This study presents the construction of a low-cost thermal comfort monitoring station based on the open-source design “COMOS.” Specifically, we developed this research at the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the ESPOL Polytechnic University in Guayaquil, Ecuador. To enhance the original model, we redesigned it following the COMOS design. Moreover, essential modifications were made, including adapting sensors to local availability and simplifying the design for straightforward operation. In addition, we 3D-printed the station to improve functionality and ease of use without requiring network connectivity. The primary goal was to develop a device capable of objectively measuring indoor environmental variables for future thermal comfort studies. Subsequently, we took initial measurements using the HVAC laboratory equipment to validate the system’s capability to monitor thermal comfort in hot and humid conditions. As a result, the initial results indicate that the station effectively captures the necessary environmental data, laying a solid foundation for subsequent thermal comfort research. Finally, the re-design and local adaptation of the components have proven the feasibility of creating an affordable and efficient thermal comfort monitoring solution, which we can apply in broader applications and diverse climatic conditions.

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Construction of a Low-Cost Thermal Comfort Monitoring Station: A Case Study of Ecuador

  • Maria Gabriela Cando,
  • Daniel Moreira,
  • José León,
  • Gabriela Salcan-Reyes,
  • Guillermo Soriano

摘要

This study presents the construction of a low-cost thermal comfort monitoring station based on the open-source design “COMOS.” Specifically, we developed this research at the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the ESPOL Polytechnic University in Guayaquil, Ecuador. To enhance the original model, we redesigned it following the COMOS design. Moreover, essential modifications were made, including adapting sensors to local availability and simplifying the design for straightforward operation. In addition, we 3D-printed the station to improve functionality and ease of use without requiring network connectivity. The primary goal was to develop a device capable of objectively measuring indoor environmental variables for future thermal comfort studies. Subsequently, we took initial measurements using the HVAC laboratory equipment to validate the system’s capability to monitor thermal comfort in hot and humid conditions. As a result, the initial results indicate that the station effectively captures the necessary environmental data, laying a solid foundation for subsequent thermal comfort research. Finally, the re-design and local adaptation of the components have proven the feasibility of creating an affordable and efficient thermal comfort monitoring solution, which we can apply in broader applications and diverse climatic conditions.