Internet of Things: WLAN Connected Thermostat

Abstract

In the context of the emerging Internet of Things, the project aims at investigating whether a standard programmable radiator thermostat can be converted into a WLAN connected device that can be connected to a standard home WiFi router. A software application is supposed to be developed to control the thermostat remotely. Based on the main features of electronic thermostats on the market, it was possible to define a basic model . The ESP8266-01, a low-power WiFi transceiver was then added to the basic module to add the connectivity. The relatively low cost of the WiFi module has allowed to show that it is possible to develop low cost connected objects and free them from a central gateway that is found very often in this type of projects. A web application was develop to control remotely the electronic board via the Internet. The database behind the web application allows the thermostat and users to easily exchange data. To reduce the power consumption, the micro-controller and WiFi module programs allow them to be in the sleep mode much of the time . They come out of this mode to execute an operation and then immediately go back in the sleep mode. In addition a small learning algorithm was develop to allow the thermostat to function fairly accurately. The prototype test stages highlight the main features of the thermostat. It is a low power device powered by battery. It can be connected directly to the WLAN, can automatically get an IP address. It can be controlled from any place through the Internet. A comparative study between its operation and two other types of thermostat allowed to measure the potential energy savings it brings.