ION Controls Tx PIR B Room Temperature Controller

Additional Information

Smart Thermostat Controller

• room presence detection - PIR*

• on/off and 3 speed control for wall panel type ceiling fans

• on/off aircon control

• tamper proof set points

• auto or manual control and or timer controllable

• standalone +/or network to Smart Metering

*PIR = Passive Infra Red Presence Detector Smart Thermostat system courtesy of www.ioncontrols.com

The 500lb Gorilla in the room

A typical CFL lamp in a room will rated at about 15 watts and this is equivalent to 80 watts for an inefficient incandescent lamp – therefore an excellent incentive to replace incandescents and save energy.

However, a typical aircon unit in a room when running can consume over 1500 watts – 100 times more energy than the CFL lamp. Hence the aircon unit is the 500lb gorilla in the room that nobody is talking about.

Hint: Leaving an aircon running for 1 hour with no one in the room is equivalent to leaving the light on continuously for 4 days.

It puts things slightly in perspective doesn't it! 

The Problem

In the heat of summer we all need the aircon on – it is almost impossible to live comfortably without it. The question therefore is: how can we avoid or reduce this huge source of energy consumption?

The Potential Answer?

Studies (Florida)* have shown that using ceiling fans can potentially result in electricity savings of 14% per annum for 1 DegC (approx) increase in the aircon thermostat setting and still provide good comfort levels.

*http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/html/FSEC-PF-306-96/index.htm

However, there is a catch (isn't there always). The studys' conclusion finds that the overall results, as far as energy savings are concerned, are mixed. This was due to 2 main factors;

a. ceiling fans and aircon left running in unoccupied rooms

b. aircon setpoint not adjusted upwards.

The Possible Solution?

The Florida study also concludes that future work was required and hence the, 'Spanking the 500lb Gorilla' Project was born. The objective of this project is to prove the hypothesis that a typical HK home's electricity bill could be reduced by up to 30% with a payback target of approximately two years by using ceiling fans and a Smart Thermostat system.

The Project in Action

Until recently, trying to do this has been expensive and complicated. The following shows the present setup and how this can be achieved with minimum expense and simplicity using a presence detecting temperature control system.

Courtesy (c) http://www.ioncontrols.com

The first system was installed mid April07 and to date (01Jul07) three rooms have now been completed. And so it was with bated breath that the arrival of the power utilities bimonthly bill for May and June07 was anticipated (go figure).

The following shows the results so far ..

We can see that even with an uncompleted system, the energy savings are quite remarkable and on track for the target of 30% reduction in overall electrical consumption.

And this has been achieved with no loss of comfort. In fact, the impression and feedback from family members has been that the reduction in the use of aircon has made for a fresher, more healthy living environment.

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