ISSN: 2634 - 8853

Journal of Engineering and Applied

Sciences Technology

Research Article Open Access

Motion Activated, Temperature Controlled (Matc) Electric Fan

Warlito M. Galita1* and Wenceslao M. Valerio2

1
Dean, College of Industrial Technology, Bulacan State University, Philippines

2
Faculty, College of Industrial Technology, Bulacan State University, Philippines

ABSTRACT
The major objective of the study was to design and develop a motion activated and temperature-controlled electric fan. It is the most practical and
affordable way of keeping areas cool especially during hot and humid months. In the Bulacan State University, many electric fans installed in lecture
rooms are left unattended even after class hours. This translates to unnecessary fire risks and/or excessive electric consumption of the University.
It is in this light that the researchers developed a device that presents an opportunity for the development of intelligent appliances that can save on
electricity consumption due to its innovative and eco-friendly features. Various designs were put forward and a careful consideration of each plan
was done, with special considerations to the need for innovative appliances that can be very useful in terms of energy efficiency and environment-
friendliness through an integrated multi-dimensional sensor system.

The study utilized the developmental research method in the fabrication of the project. The focus on the procedures and processes involved analysis,
development and evaluation of the project and in validating the project. The steps involved in this method include the following: (1) studying research
findings pertinent to the project; (2) developing the project based on the findings; (3) field testing of the project, and (4) revising the project.

The project was developed in sixty (60) working days, where prototypes were subjected to a dry run and simulation period of two (2) weeks continuous
operation. The actual operation cycles of the prototypes in accordance with the varying room temperatures throughout the day was also observed
during this period, testing them on a varied number of parameters, namely: operation time, turn on times in terms of fan speed control mode and
motion sensitivity tests.

Evaluation results revealed that the project functioned according to its lofty expectations where it was determined that it was the appropriate design
that integrated the most practical and adaptable configuration for the intended application. It is in this line that intelligent or smart ventilation systems
have now matured, providing a cost-effective approach to managing hot and humid conditions.

*Corresponding author
Warlito Galita, College of Industrial Technology, Bulacan State University, Philippines. E-mail: dr.warlito.galita@bulsu.edu.ph

Received: January 14, 2022; Accepted: January 19, 2022; Published: January 25, 2022

Introduction incentives to energy efficiency and conservation projects. This

Over the past decades, the world has seen an unprecedented Act aims to guide the Philippines in building an energy-efficient
rise of energy consumption. All over the world, vast amounts of nation, and in making energy efficiency and conservation a way of
energy are being consumed due to the fast pace of industrialization life for all Filipinos. Energy efficiency will advance the country’s
happening today. It is for this reason that governments around the economic development and help ensure energy security, optimal
world have institutionalized energy conservation programs in their energy pricing and sustainable energy systems.
respective constituencies.
It is in this light that each individual is enjoined to lend a helping
Energy conservation is the reduction or removal of unnecessary or hand in energy conservation. In fact, one of the key strategies to
unwanted energy use. Energy conservation plays a significant role of promote efficient energy use in the countries all over the world is
lessening climate change. It helps the replacement of non-renewable to implement the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
resources with renewable energy. Energy conservation is often with emphasis on Space Cooling and Refrigeration [1].
the most inexpensive solution to energy shortages, and it is more
environmentally kind alternative to increased energy production. MEPS is a specification, containing a number of performance
requirements for an energy-using device, that effectively limits the
In the Philippines alone, energy conservation has been the maximum amount of energy that may be consumed by a product
mantra among various government agencies. This why Republic in performing a specified task. It is usually made mandatory by a
Act 11285, otherwise known as the “Energy Efficiency and government energy efficiency body especially for various types
Conservation” is a law institutionalizing energy efficiency and of office and home appliances.
conservation, enhancing the efficient use of energy, and granting
J Eng App Sci Technol, 2022 Volume 4(1): 1-5
Citation: Warlito M. Galita, Wenceslao M. Valerio (2022) Motion Activated, Temperature Controlled (Matc) Electric Fan. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Technology. SRC/JEAST-169. DOI: doi.org/10.47363/JEAST/2022(4)135

One popular appliance that ensures cooling in the dwelling place of towards creating a high level of awareness among researchers
most Filipino households is the electric fan. It is the most practical regarding the global warming problem and to devise various ways
and affordable way of keeping the house cool especially during hot and means to reduce energy consumption. It is in this line that
and humid months. Even in schools, electric fans are commonly this research was conceptualized to be able to address the rising
found to ventilate the premises and keep students comfortable cost of energy in view of the dwindling supply of fossil fuels that
during their stay in the classrooms. is used to generate electricity.

