Microprocessor-Based Digital Control of Environmental Systems.

摘要

Recent advances in semiconductor technology have made microprocessor chips and their associated interface and peripheral chips available at low cost and in readily adaptable configurations. The availability of these powerful yet small devices opens up whole new fields of computer control. This project investigated the use of microprocessors and associated hardware to control the heating of a building in order to save energy. A house was simulated on the hybrid computer and controlled by a microprocessor-based digital controller. The microprocessor was a commercially available model, one which could be obtained at low cost and would be accessible to any home owner. By turning the heat off in rooms which were not to be used, a considerable amount of energy could be saved. The program to control the room temperatures would be determined and written on the basis of the probable use of rooms. Tests showed that a significant amount of energy was saved by using the controller, as much as 50%, depending on the use-habits of the house. The house simulation can also be used to study such things as insulation configuration, heater size and location, and room shapes and sizes with respect to the amount of energy saved.