Aircon_ Capstone Project
Aircon_ Capstone Project
College of Technology
In Partial Fulfillment
by
INTRODUCTION
I. Rationale
meet societal expectations of thermal comfort. With the intensifying impacts of climate
change and heat indices soaring to a scorching 55 degrees Celsius in Eastern Samar, a
record for the Philippines, 46 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila, and a blazing 48 degrees
Celsius recorded in Miag-ao, Iloilo for the province of Iloilo, the need for relief has
become more urgent than ever. Coupled with advancements in modern technology, this
has made reliance on mechanical cooling systems in homes not just common but
constitutes a "standard" home in many regions. These systems are now essential in
creating the comfortable thermal conditions especially with the growing need for
becoming more uniform, with hot indoor spaces being cooled and cold spaces being
In the context of global climate change and rising energy costs, the significance
requires a thoughtful approach that considers the building’s design, energy use, and
environmental impact.
This capstone project, Integrated Design and Energy Optimization of an
system that meets these needs. The project involves analyzing the unique
This capstone project will explore various methodologies, including heat load
control systems, to achieve a responsive and adaptable design that meets the specific
contribute not only to the field of mechanical engineering but also to the broader
project aims to provide valuable insights and viable solutions that can serve as a model
for future residential developments. The findings will be beneficial for architects,
engineers, and homeowners alike, promoting a more sustainable way of living through
improved air-conditioning systems that prioritize both comfort and energy efficiency.
II. Parameters of the Design
house in the Philippines, several parameters must be considered. Some parameters that
a. Climate Conditions
ii. Rainy Season: The country experiences temperatures ranging from 25°C
to 30°C during the rainy season from the month of June until November.
iii. High Humid Condition: Due to the country having high temperature and
a high humid country. According to The World Bank Group (2021), the
average relative humidity level in the Philippines ranges from 70% to 90%
approximately 26.6 degrees Celsius, excluding Baguio. The coolest months fall in
January with a mean temperature of 25.5 degrees Celsius while the warmest month
Floor Plan:
tailored to each space. On the ground floor, a centralized AC system cools the open
areas like the dining and living spaces, ensuring consistent airflow in these shared
zones. For Room 1, a split-type AC provides personalized cooling, making it perfect for a
private space. The placement of windows and features like the chandelier are carefully
considered to ensure even cooling and energy efficiency throughout the space.
Moving to the second floor, each bedroom—Room 2, Room 3, and the Master
Bedroom—has its own split-type AC unit. This setup allows everyone to customize the
temperature in their own room, keeping things comfortable and efficient. The common
area (Living Area 2) is designed with a ceiling fan, which is a simple yet effective way to
improve airflow without relying solely on AC, making it a smart and energy-saving
This floorplan gives a great balance between shared and private spaces,
providing cooling where it’s most needed while keeping energy use in check. It’s a mix of
Using the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, the following heat sources are
considered:
Formula:
𝑄 = (𝑈)(𝐴)(Δ𝑇)
Where:
house.
The Input section identifies the critical data required for the design. These include
the building specifications, such as floor plans, room dimensions, and insulation;
environmental factors, like the local climate and solar heat gains; and design
assumptions, which act as initial guidelines for the system's requirements. To add, it also
considers the occupancy and usage patterns, detailing how occupants use different
spaces and their cooling preferences, as well as heat-generating loads from appliances,
The Process section details the steps involved in transforming the input data into
an optimized system. It starts with a heat load analysis, which calculates the cooling
requirements of each room. This is followed by the system design, where the type and
layout of the air-conditioning system are determined. Next, energy optimization is carried
out to improve efficiency by optimizing airflow, and potentially integrating renewable
energy sources. Lastly, a cost-benefit analysis evaluates the financial feasibility of the
Finally, the Output section represents the end goal: a design and
residential house. This ensures the system is not only effective in maintaining thermal
comfort but also energy-efficient and cost-effective, aligning with both environmental and
economic objectives.
e. Definition of Terms
For clarity and a better understanding of some important terms in the study, the
atoms or molecules. This process is more efficient in solids and liquids, where particles
are closely packed, compared to gases, where particles are more widely spaced (UCAR
In the context of the air conditioning system design, conduction refers to how
heat moves from warmer indoor air to the cooler surfaces within the system, such as the
physical movement of a surrounding fluid that transfers the internal energy along with its
mass. Although the heat is initially transferred between the object and the fluid by
conduction, the bulk transfer of energy comes from the motion of the fluid (Elert G. of the
In this capstone project, convection is essential for the effective transfer of heat
as the air conditioning system circulates cool air throughout the space.
than particle movement. For most objects on Earth, this type of radiation occurs in the
infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum (Elert G. of the Physics Hypertextbook,
2019).
