Optimizing HVAC Efficiency: A Thermal Mapping Analysis of Xavier University Engineering Faculty Office
Optimizing HVAC Efficiency: A Thermal Mapping Analysis of Xavier University Engineering Faculty Office
CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The modern world has introduced everyone to technology, with the intent of
improving the quality of life. It has helped the society on how everybody interacts with
their daily lives. One of the improvements that has been brought by technology is the air
conditioner, a system that cools down a space by extracting heat from the area and
directing it to the outside location. It basically gives comfort to the people inside the
room as it blows cool air from the system itself. With this information, it is a given that
with the pros of the technology, there must be some kind of cons to it such as high
humidity within a room containing an air conditioner. It is said that dehumidifiers similar
to those found in modern air conditioning units are not included in older models.
Humidity, according to SciJinks, is a measure of water vapor in the air, and when the
indoor humidity level is high, the air conditioner will have a hard time keeping up in
maintaining the required thermal levels in a room. Another factor is the temperature
outside of the room, as most air-conditioning systems are designed to operate in
temperatures of 100°F or 38°C, similar to the temperature during summer season. If the
temperature outside goes beyond its limits, the air conditioner will run at its maximum
capacity, resulting in a higher energy consumption, making it less efficient for the
people.
Given the factors of the air-conditioning system, it may also impact the health of
the people using it both in a positive and negative way. With the heat brought by climate
change in addition to global warming, it can reduce heat stroke, as it is the number one
protective factor against heat-related illness, easing of allergies by filtering of airborne
pollen and the elimination of dust mites and mold by lowering indoor humidity brought
by the air conditioner, and also improving job performance as it gives improved comfort
levels at work, resulting in increased physical and intellectual activity. With these pros,
there also comes the cons, one of which is dehydration, as air conditioners suck
moisture out of the room to bring down humidity and cool it off, and it can cause
headaches in some people. Despite the comfort that air-conditioning gives, it also brings
negative impact to the environment, in a way that air conditioners consume a significant
amount of energy, that it contributes to greenhouse gasses, which then release HFCs,
or hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, which is the number one cause of global heating that
also causes the increase of the temperature outside of the room.
With the existing factors pertaining to the direct impact of temperature and
humidity to the air-conditioning system, the researchers’ purpose of the study is to
create a thermal map for analysis of the state of temperature and humidity of the faculty
office. Together with the monitoring of temperature, both inside the room for the
convenience of the people in it, and outside the room for the efficiency of the unit itself,
and the humidity inside the room in order to maintain the required thermal levels needed
for the system. In connection to the other components of this research, it can help
improve not only the efficiency of the system but also will conveniently notify
temperature and humidity changes, which lead to adjustments of the output of the
air-conditioning unit.
The contemporary need for accurate and real-time environmental monitoring has
become increasingly crucial across various sectors such as industrial settings, and
smart home applications. The problem statements of this study, thus, is as follows:
1. What are the most important factors to consider while optimizing the
air-conditioning of the faculty office with thermal mapping analysis?
2. What role may thermal simulation and control algorithms based on thermal
environment factors play in this optimization?
3. What are the uses of thermal mapping, and how can it aid in the identification of
temperature hotspots, cold patches, and temperature changes that may occur
during storage or transportation?
The independent variables in this study are the air-conditioning system. While the
temperature and humidity produced by the air-conditioning system unit are the
dependent variables because it changes depending on the temperature difference and
coolant. By which the temperature difference is also dependent because it depends on
the heat temperature absorbed by the temperature of the environment.
The research is defined by its focused investigation into the HVAC systems within
the specific context of the Engineering Faculty offices at Xavier University. The study
encompasses a comprehensive thermal mapping analysis, aiming to identify
opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency. The scope extends to the formulation of
targeted recommendations that align with sustainable practices and cost-effective
measures. The research embraces the interdisciplinary nature of building systems and
technology, incorporating aspects of environmental science, engineering, and occupant
well-being.
