Saltwater aquarium controller wins Senior Design award

A saltwater aquarium system, complete with simulated sun and moon cycles, won the Dr. and Mrs. Richard Barnett Outstanding Senior Project Award for electrical engineering technology majors Dec. 14.

Tom Huizenga, who created the system, said that saltwater aquariums require more maintenance and they can’t be left alone for extended periods of time, such as vacations. His invention monitored water quality, simulated sun and moonlight for those fish that rely on different light for behaviors, and circulated water when it couldn’t be done manually.

The big test, he said, was Thanksgiving break when he left his aquarium at Purdue while we returned home. The systems worked flawlessly.

Three other seniors received Faculty Awards. David Baker and Tim Harvey were recognized for systems integration for their ABX Comparator (sponsored by Crown Audio) and electronic-controlled charcoal smoker, respectively. Kyle Murg was recognized for innovation with his electric walking stick.

Other projects highlighted during the senior project open house included:

• a wireless throttle for an electric bicycle
• an RFID door lock system that included a back-up secret knock for those who lose their keys
• a housewide thermostat
• a wireless hot tub control monitor

ECET 49700 (Project Design and Development, Phase II) is offered each semester as a capstone course for electrical engineering technology majors.

Jeffrey Evans, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology, coordinated the class this fall and taught sections of the course along with Davin Huston, a continuing lecturer in ECET and Chris Jones, a systems engineer with Delphi Automotive and Safety Electronics.

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