Efficient hvac system
The Efficient HVAC System is a climate control system that will help users save home and business owners money and electricity by providing modern options for HVAC systems that conserve energy, as well as allow users to access the controls of their system from any web browser with an Internet Connection as well as an Android or iPhone smart phone browser. The website and mobile phone application for controlling the HVAC system were hosted by Group 16's mentors, http://www.naturalairenergy.com. Natural Air Energy requested that the group build upon the work of a previous group by using less expensive components, making the project more cost effective.
Hardware representing an HVAC control unit detects indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidites, as well as carbon dioxide readings, and posts it's readings to a MySQL Database, so that a user can see their building's climate status without being in front of a control panel. The website allows users to view instantanaeous settings and make changes. The user can also use a seven day scheduler to program settings throughout the seven days of the week. The can add, and delete, changes to the scheduler as needed. Also, the user can use the mobile phone application and the website interchangibly. The user can view and change settings from a smart phone browser no differently than they would from a standard desktop and laptop browser. Using the internet save money on hardware, making a control panel or touch screen unnecessary for controlling their HVAC System.
Motvations
Energy Star records that HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is the single largest consumer of energy in the United States, and advice that taking greater control and investment over indoor climate control is the best way to conserve electricity. For example, when a user buys, and effectively uses, a programmable thermostat in their home, it may save them up to $180 a month. Yet many consumers are very uncomfortable using this feature, leaving it unused. Our project is an attempt to help users get more confortable using such software, and having greater access to it via their website or their phone, with interfaces that they can learn to use comfortably.