This research is subject to certain limitations, the findings and recommendations
derived from the thermal mapping analysis are specific to the Engineering Faculty
offices at Xavier University and may not be directly applicable to other building types or
environments. The study is limited by the available resources and timeframe, which may
constrain the depth and breadth of data collection and analysis. Additionally, the
research may not account for dynamic factors such as seasonal variations or specific
occupant behaviors that can influence HVAC performance. These limitations are
essential to consider in interpreting the research outcomes and in guiding future
extensions or applications of the study's findings.
● Microcontroller
○ A small integrated circuit used in an embedded system to control a
specific operation.
● DHT11 Sensor
○ A simple, low-cost digital temperature and humidity sensor that combines
a capacitive humidity sensor and a thermistor to monitor the ambient air
and outputs a digital signal on the data pin.
● Breadboard
○ A plastic block containing a matrix of electrical sockets appropriate for
gripping tiny connecting wires, component wires, or transistor and
integrated circuit (IC) pins.
● ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module
○ A self-contained SOC with an integrated TCP/IP protocol stack that allows
any microcontroller to connect to your WiFi network.
● Internet of Things (IoT)
○ Refers to a network of physical objects linked to the Internet in order to
exchange data and information in order to improve productivity, efficiency,
and services, among other things.
● Data Logger
○ A compact electronic device designed to autonomously record and store
data from sensors or external instruments over time. Captures information
at specified intervals, storing it internally for later retrieval and analysis.
● Thermal Map
○ A graphical representation or visual depiction of temperature distribution
across a specified area or object. It is typically created using infrared
thermography, a technology that captures thermal radiation emitted by
surfaces and converts it into a visible image.
CHAPTER II
❖ Title: IoT based temperature and humidity controlling using Arduino and
Raspberry Pi
❖ Author: Barik, L. (2019)
➢ The information acquired could be profitably used to generate activities
such as distantly dominant cooling, heating devices, or long term statistics
that will be useful in controlling the same.The discovered data is uploaded
to cloud storage via network and use the Android app to connect. The
system makes use of Arduino. UNO combined with a Raspberry Pi, an
HTU 211D sensor device, and an Wi-Fi module ESP8266. The
experimental findings show the real temperature and humidity of the
surrounding surroundings and soil. You may monitor the moisture of any
plant using an Arduino UNO and a Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi is
mostly utilized here to monitor the temperature. The HTU 211D sensor
element measures temperature and humidity. The sensors are used to
measure the temperatures in the environment and store the displayed
data on various devices. The ESP8266 Wi-Fi module was utilized to store
data in this case.
❖ Title: Temperature monitoring system using arduino uno and smartphone
application
❖ Author: Hasibuan, A., Qodri, A. Muzair, I. (2021)
➢ This study discusses the temperature monitoring system in the goat pen
via smartphone. In addition to monitoring, temperature control is also
needed to maintain temperature conditions in the goat pen. This system is
useful so that goat cultivation produces well by getting a healthy
temperature during its growing period. Manual monitoring is
time-consuming, so a more practical monitoring application is required.
This monitoring application is built using Internet of Things (IoT)
technology so that it can be monitored remotely. The temperature data is
taken from the DHT22 temperature sensor which is collected on a
microcontroller which is then sent to the internet wirelessly. To control the
temperature in the goat pen using an SSR relay. Based on the results of
this study, the application of temperature monitoring in the goat pen via
smartphone with the Internet of Things (IoT) is able to read the
temperature value in the goat pen and can adjust the SSR to turn on and
turn off the heating element remotely using a smartphone.
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
Methodology refers to a study’s overall validity and reliability wherein there are
specific procedures that are used to identify, process and analyze a certain topic that
relates in aiding the researcher's design process. This chapter presents the methods
used in gathering data, and the necessary components in a research design. Hence, it
explains and provides the research design, research flow, materials and equipment,
design of components and general procedure.
1. Planning Stage
2. Simulation
In this stage, the researchers have decided to use Autodesk Fusion360 for the
purpose of visualization and rendering product designs with comprehensive 3D
modeling and analysis tools in order to ensure products’ functionality. As for
programming language, the researchers have chosen Python in generating codes and
simulation processes that allows them to convert structured code in a definite
programming language syntax.