In the context of air conditioning system design, heat radiation refers to the
transfer of heat from warmer surfaces, such as walls or windows, to cooler surrounding
Heat load, in the context of building physics, refers to the amount of heating or
cooling needed to maintain the desired temperature within a building or a specific space.
Buildings, 2022).
In the context of an air conditioning system, heat load refers to the amount of
Heat Load Analysis is a technique used to determine the heating and cooling
calculate the appropriate size for the HVAC system and estimate the energy costs for
In the context of an air conditioning system, Heat Load Analysis assesses the
total heat energy entering a building to calculate the required cooling capacity. This
ensures the system is appropriately sized for optimal performance and efficiency.
Heat transmission is the process of heat moving through the walls of a building,
impacting both heating and cooling demands. It can be minimized by using thermal
In the context of an air conditioning system, heat transmission affects the overall
cooling load of a building by allowing heat to enter or escape through the walls. Proper
insulation and energy-efficient building materials are essential for minimizing heat
providing enclosure and separation from the outside environment (Designing Buildings,
2020).
In the context of air conditioning systems, external walls are critical as they
impact heat gain or loss, affecting the building's overall temperature control. Insulation
and reflective materials on these walls can help reduce the cooling or heating load on
the system.
Partition load refers to the extra vertical load placed on a structure from
In air conditioning systems, partition load affects the distribution of air and
temperature within different areas of a building. Proper partitioning can influence airflow
factor to account for in designing air conditioning and heating systems to ensure
In air conditioning systems, infiltration heat load increases the cooling or heating
demand as it introduces external air into the building. Reducing infiltration through
proper sealing and insulation can enhance the system's efficiency and performance.
Sensible heat load is the quantity of heat energy that alters the temperature of a
space or air without affecting its moisture content. It is usually linked to the temperature
difference between the indoor air and the desired indoor temperature, which the air
In air conditioning systems, sensible heat load determines the amount of cooling
designed to handle this load efficiently to ensure optimal temperature control and
comfort.
Latent heat load refers to the heat energy required to alter the moisture content
in the air without changing its temperature. This heat load is associated with processes
like adding or removing water vapor, such as controlling humidity in an air conditioning
Ventilation heat load is the heat gained or lost by a building due to the
exchange of air with the outside, typically through mechanical or natural ventilation
systems. Factors such as outdoor temperature, humidity, and airflow rate affect this heat
load, which must be considered in air conditioning system design to maintain the desired
In air conditioning systems, ventilation heat load influences the amount of heating
or cooling required to offset the heat brought in or lost through ventilation. Proper
ventilation design ensures that the system can maintain indoor comfort without
Heat generating loads refer to the heat produced by internal sources within a
building, such as people, equipment, lighting, and appliances. These loads contribute to
the overall heating or cooling needs of a space and must be considered when designing
an air conditioning or heating system to maintain desired indoor temperature and comfort
(ASHRAE, 2017).
In air conditioning systems, heat generating loads increase the demand for
cooling, as internal sources of heat raise the temperature of a space. Proper system
sizing and control are essential to offset these internal heat gains and maintain a
comfortable environment.
Occupant heat load refers to the heat produced by people in a space,
influenced by the number of occupants and their activity level. Since humans release
heat through metabolism and body heat, this load contributes to the overall cooling or
In air conditioning systems, occupant heat load is an important factor as the heat
produced by people in a space increases the cooling demand. The number of occupants
and their activity levels must be considered to ensure the air conditioning system can
Lighting load is the heat generated by lighting fixtures and systems in a building.
The electrical energy consumed by lights is mostly converted into heat, increasing the
heat load of a space, which must be considered when designing air conditioning and
In air conditioning, lighting load affects the cooling requirements since the heat
generated by lighting fixtures adds to the overall heat in a space. Efficient lighting design
and cooling system sizing are necessary to offset this additional load and maintain
indoor comfort.
