| Summary, etc |
In recent times, the Philippines has been facing substantial difficulties in managing energy consumption, predominantly in the building sector where air conditioning units (ACUS) play a crucial role in ensuring occupant comfort. This study developed an automatic temperature control system for non-inverter type air conditioning units (ACUS) to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The system used infrared (IR) technology to control ACU operations based on real-time room temperature. The research included the design, fabrication, and testing of a prototype smart control system. Key components comprised of an Arduino Nano, IR transmitter, and temperature sensor. The system was designed to continuously analyze ambient conditions and adjust the ACU's temperature setting accordingly, leading to improved energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort. A comparative analysis of energy usage between ACUs with and without the smart control system revealed a significant reduction in energy consumption. Specifically, the average energy usage dropped from 9.48 KWH without the smart control to 8.82 KWH with the smart control over a 10-day period. Moreover, the cost-benefit analysis indicated a projected payback period of 7 months (0.587 years), making the smart control system a financially viable solution for optimizing ACU energy efficiency. The findings contributed to the present frame of knowledge on HVAC systems by addressing the specific needs of non-inverter ACUs and presented understandings into improving energy deficiency in residential and commercial buildings. |
CSU-Carig