Conventional electric fans nowadays come in different shapes In the Philippines and in most hot and humid countries, the electric
and sizes. They come in many colors and features and even some fan is one of the most popular electrical appliances due to its
with timers. However, one important function that has been cost effectiveness and low power consumption advantages. In
always overlooked in the design of an electric fan is the motion fact, according to Vijay it is a common appliance available today
and temperature sensor that can automatically turn on and off, and widely used in many applications. It is also one of the most
depending on the presence of people inside the premises. sensible solutions to offer a comfortable and energy efficient. In
fact, the fan has been long used and still available in the market.
In the Bulacan State University (BulSU) for instance, many However, conventional electric fans use manual switches to control
electric fans installed in lecture rooms are left unattended even speed manually [6-7].
after class hours. This translates to a hazardous scenario wherein
overloading of the electric lines due to overheating may occur Due to changes in climate and other similar fields, many researches
and may lead to unnecessary fire risks and/or excessive electric focused on automatic temperature control system application in
consumption of the University. various applications. For example, Johnson developed an automatic
temperature controller for multi-element array hyperthermia
If the BulSU aims to achieve the goal of a sustainable and energy- systems, along with multi-loop automatic temperature control
efficient campus, one of the crucial steps is the implementation system design for fluid dynamics. Its automatic temperature
of smart technologies that will minimize or mitigate electricity control for transport airplanes and design of automatic temperature
consumption. control system on laser diode of erbium-doped fiber source are
also being put forward as innovative schemes. Such advances
It is in this light that the researchers developed a device that will in technology has triggered the development of more advanced
present an opportunity for intelligent appliances that can save on control mechanisms to benefit everyday appliances like the electric
electricity consumption due to its innovative and eco-friendly fan [8].
features.
Roy, et. al. stated that today in the era of Intelligent Systems; a
Project Objectives smart fan is very much essential to the concept of “Smart Homes”.
The major objective of this undertaking is to design and develop They noticed that most circuits developed to tracks the presence
a Motion Activated, Temperature-Controlled Electric Fan. of person in a room was using infrared (IR) and passive infrared
Specifically, it aimed to ascertain the following objectives: (PIR) sensors as the tracking sensor. However, performance of
1. Design an innovative electric fan that is suitable to meet the IR sensors has traditionally been limited by their poor tolerance
needs of energy-efficiency as well as eco-friendliness. to light reflections such as ambient light or bright object colors,
2. Develop an appropriate sensor system needed for the operation while PIR sensors have tolerance problems with temperature
of the project. limit values [9].
3. Design a suitable casing/enclosure for the circuit.
4. To evaluate the system in terms of the following criteria: On the other hand, ultrasonic distance sensors do not have gaps in
4.1 hysical Features; the coverage zone like IR and PIR sensors and overall detection
4.2 Cost; range is comparable to that of a PIR sensor. Thus they developed
4.3 Durability; and an ultrasonic sensor electric fan to measure the distance between
4.4 Operation. the human and based on the pre-defined set points that varied the
5. To test the system according to operational and technical speed of the prototype.
parameters on a varied set of parameters namely:
5.1 operation time/turn on time; and Such advances in technology has triggered the development of
5.2 sensor response time in various ambient temperatures. more advanced control mechanisms to benefit everyday appliances
like to electric fan. In incorporating these aforementioned literature
Review of Related Literature and Studies and studies, the researchers came up with an innovative design in
Energy consumption behavior can be defined as the total energy the present investigation.
use of the occupant from both human and physical characteristics.
It can be safely said that buildings or classrooms themselves do Materials and Methods
not use electricity, but the people occupying them [2]. The study was guided by the input, process, and output (IPO)
model or framework as shown in Figure 1. The various concepts,
This is in consonance with the previous findings that universities’ related literature, as well as the tools and equipment used in the
increased energy consumption are a function of the electricity construction of the project and expenses incurred in the fabrication
usage and lifestyle behavior of its students as the main contributory of the project served as the INPUTS of the study. On the other
factors. Such a relatively uncontrolled phenomenon has contributed hand, the project design, sourcing of needed materials, fabrication,
to a situation of energy wastage among the students [2-5]. field testing and troubleshooting the technical problems served as
the PROCESS of the study. Finally, the OUTPUT of the study is
Although the subject of energy conservation has been studied the fabricated Motion Activated Temperature Controlled Electric
before, various trends in energy consumption studies has shifted Fan.

