Development of Multi-functional Sensor Module for Energy Saving Air Conditioner System

Multi-functional sensor network systems which are able to recognize and analyze states of humans or objects from information obtained through multiple sensors within a network, are expected to play an essential role for developing safer, securer healthier and more ecological society. It can improve users' comfort and reduce overall energy consumption for realizing a green world. In this paper, the authors have developed a versatile multi-functional sensor module combined with wireless communication module for fine energy saving control. As an application we choose control of air conditioner in a clean room because the air conditioners occupy 42% of total energy consumption. The module contains multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure sensor and externally wired air-flow sensor), micro control unit (MCU), inbuilt RF communication unit and battery inside a 30 mm × 30 mm × 10 mm package. Through the field test in actual clean room, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our proposing module and discussed future works needed for bringing the modules into practical use. Detailed results will be expressed at the conference site.