| Automated home technology has been in existence for some time, but only recently has become more popular as embedded technology advances. Embedded controllers have found their way into common household appliances, as simple as a VCR. These embedded controllers, however, effectively form isolated systems. As the technology has progressed, new systems (sprinkler, air-conditioning, security, etc.) have been added, effectively creating an automated home system from various systems linked together in some way. In this approach, each system operates independently and is normally monitored separately. In this thesis, a design using a centralized approach to an automated control system for a home powered by a fuel cell is presented. In this approach, the control and monitoring of all household systems are accomplished by a single Smart Controller. Although this Smart Controller is designed with a grid-independent fuel cell-operated home in mind, it can be embedded in any home. |