J Eng App Sci Technol, 2022 Volume 4(1): 2-5

Citation: Warlito M. Galita, Wenceslao M. Valerio (2022) Motion Activated, Temperature Controlled (Matc) Electric Fan. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Technology. SRC/JEAST-169. DOI: doi.org/10.47363/JEAST/2022(4)135

Around sixty (60) working days was consumed in the preparation

and fabrication of the project, which is good for the fabrication of
three (3) prototype units. The reason for this is for the researchers
to facilitate effectively product testing. Upon completion
of the project, all prototypes were subjected to a dry run and
simulation period of two (2) weeks continuous operation. The
actual operation cycles of the units in accordance with the varying
room temperatures throughout the day was also observed during
this period. An audio-video presentation in time-lapse form was
prepared as a documentation procedure of the actual demonstration
of the operation of the prototypes.

The prototypes was tested on a varied number of parameters,

namely: operation time, turn on times in terms of fan speed control
Figure 1: Conceptual Model mode and motion sensitivity test.

The study utilized the developmental research method in the Results and Discussion
fabrication of the project. As Richey and Klein (2005) stated, To test its operation time, the prototypes were tested for a period
developmental research tends to systematically build knowledge of one (1) week continuous operation. The various malfunctions
grounded in data derived from practice. It is a way to launch new or glitches observed were noted and documented. The testing
procedures, techniques, and tools based upon a precise analysis of its fan speed control mode were done to limit the fan speed
of specific cases. As such, developmental research can either automatically based on the ambient temperature conditions inside
create generalizable conclusions or statements of law or produce the classroom. The following technical parameters as shown in
context-specific knowledge that serves a problem-solving function the Table 1 below:
that enhances the study’s credibility [10].
Table 1: Speed Setting Based on Temperature Condition
The focus on the procedures and processes involved analysis, Speed Setting Actual Activation Running Time
development and evaluation of the project and in validating the Temperature (In
project. The steps involved in this method included the following: Degrees Celsius)
(1) studying research findings pertinent to the project; (2) 1 24-25 0
developing the project based on the findings; (3) field testing of
the project, and (4) revising the project. 2 26-27 2hr 7mins
3 28-29 5.2 mins
The step by step fabrication procedure is described as follows: 4 30 and above 0
Firstly, all of the needed spare parts and supplies for the project
were purchased and prepared immediately. This was followed Based on the table above, the average running time of the speed
by the assembly of all the sensor circuit sub-assembly, which is setting no. 2, with an actual average temperature of 26-27 °C, is
composed of the motion and temperature sensors. After this step, about 2 hours and 7 minutes. While the speed setting of 3 remains
the Arduino board was interconnected with its corresponding open for 5.2 minutes only. The location of the temperature sensor
LCD bar display and the appropriate wiring connections of the may affect the results of the experiment as it was placed in the
circuit sub-assemblies, will be done. Four (4) relays was included middle of the room. Thermal variations between Speed settings 2
in the wiring of the circuit prior to its connection to the electric and 3 were found, with an average of 12 seconds at intermittent
fan motor. Correspondingly, the source code or program software intervals. These glitches in the speed-temperature setting were
will be loaded unto the Arduino microcontroller to complete the possibly attributed to the wind turbulence between the fan and the
assembly of the electronic control circuit. ceiling. That may be the repeatability and sensitivity of the thermal
sensor used. Furthermore, its technical performance and reliability
The next procedure was fabricating the suitable chassis needed to of speed-temperature set-up are adaptable to any weather conditions.
enclose and secure all of these circuit sub-assemblies properly in in
place. Careful consideration was given to this procedure to ensure To investigate the source of temperature fluctuation, the researchers
that there are no sharp edges and proper mounting and layout of used computer aided simulation using the Flow Simulation software.
the circuits will be done. After the preparation of the chassis, the It was found that the turbulence was made in between the fan’s
actual testing of all the circuit sub-assemblies through an actual mounting, ceiling and the fan’s housing, as shown in Figure 3.
dry run of the project will be conducted to ensure its functionality.
Figure 2 shows the functional block diagram of the project.

Figure 2: Functional Block Diagram of the Project Figure 3: Flow Simulation of air movement across a fan

J Eng App Sci Technol, 2022 Volume 4(1): 3-5

Citation: Warlito M. Galita, Wenceslao M. Valerio (2022) Motion Activated, Temperature Controlled (Matc) Electric Fan. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Technology. SRC/JEAST-169. DOI: doi.org/10.47363/JEAST/2022(4)135

Meanwhile, the variation of temperatures likewise were simulated Table 2: Motion Sensor Sensitivity Operation
with a minimum temperature of 20.18°C (293.18°K) and a Trials Distance From Response Time (S)
maximum temperature of 30°C (303°K) at the set nominal fan Sensor (Meters)
speed of 10 rad/s (600 rpm). These data was recorded by the
1 2
software and plotted in a diagram with respect with the number 0.25 Meter
of iterations, as shown in Graph 1. 2 2
3 2
1 3
2 0.5 Meter 3
3 2
1 2
2 0.75 Meter 3
3 2
1 5
2 1 Meter 3
3 2

