Learn2Vibe

How to Build a Smart Home Humidity Monitor with Automated Dehumidifier Control

Create a cutting-edge smart home solution that monitors indoor humidity levels and automatically controls your dehumidifier. This project combines IoT sensors, cloud connectivity, and smart home integration to maintain optimal air quality, prevent mold growth, and enhance energy efficiency in your living space.

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Simple Summary

A smart home humidity monitor that automatically controls a dehumidifier, ensuring optimal indoor air quality and comfort while saving energy.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

  • Develop a user-friendly smart home device for monitoring and controlling indoor humidity
  • Integrate with existing dehumidifiers for automated control
  • Provide real-time humidity data and insights to users
  • Optimize energy usage and improve indoor air quality

Target Audience:

  • Homeowners concerned about indoor air quality
  • Tech-savvy individuals interested in smart home solutions
  • People living in humid climates or with moisture-prone spaces

Key Features:

  1. Real-time humidity monitoring
  2. Automated dehumidifier control
  3. Mobile app for remote monitoring and control
  4. Historical data tracking and analysis
  5. Smart home integration (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home)
  6. Energy usage optimization
  7. Customizable humidity thresholds and schedules

User Requirements:

  • Easy setup and installation process
  • Intuitive mobile app interface
  • Reliable connectivity and data accuracy
  • Compatibility with various dehumidifier models
  • Customizable alerts and notifications
  • Data privacy and security measures

User Flows

  1. Device Setup:

    • User unboxes the device and downloads the mobile app
    • App guides user through connecting the device to Wi-Fi
    • User configures dehumidifier settings and preferences

  2. Daily Monitoring:

    • User opens app to view current humidity levels and trends
    • System automatically adjusts dehumidifier based on set thresholds
    • User receives notifications for significant changes or issues

  3. Data Analysis:

    • User accesses historical humidity data and energy usage reports
    • App provides insights and recommendations for optimizing settings
    • User adjusts preferences based on data-driven suggestions

Technical Specifications

  • Hardware: Custom PCB with ESP32 microcontroller, DHT22 humidity sensor
  • Firmware: C++ with Arduino framework
  • Mobile App: React Native for cross-platform compatibility
  • Backend: Node.js with Express.js
  • Database: MongoDB for scalable data storage
  • Cloud Platform: AWS IoT Core for device management and data processing
  • API: RESTful API for communication between app and backend
  • Authentication: JWT-based user authentication
  • Encryption: SSL/TLS for data transmission security

API Endpoints

  • POST /api/users/register
  • POST /api/users/login
  • GET /api/devices/{deviceId}/data
  • POST /api/devices/{deviceId}/settings
  • GET /api/users/{userId}/dashboard
  • POST /api/devices/{deviceId}/control
  • GET /api/devices/{deviceId}/history

Database Schema

Users:

  • _id: ObjectId
  • email: String
  • password: String (hashed)
  • name: String
  • devices: Array of ObjectId

Devices:

  • _id: ObjectId
  • userId: ObjectId
  • name: String
  • model: String
  • settings: Object

HumidityData:

  • _id: ObjectId
  • deviceId: ObjectId
  • timestamp: Date
  • humidity: Number
  • temperature: Number

File Structure

smart-humidity-monitor/ ├── firmware/ │ ├── src/ │ └── platformio.ini ├── mobile-app/ │ ├── src/ │ │ ├── components/ │ │ ├── screens/ │ │ ├── services/ │ │ └── utils/ │ ├── App.js │ └── package.json ├── backend/ │ ├── src/ │ │ ├── controllers/ │ │ ├── models/ │ │ ├── routes/ │ │ └── utils/ │ ├── app.js │ └── package.json ├── cloud-functions/ │ └── index.js ├── docs/ │ ├── api-spec.md │ └── user-manual.md └── README.md

Implementation Plan

  1. Project Setup (1 week)

    • Set up development environments
    • Create project repositories
    • Define coding standards and documentation practices

  2. Hardware Development (2 weeks)

    • Design and prototype custom PCB
    • Integrate ESP32 and DHT22 sensor
    • Develop initial firmware for basic functionality

  3. Cloud Infrastructure (2 weeks)

    • Set up AWS IoT Core
    • Implement device registration and management
    • Develop data ingestion and processing pipelines

  4. Backend Development (3 weeks)

    • Set up Node.js and Express.js server
    • Implement API endpoints and database models
    • Develop user authentication and device management logic

  5. Mobile App Development (4 weeks)

    • Create React Native app structure
    • Implement user interface and navigation
    • Integrate with backend API and real-time data updates

  6. Integration and Testing (2 weeks)

    • Integrate all components (hardware, cloud, backend, mobile app)
    • Conduct thorough system testing and bug fixing
    • Perform security audits and optimizations

  7. Beta Testing and Refinement (2 weeks)

    • Release beta version to select users
    • Gather feedback and implement improvements
    • Finalize features and fix any remaining issues

  8. Documentation and Deployment (1 week)

    • Complete user manual and API documentation
    • Prepare for production deployment
    • Plan for ongoing maintenance and support

Deployment Strategy

  1. Hardware Production:

    • Finalize PCB design and order small batch production
    • Assemble and test devices
    • Create packaging and user guides

  2. Cloud Infrastructure:

    • Set up production AWS environment
    • Configure auto-scaling and load balancing
    • Implement monitoring and alerting systems

  3. Backend Deployment:

    • Deploy Node.js application to AWS Elastic Beanstalk
    • Set up MongoDB Atlas for database hosting
    • Configure SSL certificates and domain settings

  4. Mobile App Release:

    • Submit apps to Apple App Store and Google Play Store
    • Prepare for phased rollout to manage initial user load

  5. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):

    • Implement automated testing for all components
    • Set up CI/CD pipelines for backend and mobile app updates

  6. Monitoring and Maintenance:

    • Implement logging and error tracking (e.g., Sentry)
    • Set up performance monitoring (e.g., New Relic)
    • Establish regular update and maintenance schedule

Design Rationale

The project combines custom hardware with cloud-based services to create a scalable and efficient smart home solution. The ESP32 microcontroller was chosen for its low power consumption and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, while the DHT22 sensor provides accurate humidity readings. React Native enables cross-platform mobile development, reducing time-to-market. The Node.js backend with MongoDB offers flexibility for future feature additions. AWS IoT Core provides robust device management and data processing capabilities, ensuring reliability and scalability as the user base grows.