intelligent attic ventilation system that automatically regulates temperature and humidity. This project combines IoT sensors, microcontrollers, and a user-friendly mobile app to give homeowners precise control over their attic environment, potentially reducing energy costs and preventing moisture-related issues.

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Simple Summary

A smart home attic ventilation controller that optimizes air flow, reduces energy costs, and maintains ideal temperature and humidity levels in your attic space.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

  • Develop a smart attic ventilation system that automatically controls fans based on temperature and humidity readings
  • Create a user-friendly mobile app for monitoring and manual control
  • Reduce energy costs and prevent moisture-related issues in attics

Target Audience:

  • Homeowners interested in energy efficiency and home automation
  • DIY enthusiasts and smart home hobbyists

Key Features:

  • Temperature and humidity sensing
  • Automated fan control based on sensor readings
  • Mobile app for monitoring and manual control
  • Historical data logging and analysis
  • Alerts for extreme conditions or system issues

User Requirements:

  • Easy installation and setup process
  • Intuitive mobile app interface
  • Customizable settings for ventilation thresholds
  • Real-time monitoring of attic conditions
  • Ability to manually override automated controls

User Flows

  1. System Setup:

    • User installs hardware components in attic
    • User downloads mobile app and creates account
    • App guides user through connecting to the system and initial configuration

  2. Daily Monitoring:

    • User opens app to view current attic conditions
    • User checks historical data and energy savings estimates
    • User adjusts settings if desired

  3. Alert Handling:

    • System detects unusual conditions and sends push notification
    • User views alert details in app
    • User takes appropriate action (e.g., manually activating fans or scheduling maintenance)

Technical Specifications

Hardware:

  • Microcontroller: ESP32 or Raspberry Pi Zero W
  • Sensors: DHT22 (temperature/humidity), optional air quality sensor
  • Actuators: Relay module for controlling existing attic fans

Software:

  • Backend: Node.js with Express.js
  • Database: MongoDB for data storage
  • Mobile App: React Native for cross-platform development
  • Communication: MQTT for real-time data transfer
  • Cloud Platform: AWS IoT Core for device management and data processing

API Endpoints

  • POST /api/auth/register
  • POST /api/auth/login
  • GET /api/system/status
  • POST /api/system/settings
  • GET /api/data/current
  • GET /api/data/history
  • POST /api/control/manual

Database Schema

Users:

  • id: ObjectId
  • email: String
  • password: String (hashed)
  • systemId: String

Systems:

  • id: ObjectId
  • userId: ObjectId
  • name: String
  • settings: Object

SensorData:

  • id: ObjectId
  • systemId: ObjectId
  • timestamp: Date
  • temperature: Number
  • humidity: Number
  • fanStatus: Boolean

File Structure

/ ├── hardware/ │ ├── firmware/ │ └── schematics/ ├── backend/ │ ├── src/ │ │ ├── controllers/ │ │ ├── models/ │ │ ├── routes/ │ │ └── services/ │ ├── config/ │ └── tests/ ├── mobile-app/ │ ├── src/ │ │ ├── components/ │ │ ├── screens/ │ │ ├── services/ │ │ └── utils/ │ ├── assets/ │ └── tests/ ├── docs/ └── README.md

Implementation Plan

  1. Design and prototype hardware setup
  2. Develop firmware for microcontroller
  3. Set up cloud infrastructure (AWS IoT Core)
  4. Implement backend API and database integration
  5. Develop mobile app UI and core functionality
  6. Integrate mobile app with backend services
  7. Implement real-time communication between hardware and cloud
  8. Add data analysis and alerting features
  9. Conduct thorough testing of entire system
  10. Create user documentation and setup guides
  11. Beta test with a small group of users
  12. Refine and optimize based on feedback
  13. Prepare for full release

Deployment Strategy

  1. Hardware: Provide detailed assembly instructions and a list of components
  2. Firmware: Make available for download, with OTA update capability
  3. Backend: Deploy to AWS Elastic Beanstalk for scalability
  4. Database: Use MongoDB Atlas for managed database service
  5. Mobile App: Publish to Apple App Store and Google Play Store
  6. Set up monitoring and logging with AWS CloudWatch
  7. Implement CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions
  8. Create a support system for user inquiries and issue tracking

Design Rationale

The system uses a microcontroller-based approach for cost-effectiveness and easy installation. Cloud integration allows for advanced features like data analysis and remote control. The mobile app provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring and control. The chosen tech stack (Node.js, React Native, MongoDB) offers a good balance of performance, scalability, and developer productivity. MQTT is used for its efficiency in IoT communication. The modular design allows for future expansions, such as integration with other smart home systems.