like computers, kitchen appliances, and industrial equipment, that produce heat during
operation. These sources add to the total heat load, affecting the cooling demands of the
Ground Floor
Second Floor
PARTITION LOAD
● 1st Floor:
● 2nd Floor:
CLTDadj = 11.745 °C
CLTDadj = 11.745 °C
CLTDadj = 8.4225 °C
CLTDadj = 8.4225 °C
HR = (UR)(AR)(CLTDadj); Hw = (0.08) (12.81) (8.4225) = 8.63 W
CLTDadj = 18.115 °C
Aw = 26.52 m²
CLTDadj = 16.83 °C
Aw = 51.22 m²
CLTDadj = 9.83 °C
Aw = 26.52 m²
CLTDadj = 9.615 °C
Aw = 51.22 m²
Roof Load
CLTDadj (C) Hr (W)
North East 11.745 12.04
North West 11.745 1.63
South East 8.4225 9.37
South West 8.4225 8.63
External Wall
CLTDadj (C) Hw (W)
North East 16.83 205.87
North West 9.83 56.47
South East 18.115 86.47
South West 9.615 88.65
Total Area
for 1st Floor Length (m) Width(m) Area (m²)
Room
Living Area 1 3.1 4.7 14.57
Room 1 3.1 2.6 8.06
Dining Area 6.55 2.1 13.755
Bathroom 1.5 2.6 3.9
Kitchen 1.5 2.6 3.9
Stairs 1.00 2.4 3.6
Total Area 16.75 17 47.785
Total Area
for 2nd Floor
Room
Room 2 2.10 2.25 4.725
Room 3 3.37 2.25 7.583
Living Area 2 4.61 2.3 10.603
Master's
Bedroom 3.37 2.25 7.583
Restroom 2.25 1.30 2.925
Stairs 2.00 1.10 2.2
Total Area 17.7 11.45 35.619
Partition Load refers to the heat transfer that occurs through partition walls,
building. Unlike external loads, which are influenced by outdoor weather conditions,
partition loads are driven by temperature differences between adjacent internal spaces.
This type of load arises due to conduction through the partition material and is
influenced by the thermal conductivity, thickness, and surface area of the partition, as
well as the temperature gradient between the spaces it separates (ASHRAE, 2017).
To calculate the partition load, the Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction is used,
𝑘⋅𝐴⋅Δ𝑇
given by: 𝑄= 𝑑
Where:
● ΔT = Temperature difference between the two sides of the partition (°C or °F)
Assumed Temperature
● 1st Floor
● 2nd Floor
𝐾 𝑊
𝑈 = 0. 22 𝑚 • 𝑊
= 0. 22 2 𝑘
𝑚
● 1st Floor:
○ With Aircon: (0. 22) (47. 758) (33 − 23) = 105. 127 𝑊
○ Without Aircon: (0. 22) (47. 758) (33 − 25) = 84. 102 𝑊
● 2nd Floor:
○ With Aircon: (0. 22) (35. 31) (33 − 23) = 77. 682 𝑊
○ Without aircon: (0. 22) (35. 31) (33 − 25) = 62. 146 𝑊
Ventilation Heat Load
Ventilation Heat Load refers to the thermal load introduced into a conditioned
space due to the intake of outdoor air required for ventilation. This load accounts for both
sensible heat (temperature change) and latent heat (moisture change) associated with
bringing outside air to indoor conditions. Ventilation is essential for maintaining indoor air
quality, controlling pollutants, and providing fresh air for occupants. The amount of
𝐻𝑠 = 1. 23 𝑄 (𝑡𝑜 − 𝑡𝑖)
Where:
𝐿
𝐻𝑠 = 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠; 𝑄 = 𝑠
; 𝑇 = °𝐶
The average temperature outside to be used will be 33 °C and the target inside
temperature of the room will be 23 °C. In solving for Q, the formula will be:
𝑄 = 𝑄𝑟 + 𝑄𝑜
Where:
𝑄𝑟 = 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝑄𝑜−𝑄𝑚
In calculating for 𝑄𝑟: 𝑄𝑟 = 𝐸
In calculating for 𝑄𝑚: 𝑄𝑚 = 𝑅𝑎 × 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑚
Where:
Calculations:
𝐻𝐿 = 3000𝑄(ω𝑜 − ω𝑖)
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Where: 𝐻𝐿 = 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠; 𝑄 = 𝐿/𝑠; ω = 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
In this study, the humidity ratios to be used is from the average humidity
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
ω𝑜 = 0. 0228 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
ω𝑖 = 0. 0180 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
Calculations:
𝐻𝑙 = 3000𝑄(ω𝑜 − ω𝑖); 𝐻𝑙 = 3000(107. 612)(0. 0228 − 0. 0180)
Infiltration heat losses relate to air leakage through the building envelope and the
energy required to heat unconditioned air that has leaked into the structure. This air
passes around or through the building envelope. In every building, no matter how well
constructed, there is a certain amount of cold air that leaks into the building, referred to
as infiltration heat loss, and an equal amount of hot air that leaks out. Most commonly,
infiltration will occur around doors and windows. The tight construction of the building will
save the building owner a considerable amount of money over the life of the building.
