Ogilvie-O'Neil, David (2017) Fuzzy Solar Hot Water Heater Controller. [USQ Project]
Abstract
In an age where the desire for comfort and convenience is in direct conflict with environmental conscience, one way to make a tangible contribution to the reduction of waste and pollution is to meet the public’s desires in the most efficient way possible. This project has developed a system to reduce energy consumption of electric hot water heating, without effecting the user experience.
To achieve this, the project uses a fuzzy logic controller to control a storage solar hot water auxiliary electrical heating element. The controller ensures that the hot water requirements of the household are met, with energy efficiency in mind. This is done with the use of four inputs: solar radiation, storage tank water temperature, occupancy and time. Each of these inputs has been selected so that electrical auxiliary heating is only provided when required. These inputs have been configured as memberships within the fuzzy logic controller, which will influence the controller output based on weighted rule sets. The output will directly control the auxiliary heating with the use of a control relay.
Project development followed a logical progression starting with the measurement of environment data, through to construction of a correctly functioning fuzzy logic controller.
The fuzzy logic controller was developed using MATLAB fuzzy logic toolbox, and simulations were done in MATLAB Simulink. The final controller was built using the Arduino programming environment and implemented on an Arduino MKR1000 microcontroller.
The project was successfully implemented, improving the efficiency of auxiliary hot water heating and user experience. This project has highlighted the potential energy savings that can be found in mundane household functions and energy consumers. To provide a net positive impact on global domestic energy consumption it is necessary to further develop advanced control strategies.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Instrumentation Control & Automation) |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Kist, Alexander |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Sep 2021 06:21 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Sep 2021 06:21 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40816 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |
