Chakolas is embarking on an innovative venture to develop a new generation of smart thermostat systems. This initiative seeks to transcend the traditional functionalities of standard thermostats, which typically maintain a user-defined target temperature. Recognizing that human comfort is a multidimensional aspect influenced not just by temperature but also by factors like humidity and airflow, Chakolas is committed to redefining indoor climate control. The essence of this project lies in designing, building, and rigorously evaluating a range of control algorithms. These will include an on/off controller, a proportional controller, and a sophisticated Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. The overarching goal is to craft a thermostat system that not only elevates the level of human comfort but does so while significantly enhancing energy efficiency, thereby striking an optimal balance between comfort and conservation.
The project entails an extensive review of contemporary smart thermostat systems, focusing on the evaluation of their functional features and associated technologies. This review will serve as a foundation for the proposal of various HVAC control systems, which will be built and rigorously tested in a simulated environment. The project will utilize programming environments such as Python, C, MATLAB, or Simscape for calculating key outputs like room temperature, humidity, and energy consumption. These outputs will be determined based on a range of inputs, including outdoor temperature and building dimensions. An essential aspect of this project is the continuous collection and incorporation of feedback from a local startup, ensuring that the developed system adheres to strict design requirements and is attuned to real-world applications.
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