An Integrated Approach to Automated Control for Air-Conditioned Home Apartments using Wireless Sensor Network

Objectives: Home automation is achievable with an integrated approach using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). This paper presents the implementation of such integrated approach to automating the air-conditioning of various apartments. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The developing of an integrated system consisting of network of wireless sensor nodes with well selected components and resourceful capabilities is explained. This network is incorporated to a control unit connected to air-conditioning systems in various home apartments for automation and central remote control through short service message (sms). Findings: An integrated system comprising three resulting characterized sensor nodes and one sink node being integrated with the automated control unit for the air-conditioning systems were implemented and tested. The system was designed with well selected intelligent temperature/humidity DHT22 sensors, homogenous XBee radios, arduino boards and wireless network protocol to deliver remotely monitored parameters from the sensor nodes to a base station. The resulting composite units of the implemented system were products of the best parameters trade-off in the selection of components and protocols. The same sensor nodes can be increased to the number of target apartments and integrated to the network system. The transfer of monitored data to the central hub was wireless and the mode of sending commands to the control unit was through short message service. The approach conserves energy consumption as it saves the loss time involved in continuous operation of air-conditioning systems. The system also reduces the health risk in poorly air-conditioned environment for elderly and infants. Applications/ Improvements: The approach can be extended to controlling other appliances in full home automation set-up.