Fan Automation Simulation

On the Fluidsim simulation of the fan automation, two outputs will be considered, first is
the exhaust fan output then the intake fan output. Since the said simulation software used does not
support electrically actuated fans, signal lights will be used as substitutes. Also, the power supply
was changed from the actual 220V AC into 24V DC supply. The simulation however, would
provide a good approximation as to how the prototype would work. Other differences on the
simulation to the prototype will be discussed on the notes included on the simulation circuit.

Fig 1.1 Intake/ Exhaust Circuit Simulation

For the input/ controller setup, there are two possible setups, which can be chosen via the
SPDT switch, located on rung 2. The first setup is the manual actuation.

Fig 1.2 Manual Setup

The figure above shows that the SPDT is closed on the manual actuation line. If this is the
case, both the exhaust and intake fan, which were designated as the red and blue signal light
respectively, will be turned on. The internal relay, symbolizing the microcontroller and relay
switches of the prototype, will not be energized. Therefore, the user will not have control on the
fans unless the power source is cut off or the SPDT is changed to the other setting.

Fig 1.3 Automated Setup

The other alternative for input is the automated setup. On this option, neither the exhaust
nor the intake fan will be turned on immediately. There must be first a high level of CO2
concentration in the room so as to actuate the fans. In the simulation, the CO2 sensor is regarded
as a push button switch. The actual prototype would have a 90 sec calibration time for the CO2
sensor as prescribed by the manual which will not be considered by the simulation.

Fig 1.4 High CO2 level Detected

If the sensor detects a high level of CO2 level inside the room (On the actual setup, the
standard level is 1000 ppm), it will send a signal to the microcontroller to start the program. On
the simulation, it would startup the timing circuit.

Fig 1.5 Exhaust Fan Actuation

The program is designed to actuate the exhaust fan first. The researchers hypothesized that
both fans must not be simultaneously turned on so as not to short circuit the air flow entering and
leaving the conditioned space, wasting energy and does not alter the level of CO2 across the room.
In the simulation, the duration of the opening of the fans are 5 seconds each, however, on the actual
prototype, it will be 30 seconds.

Fig 1.6 Intake Fan Actuation

After the said time delay, the exhaust fan will be turned off and the intake fan will be
actuated. The device will be turned on for the same time delay. After that, the sensor will try to get
another reading to see changes in the carbon dioxide levels. On the simulation, there is no time
delay for calibration, however on the actual prototype, there will be a 10 second delay. If the CO2
is still higher than the prescribed level, the cycle would repeat until it would suffice. Lastly, during
the output cycle, the sensor will not be able to read the CO2 level across the room.

Actual Splicing

Fig 2.1 Prototype Connection

The actual connection for the prototype is shown above. This only covers the circuit
powered by the main power supply. This includes the SPDT switch, both the exhaust and intake
fans and the relays. Each of the fans has its own SPDT switch so as to have separate manual options
as opposed on the simulation, which only has one. All components can be supplied by 220V AC
supply. The relays are programmed via the Arduino microcontroller.

Arduino Connection

Fig 3.1 Microcontroller Connection

The connection for the microcontroller includes the relays, CO2 sensor an LED
display and the microcontroller itself. The relay switches both the exhaust and intake fan
when the CO2 sensor detects a high level of carbon dioxide across the room. For visual
interface, the LED display shows the level of CO2 the sensor has read. The said device
also signifies when fans are actuated.