Selecting automation techniques of lighting and air conditioning for inner enclosures considering warm tropical climate: a case study

Abstract

Overall, the intervention on buildings on university facilities presents a lack of design criteria oriented to the rational use of energy (RUE), which can reduce electricity consumption between 20% and 40%. In particular, the selection of lighting and air conditioning systems in buildings is limited to the choice of efficient equipment. A process of classification of control and automation techniques have developed as a base for the computing of the electrical load associated with lighting and air conditioning systems. This article presents an interface based on Microsoft Excel® for evaluation, classification, and validation criteria for the control and automation of RUE-oriented applications. In particular, the results of the implementation of the software are set to evaluate different inner spaces like classrooms, offices, and auditoriums, among others. As a case study, several techniques of control and automation for lighting and refrigeration are analyzed for a classroom and an office considering specific warm tropical microclimate, physical characteristics, operation schedules, and operation characteristics.