Intelligent control system for air conditioning

• Grant number: 15/22369-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: February 01, 2017
• End date: January 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Agnes Pereira da Silva
• Grantee: Patricia Agnes Pereira da Silva
• Company: RVT Serviços Administrativos Ltda. - ME
• City: São José dos Campos
• Associated researchers: Claudia Maisa Pereira da Silva ; Renata de Cássia Ferreira Silva
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/03025-5 - Intelligent control system for air conditioning, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The air conditioning system is responsible for controlling the thermal comfort in the interior of enclosures and, depending on location, its installation is essential (CREDER, 2004). These systems are often used by industries, businesses and consumers. In a commercial building, the air conditioning can account for over 60% of total energy consumption, and all maintenance costs of this system. Studies to reduce electricity consumption in air-conditioning systems are focused on the development of new air-conditioning equipment. Such equipment has a high cost and the acquisition and installation can be costly. There are few studies focused on improvements of these systems already installed. Existing techniques currently for improving air conditioning systems consist mostly on cleaning and maintenance of pipelines and heat exchangers. Small and medium-sized users, such as supermarket, hotels, office buildings, hospitals, hardly have personel to work with power consumption reduction of these systems, mainly due to its complexity. Outsourced consultancies are not an option for small user, due to the high cost of specialized engineering involved. This goal of this project is to develop, test and evaluate a control system for air conditioning systems using artificial intelligence that will be self-adaptable to different equipment and operating conditions, eliminating the need to set parameters by a specialized engineer. In a second phase of this project, the control system will be implemented in a device, with friendly interface and easy installation. The device will be sold directly to the final consumer and can be easily attached externally in air conditioners already installed and running. To achieve this goal, it is proposed in this phase 1 PIPE prepare an experimental apparatus of an air conditioning system, in order to identify the key parameters to be controlled in order to reduce power consumption. We will analyze at least, but not limited to, the influence caused by the compressor rotational speed, the condenser fan and evaporator, the opening of the expansion valve and the ambient temperature in the coefficient of performance (COP) of the experimental apparatus. After this evaluation, it is expected, as result of this first phase, preparing the detailed specification of the device and the same control logic. The expected results from the implementation of this solution is the reduction of energy consumption and improves the thermal comfort of refrigerated environments with air conditioners. It is expected that consumers who do not have capital to invest in new devices can benefit from the energy consumption reduction provided by this device. Increases the reach of this solution, the RVT believe its use in large-scale and significant contribution in reducing energy consumption in Brazil and worldwide. (AU)