Graph 1: Shows the simulated minimum and maximum After testing the prototypes on a varied number of parameters
temperature of air flowing in fan With the maximum total pressure aforementioned, an objective evaluation was undertaken by the
of 101,416.6325 Pa, the data was plotted using the said software researchers to test its acceptability and performance in terms of
and is shown in Graph 2. The pressure dramatically dropped by the pre-determined criteria set forth in the conceptualization of
0.369 Pa before it crosses to fan blades, which has minimal effect the study. Shown in Table 3 is a 5-point Likert scale that was used
in the temperature of air flow. to quantify responses of the evaluators, with 5 being the highest
and 1 being the lowest [11].

Table 3: Likert Scale with Corresponding Verbal Equivalent

Scale Verbal Interpretation
4.21-5.00 Highly Acceptable
3.41-4.20 Very Acceptable
2.61-3.40 Moderately
Acceptable
1.81 – 2.60 Unacceptable
1.00 – 1.80 Highly Unacceptable
Unacceptable

Summary of Findings
Graph 2: Total Pressure recorded with the number of iterations As reflected in Table 4, all evaluation criteria set forth at the outset
of the study were given favorable ratings of “Very Acceptable”
Thus, it can be concluded that the location of temperature sensor by the panel of evaluators in terms of (1) Physical Features
greatly affects the accuracy of its reading. With the aid of flow (Mean=4.75); (2) Cost (Mean=4.47); (3) Durability (Mean=4.70)
simulation, it is easier to understand the air flow within the fan’s and (4) Operation (Mean=4.75).
surrounding and the sensor can be placed with minimal or without
the turbulence. Table 4: Summary of Responses
Criteria Mean Interpretation
On the other hand, the motion sensor’s sensitivity will be
undertaken by utilizing individuals that will be entering the 1. Physical Features 4.75 Highly Acceptable
room in various aspects. Various distances between the subject 2. Cost 4.47 Highly Acceptable
and the motion sensor were tested to observe its response time. 3. Durability 4.70 Highly Acceptable
Three experiments were performed to ensure that any technical
4. Operation 4.75 Highly Acceptable
fluctuations or glitches were recorded. In this set-up, the subject
was required to move in front of the motion sensor at a distance Overall mean 4.67 Highly Acceptable
of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 meter, respectively. It was observed that
the system has a delay with an average of 2.583 seconds and a In addition, it was determined that it was the appropriate design
distance of 0.25 meters has the fastest response time. On the other that integrated a practical and adaptable design for a wide variety
hand, for a one-meter setting, the delay reached 5 seconds. it is of applications. Finally, the project also functioned according
also important to locate the motion sensor to a maximum detection to expectations, with the electric fan being able to respond
of 0.75 meters. It should not exceed the recommended distance to appropriately wiht the various changes in temperature and detected
ensure that further delay in the operation may not occur. Table 2 motions.
summarizes the various conditions that were observed in testing
the project.
J Eng App Sci Technol, 2022 Volume 4(1): 4-5
Citation: Warlito M. Galita, Wenceslao M. Valerio (2022) Motion Activated, Temperature Controlled (Matc) Electric Fan. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Technology. SRC/JEAST-169. DOI: doi.org/10.47363/JEAST/2022(4)135

Conclusions 11. Willits F, Theodori G, Luloff A (2016) Another Look at

On the basis of the findings of the study, it was determined that it Likert Scales Journal of Rural Social Science. Special Issue:
was the appropriate design that integrated a practical and adaptable Advances in Survey and Data Analysis Methods for Rural
design for a wide variety of applications. Finally, the project Scientists 31: 1-15.
also functioned according to expectations, with the motion and
temperature sensing was easily monitored with the use of this
device. The response of the device to the varying levels of of
stimuli translated to appropriate adjustments in the electric fan
speed as initially set out in the study, underscoring the importance
of smart sensing technologies that are both cost effective and
energy efficient. All in all, the project was evaluated by the panel
of experts as “Highly Acceptable”.

Recommendations
In light of the significant findings derived from the development
of this project, the following are the recommendations:
1. That the Motion Activated Temperature Controlled Electric
Fan is very affordable and as such, can be replicated in other
similar applications;
2. That further studies be done to expand the functions and
capabilities of the project so as to further add additional
features to the existing prototype, such as the inclusion of a
visual display, among others.

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