Our project goal is to design an air control system that
attaches to a plastic chamber to test compressors at different temperatures and
humidity levels. Compressors are parts of air-conditioners that compress a
liquid to cool down and draw moisture from the air. Each one must work in the
weather where it will be used. The main issues when testing them are air leaks
and heat loss through the testing cell. Our design addresses this problem by putting
the air control unit right next to the chamber. This reduces the needed amount
of duct, which lessens air leaks and heat transfer. All cracks and holes seal tightly
to create a closed volume of air, as well. These choices allow for accurate
control of inner conditions within 15 minutes. The design also stops condensed
water from building up by collecting and returning it to the humidifier.
Our design improves an existing
design by increasing the range of cooling, humidity, and mobility, and by lowering
the heat lost to the surrounding air. It features a more powerful air chiller,
humidifier, and two more heaters. Ducts from these pieces attach to the chamber’s
sidewalls and are easily removable. Putting the unit on the floor rather than a
wall simplifies the previous design greatly. Sensors check the inner
temperature and humidity levels to adjust to the user’s wanted values. This
achieves hands-free testing in harsh and mild settings. Testing the compressor’s
performance in each condition allows the user to find out its abilities before
selling or using it. Since the system is mobile, it can attach to any large box
for testing devices in common weather. In this way, our project has wide
application and can help many industries.
Validate the existing design of an environmental testing chamber and deliver an assembly that regulates its internal temperature and humidity for use in a laboratory environment.