Improvement on energy savings by use of passive infrared occupancy sensors for lighting and air-conditioning systems

• Main Author: Magbuhos, Milarose P.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Mechanical Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/18028
• Institution: De La Salle University

Energy conservation is one of the major concerns for sustainable development. A large amount of energy is wasted during lare breaks such as the university breaks or during evening sessions (6 - 9 pm.) wherein most facilities such as lighting and air-conditioning systems are left open at classrooms even though there are no occupants. This study focuses on the use of a sensor system that could control the switching of lighting and air-conditioning systems to be applied in DLSU classrooms. The sensor system makes use of Passive infrared sensors in detecting motion produced by the occupants. A simulation of a classroom setting was done at the Air-conditioning laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department of De La Salle University - Manila. This serves as basis on how much energy savings can be generated in using the sensor system. The class schedule used was based on classroom MM22 and the data gathered in the simulation room is also used for the whole Mutien Marie building. The simulation room also provided an idea regarding the sensor placement in one of the classrooms in Mutien Marie Building (MM11) and Velasco building (V204). Data gathered from the simulation room indicated that approximately 30 - 50% savings could be produced. The system is feasible as proven by present worth methods and the investment can be recovered at a span of 2.47 - 7.5 months depending on what situation is to be considered.