In this study, the humidity ratios to be used is from the average humidity ratio in
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
ω𝑜 = 0. 0228 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
ω𝑖 = 0. 0180 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
The average temperature outside to be used will be 33 °C and the target inside
temperature of the room will be 23 °C. In solving for Q, the formula will be:
𝑄 = 𝑄𝑟 + 𝑄𝑜
Where:
𝑄𝑟 = 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝑄𝑜−𝑄𝑚
In calculating for 𝑄𝑟: 𝑄𝑟 = 𝐸
In calculating for 𝑄𝑚: 𝑄𝑚 = 𝑅𝑎 × 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑚
Where:
Calculations:
𝐻𝐿 = 3000𝑄(ω𝑜 − ω𝑖)
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
Where: 𝐻𝐿 = 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠; 𝑄 = 𝐿/𝑠; ω = 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
In this study, the humidity ratios to be used is from the average humidity
𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟
ω𝑜 = 0. 0228 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
ω𝑖 = 0. 0180 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟
Calculations:
𝐻𝑠 = ( 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝐺𝑎𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 )(%𝑆𝐻𝐺)(𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑡)(𝐶𝐿𝐹)
Latent Heat Load
𝐻𝐿 = ( 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝐺𝑎𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 )(%𝐿𝐻𝐺)(𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑡)(𝐶𝐿𝐹)
Where:
%LHG = 100-%SHG
𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝐺𝑎𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛
= Table 4-7
Calculations:
Heat
Actual Total Gain Sensible
Usage Hours in Sensible from Sensible Latent Heat Latent
No. of Activity in Time room heat cooling Occupan Heat Heat Load Heat
Room People the room (hrs) Per Day load factor ts(W) Gain % Gain % (kW) Load
LIGHTING LOAD
Actual Total
Equipment Usage Operation Utilization Cooling
Rating Time Hours Factor Load Ballast Lighting Load
Appliance in Watts (W) (hrs) Per Day (Fu) Factor (CLF) Factor (W)
12 W Light
bulb (4 bulb) 12 3 6 0.5 0.021 1.11 0.13986
24 W bulb 24 5 5 1 0.072 1.125 1.944
4x8 W
Chandelier 400 2 2 1 0.45 1.06 190.8
TOTAL 192.88
Calculations:
a. Determination of SHR
Sensible heat is associated with temperature changes, while latent heat involves
changes in moisture content. Sensible heat ratio represents the proportion of sensible
heat load to the total heat load, which includes both sensible and latent heat. The
17706.516 𝑊
𝑆𝐻𝑅 = 19663.80 𝑊
𝑆𝐻𝑅 = 0. 9005
𝑄𝑠 = 𝑚𝐶𝑝∆𝑇
𝑘𝐽
17. 7065 𝑘𝑊 = (𝑚) (1. 0062 𝑘𝑔 − 𝐾
) (33 𝐶 − 23 𝐶)
ṁ = 1. 7597 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
c. Determination of %outdoor and %recirculated air
The %outdoor air and %recirculated air can be determined by the following
formulas:
If the temperatures of the outdoor air (TOA), return air (TRA), and mixed air (TMA)
are known:
𝑄𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟
%𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑄𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦
× 100
𝑥
%𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑥
× 100
%𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑥 %
%𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑥 %
d. Determination of air properties entering at AC equipment
(Tdb), wet-bulb temperature (Twb), relative humidity (RH), specific humidity (W), enthalpy
Assuming that every room that requires an Split-type AC Equipment has the
same wall material, same ceiling material, and has the same parameters, the following
𝑘𝐽
𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑏 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝐷𝐵𝑇 = 33 ℃ 𝐸𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑝𝑦, ℎ = 97 𝑘𝑔
(Tdb), wet-bulb temperature (Twb), relative humidity (RH), specific humidity (W), enthalpy
Assuming that every room that requires an Split-type AC has the same wall
material, same ceiling material, and has the same parameters, the following properties
100%,
𝑘𝐽
𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑏 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝐷𝐵𝑇 = 23 ℃ 𝐸𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑝𝑦, ℎ = 69 𝑘𝑔
the cooling load, which represents the amount of heat the system must remove to
𝑄𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑥 𝑘𝑊
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑇𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑇𝑅 = 3.517
= 3.517 𝐵𝑇𝑈/ℎ𝑟
𝐵𝑇𝑈/ℎ𝑟
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑇𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑇𝑅 = 12 000
= 𝑥 𝑇𝑅
Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
Masters Bedroom
in details with example of Partition load. - The Engineers Blog. The Engineers
Blog. https://engineersblog.net/what-is-partition-load/
Howard Air (2023, February 28). Howard Air Service Center. Howard Air.
https://howardair.com/blog/heat-load-analysis-care/
https://www.vedantu.com/formula/heat-load-formula
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Heat_load_in_buildings
Irshad, K., Habib, K., Saidur, R., Kareem, M. W., & Saha, B. B. (2019). Study of
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.09.245