Session: 18-01-05: Conventional Manufacturing

Paper Number: 149123

149123 - Iot-Based Hvac System Modeling 

One of the greatest challenges for buildings equipped with HVAC systems is achieving a balance between thermal comfort of the occupants and energy efficiency. The indoor air temperature is usually regulated by a classic thermostat system located on site, which serves as a reference point. However, this approach can lead to unsatisfactory thermal conditions in areas beyond the thermostat’s regulation, as it may not provide the desired comfort or efficiency. This article presents a mathematical model of a real HVAC system installed in the Guayaquil Convention Center, where diverse activities take place, resulting in a high flow of people. The article details the installed capacity of HVAC equipment, calculates the thermal load, and compares these parameters to con- firm the mathematical modeling. The model is based on an identification system that uses real data collected from IoT sensors installed at the Guayaquil Con- vention Center, over several months at separate times. For modeling, it was used polynomial models such as ARX, ARMAX, OE and BJ. These IoT sen- sors, along with a web platform, will enable online temperature monitoring for future investigation. This aims to model a control system capable of achieving lower electrical energy consumption.

People spend around 97% of their lifetime indoor spaces, such as homes, offices, entertain- ment venues, and hospitals. Throughout their lives, the ambient temperature within these buildings directly impacts on the occupant’s quality of life.Heating Ventilating Air condition- ing (HVAC) systems, which control temperature, face the significant challenge of balancing energy efficiency with comfort.

This article analyzes an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system to develop a mathematical model of an HVAC system installed in a convention center building in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The characteristics of the HVAC system are analyzed, based on the manufacturer’s technical sheets, to assess parameters such as power (in kW and BTU/h), CFM and L/s. In addition, ambient temperature and energy consumption are measured at the occupant level and calculates electrical and thermal load to determine whether the installed HVAC system meets the minimal requirement of being equal to, or greater than the thermal demand of the study site. This validation ensures that the model reflects an HVAC system capable of satisfying the site’s thermal requirement. Online temperature data is collected at the diffuser outlet at the furthest point of the duct. The AC system operates with an open loop control system to monitor temperature variations in the plant. The implemented IoT-based ar- chitecture has electronic boards that use temperature sensors and relays as actuators, that are connected to the Internet. Users access a web interface for monitoring and controlling the AC system. The sensors and actuators communicate with a database server that records temper- atures every minute. The proposed IoT-based open-loop control architecture is implemented and tested from a proof-of-concept perspective.

Based on calculations and real data, the study aims to derive a mathematical model of the plant in an open loop, examining maximum and minimum temperature variations and the plant’s energy. This lays the groundwork for a subsequent study on developing an intelligent control system to achieve the optimal balance between thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Presenting Author: Juan José Laínez Bolaños Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

Presenting Author Biography: professor and electrical engineer with 20+ years of experience in consulting, direction and management of Engineering projects at a National and International level. Representative of leading international companies in Products and Services in Electronics and Telecommunications. University professor in Calculus, Electricity, Industrial Automation, networks and telecommunications. Researcher and Director of Academic Research.

Professor
Guayaquil University. | October 2017 - present
Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Responsibilities:
Professor of Calculus, Electricity, Electrotechnics, Industrial Automation Research Director, Researcher
Specialist advisor in Electricity and Energy Efficiency
Ecotec University | January 2007 - January 2008
Faculty of Engineering, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Responsibilities:
Professor of Data Transmission and of Computer Network
Guayaquil University. | January 2007 - January 2008
Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Responsibilities:
Professor of Computer Network

General Manager
Teslacom S.A. | October 2005 - December 2023
Responsibilities:
Administration, sales and management of installation and maintenance of medium and low voltage electrical systems such as:
Transformers, Generators, UPS Structured cabling
Electrical power and control networks Voice, data, video networks
CCTV, IP Telephony, Wireless networks Fire detection
IoT platform development
HVAC systems

Authors:

Juan José Laínez Bolaños Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Douglas Antonio Plaza Guingla Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral
Cesar Antonio Martin Moreno Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral
Carolina Alexandra Casal Quintero Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral
Juan Jose Lainez Casal Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral