Equipment tap on/off system
LEAF team: Australian National Fabrication Facility
School/unit: Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
Initiative:
ANFF have invented a tap on/off system, which turns on equipment or tools by tapping a UNSW student/staff card on a RF reader. After use, equipment is turned off by repeating the process. ANFF have used their LEAF grant to build and install 10 more of the tap on/off systems, generally on equipment with screens or a pump. The now system has a summary screen in the ANFF office, displaying the status of all equipment in the tap on/off system. It can also be used to track lab users and hold them accountable for failing to turn equipment off.
Impact:
- Energy savings are being achieved by ensuring equipment, screens, tool components or tools are turned off when not in use.
- The life of components is being prolonged through efficient usage. For example, the system extends the life and maintenance cycle of pumps, microscope lamps don't need to be replaced as frequently, etc.
- Increased visibility and tracking of equipment use.
- Encourages sustainable lab user behaviour.