http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2185848927_3e7fd2a635.jpg
RFID Tag Detection System
Background:
RFID has been used extensively to detect and classify fish. In fact, in some species so many of the fish have been tagged that long term studies of the movement of entire population groups have been performed. While the tag itself (pictured above) is quite small, the antenna and detection system can be quite complex and typically requires power for many applications.
The system being developed will be used in a dam in Maine which does not currently have AC power. Therefore an alternative energy system much developed which will reliably power the tag detection system. Typically this is done with solar panels, which may be the correct choice, however, in this project we are opening ourselves up to a wide range of power sources, water (kinda obvious right?), wind and of course solar. Price is somewhat of an issue, but the biggest issue is reliability of the overall system. That is the type of design space which is well suited for novel energy designs, where cost may be less of a factor and total lifecycle costing may be most critical. The system will be designed, tested and then mounted on the dam. By the end of the academic year data from the RFID tags will be obtained.
The team will work closely with Dr. Joe Zydlewski in UMaine wildlife ecology and the USGS.
Deliverables
1. Basic calculations and/or measurements of the power budget for the RFID prototype system
2. Review of alternative power sources along with costing information
3. Selection and presentation of justification for decision making.
4. Design purchase and test of the alternative power source
5. Design of the mounting system with structural calculations and complete analysis of key components
6. System completed and tested in water
7. Operational results for a system on the dam for at least one week of operation
Draft Milestones
# Project Team Selection Complete: September 1, 2011
# First Revised Milestones Submitted: September 8, 2011
# Design Notebook Initial sign-off: September 13, 2011
# First performance data on existing design: September 22, 2011
# Initial data for the benchmark system: September 25, 2011
# System Schematic: October 2nd, 2011
# First web page goes live with introductory page and menu on left. Page must include resumes, individual photos and milestones: October 4, 2011, 4 pm.
# Milestone review: October 25, 2011
# Draft Midterm Report: November 30th , 2011
# Midterm Report due as a PDF posted as a completed web page: December 8th, 5 pm
# System Complete and testing data available: March 10 - 15, 2012
# Lab Cleanup & Infrastructure Project Completed: Maine Day, April 25, 2012
# Open House -- Review of Projects, April 26, 2012, Afternoon
# Final Web Page submitted, for review during final exam period: Monday May 3rd, 2012 Noon