3. Fabrication Process
4. Data Analysis
The purpose of Data Analysis is to gain insights from raw data to support
decision-making and be able to extract valuable information. The systematic collection
of data, including information on optimal humidity and temperature ranges, is essential
for ensuring accuracy and reliability for further analysis. Synthesizing this information
involves data synthesis techniques to organize findings and identify correlations and
design implications. With that being said, the researchers aim to collect data of the air
conditioned units in the Xavier University Engineering Faculty Office, specifically the
capacity of the HP, Energy Efficiency ratio, airflow, time on and off, and setting in order
to ensure reliable data in their analysis.
3.3 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
● Power Supply
● 9-V Battery Connector
● 9-V DC Battery
● Microcontroller
● DHT11 Sensor
● Resistor
● LED Bulbs
● Jumper Wires
● ESP8266 WiFi Module
3.4 DESIGN OF COMPONENTS
I. Setup for Temperature and Humidity Monitoring System for Data Logging
The choice of Arduino UNO as the microcontroller is the most simple, but it does
not limit the effort of the researchers when compared to using the ESP32 Module,
where the WiFi Module is already embedded inside the microcontroller. The module
also comes with ESP-DSP, the official DSP library, which is already built-in within the
ESP32 module. The researchers used Arduino UNO for the following reasons:
1.) The circuit has already been made by other researchers before, mostly
through experiments and for profit.
3.) Since the researchers are novices when it comes to programming, Arduino
UNO is the choice as it is good when it comes to simple projects and also in learning
the basics of microcontrollers.
Despite the ESP32 Module containing built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
and is inexpensive compared to Arduino UNO, it depends on the choice of the
researchers on what microcontroller to use. The schematics, the choice of components,
and the design are the first step in creating the circuit, which is already provided in
Figure 3. The schematics is provided with the resources found, and will be used without
using simulation programs, only through trial and error as it will be more accurate when
it comes to testing. Installing the necessary libraries are also included, which are the
DHT library for the DHT11 Sensor and the ESP8266WiFi Module for the ESP8266
module in the Arduino IDE.
In this procedure, it focuses on the data logger produced. The schematics shown
in Figure 3. is in its raw design, which is based on the existing schematics for the
monitoring system. The circuit consists of the Arduino UNO as the microcontroller,
where everything programmed takes place, the DHT11 Sensor, where data is
transmitted to the Arduino or ESP8266 via a single signal cable, or in this case, the
jumper wire, and the ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module, which might vary depending on the
development board used. However, for data transmission and reception, the module
must be linked to the proper digital pins, as well as the power supply and ground
connections. The monitoring system to be developed will consist first on one model
developed, calibrating the sensors after multiple tests and vice versa, reaching the
efficient model that is accurate in collecting data, and then the duplication of the said
device. A thermal map will be produced through divisions of the whole Xavier University
Engineering Faculty Office and through the nodes in the division, the fabricated data
logger, which is the Real-Time Temperature and Humidity Monitoring System, is placed.
Data is collected and will be reflected to the programmed web client in a form of
database.
The Fabrication of the Temperature and Monitoring Device consists of all the
predetermined processes such as the simulation, testing of device, programming and
calibration of the system. In the Conduction of Thermal Mapping study, it includes the
planning of division for the placement of the sensors and the testing of the fabricated
data logging system, to be compared to a bought TH sensor. Lastly, the Data Collection
and Research Paper consists of all the remaining phases such as the data gathering for
the temperature inside and outside of the faculty, comparison and calculations for
accuracy, and the research paper.
CHAPTER IV
OBJECTIVE SOLUTIONS
MAIN OBJECTIVE
RESULTS
Specific Objective 1.
Specific Objective 2.
In order for users to be notified when temperature or humidity levels fall outside
of a predefined range, a table for temperature and humidity relations is used as a basis
for the sensor, allowing for fast corrective action, which can be used in certain areas
that are needed for strict monitoring of temperature and humidity. It can compute the
level of thermal comfort based on theoretical calculation and experimental results,
analyze the impact of occupant density and spatial layout on thermal comfort and HVAC
performance. Lastly, to design and fabricate a Temperature and Humidity levels and
conduct a comprehensive thermal mapping study to understand the temperature
distribution and variation within the office environment.
Specific Objective 3.
Specific Objective 4.