UCF Senior Design

Group 6

Project Description

The Efficient HVAC Control System is a control and feedback system that processes temperature and relative humidity data from indoor and outdoor sensing units in order to maintain desired temperature and relative humidity set points in a building. Data is sent from indoor and outdoor sensors to a microcontroller that makes a decision on how to heat or cool the building. The system contains two units: the Main Control Unit (indoor sensing unit) and the Remote Sensing Unit (outdoor sensing unit). The Remote Sensing Unit is designed for outdoor temperature and humidity measurements to be taken, and reported back to the Main Control Unit. The Remote Sensing Unit is powered by a battery so it is completely self- contained, and reports the temperature and humidity data using an XBee wireless RF Transceiver. The Main Control Unit serves as the main thermostat for the user to input the desired temperature and humidity set points through a LCD touch screen. The Main Control Unit uses an 802.11b Wireless RF Transceiver to connect to the internet for the purposes of controlling the system from a remote location.

Members

Cory Glass

Cory Glass received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. His interests include wakeboarding, snow boarding, traveling. Cory plans to start his career in the engineering field in the Tampa area, and continue his education and pursue a master's degree in engineering.

coryglass@knights.ucf.edu

Derick Holzmacher

Derick Holzmacher received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. He is an avid sports fan. Derick plans to obtain an MBA and pursue work in research and technology which specialize in Department of Defense projects.

derickholzmacher@knights.ucf.edu

Andrew Mertens

Andrew Mertens received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. His interests include training for marathons and triathlons, camping and scuba diving. Andrew plans to start his career as a Systems I Engineer at Northrop Grumman, and continue his education and pursue a master's degree in engineering.

amertens@knights.ucf.edu

Joshua New

Joshua New received a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Central Florida. His interests include programming, and formula 1 racing. Josh plans to start his career as an Embedded Software Engineer I at Northrop Grumman and continue his education and pursue a master's degree in engineering.

joshua.new@gmail.com

Documentation

Senior Design I Documents

Divide and Conquer Paper

Final Paper

Senior Design II Documents

Critical Design Review

Conference Paper

Final Presentation

Final Paper

Sponsors

HVAC Development Group

The HVAC development group run by Mr. C, came up with the idea for the Effective HVAC Control and Feedback System. They were looking for a embedded control system to take the place of standard air conditioning components. This system needed to efficiently cool and heat buildings while saving considerable energy, all while maintaining enhanced comfort.