Non-Invasive ZigBee Wireless Controller for Air-Conditioner Energy Saving

An innovative non-invasive Zigbee-base wireless controller is proposed in this study for energy saving control of split and package air-conditioning units. The controller needs only be connected to the temperature sensor of an air-conditioner, therefore is non-invasive to the control circuitry of the air-conditioner. The primary function of the controller is to effect the on/off functions of the air-conditioner unit, according to the readings from the Zigbee based wireless sensors. Energy saving can be achieved both by the control of comfort condition at the space at use, and also proper scheduling when connected to remote central control system. It has been found by experiments that this control method can be made a part of the wireless sensors network, and can be deployed at a low cost. Moreover, this control method can be used with presently installed package or split units. The energy saving measured for a split air-conditioner with this control method exceeds 50%. Therefore this non-invasive control method has a potential of saving energy in air-conditioning.