Hot Water Occupancy Sensor

The following article describes a senior engineering project design of a completed cost benefit analysis and a demonstration prototype. The project evaluates the potential energy savings of interrupting power to a hot water tank and builds a demonstration prototype as an initial proof of concept. The demonstration prototype uses a microcontroller, sensors, and solid state relay to interrupt power during low usage periods of a residential hot water tank to reduce energy consumption. A cost benefit analysis addresses the results, potential savings, and future enhancements.