Power Line Tester Group 21: David Slifer Charles Wu Benjamin Humphrey
Background Engineering World Health works in many countries helping better the quality of life by improving medical care. Repair of medical devices Repair of medical devices Training in usage of medical devices Training in usage of medical devices Most of the goals of EWH are accomplished through a summer program for undergraduates.
Background “The students found that modern equipment that is often taken for granted in U.S. hospitals is in short supply in developing- world hospitals, which struggle simply to operate with uninterrupted electricity.”
Problem Statement Design a power line tester for use in hospitals in the developing world that can determine the voltage present and if the outlet is wired correctly
Social Impact Developing World hospitals are plague with faulty outlets Power line tester will identify the faulty outlets and the problem Expensive medical equipment will only be used in working outlets, saving the equipment and possibly people’s lives.
Developing Countries Reached By EWH and more…
Performance Criteria Determine Voltage Present Is the Outlet Wired Correctly? Cost per unit: less than $5 Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3” box Operable temperature: 20°C to 40°C Maintenance free Humidity
Current Volt Testers Cost: $1.99 to $100+ Types Digital Display Digital Display Light Diode Light Diode Light Sensitive Diode Light Sensitive Diode
Outlet Wiring Open Ground Reversed Polarity Open Hot Open Neutral Hot Ground Wiring Reversed Hot on Neutral With Hot Open Cost: $4.99
Voltage Indicator
Outlet Wiring Tester
Combination Circuit
Considerations Combining Devices Pricing? Separate solution for each country Separate solution for each country Cheaper to design for each individual electrical standard Cheaper to design for each individual electrical standard
Electrical Standards and Plug Types Each country has its own electrical standard and outlet configuration and similarities are rare. El Salvador: A, C, G, I, J, L (115V, 60Hz) El Salvador: A, C, G, I, J, L (115V, 60Hz) Nicaragua: A (120V, 60Hz) Nicaragua: A (120V, 60Hz) Philippines: A, C (220V, 60Hz) Philippines: A, C (220V, 60Hz) Tanzania: D,G (230V, 50Hz) Tanzania: D,G (230V, 50Hz) Ghana: D,G (230V, 50Hz) Ghana: D,G (230V, 50Hz) Honduras: A (110V, 60Hz) Honduras: A (110V, 60Hz) Sudan: C,D (230V, 60Hz) Sudan: C,D (230V, 60Hz) Haïti: A (110V, 60Hz) Haïti: A (110V, 60Hz) Sierra Leone: D,G (230V, 50Hz) Sierra Leone: D,G (230V, 50Hz) Liberia: A (120V, 60Hz) Liberia: A (120V, 60Hz)
Other Considerations
Goals Design device for each different electrical standards Patent search Determine pricing and analyze how to cut cost Build prototype Validation of device? Mass production and distribution to developing world
Questions???