TEMPERATURE BASED FAN SPEED CONTROLLER

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by:

RAUNAK RAJ (23BCS10205)

AMBUJ SHUKLA (23BCS10884)
ROHAN RAJ (23BCS10178)
AARSH SHARMA (23BCS11331)
PARVEEN KUMAR (23BCS11709)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
COMPUTER SCIENCE ENGINEERING

JAN 2024
 CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENT

SNO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

1. Timeline of the Reported Problem

2. Existing Solution

3. Bibliometric Analysis

4. Review Summary

5. Problem Definition

6. Goals/Objectives
2.1 Timeline of the Reported Problem

The issue of temperature-based speed control for fans has been identified and
documented over the past few decades. Early instances date back to the late
20th century, with initial concerns raised about energy consumption and comfort
management in various environments. Literature provides documented proof of
incidents and research studies exploring the relationship between temperature
regulation and fan speed adjustment.

1. Early Concepts (Pre-2000s):

• Researchers and engineers explore the idea of controlling fan speed
based on temperature variations.
• Basic prototypes are developed, but they are often large, expensive,
and not widely available.
2. 2000s:
• Advancements in sensor technology and microcontrollers lead to
more precise temperature measurements and control systems.
• Companies begin to integrate temperature-based fan control into
computer hardware, such as desktops and servers.
3. 2010s:
• Temperature-based fan controllers become more commonplace in
consumer electronics, including laptops and gaming consoles.
• Improved efficiency and cost reductions make these controllers
more accessible to a broader market.
• Smart home technology starts integrating temperature-based fan
control for HVAC systems and ceiling fans.
4. Mid to Late 2010s:
• Integration of temperature-based fan control expands further into
various industries, including automotive, industrial automation, and
home appliances.
• Advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques are
employed to optimize fan speed control for energy efficiency and
performance.
• Wireless connectivity and IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities
enable remote monitoring and control of temperature-based fan
systems.
5. 2020s:
 • Continued refinement of temperature-based fan control systems
leads to even greater energy efficiency and customization options.
• Integration with AI and machine learning allows for predictive
control, where fan speed adjustments are made based on
anticipated temperature changes.
• Increasing emphasis on sustainability drives the adoption of
temperature-based fan control in green building designs and
renewable energy systems.
6. 2020s and Beyond:
• Ongoing research and development aim to further enhance the
accuracy, reliability, and versatility of temperature-based fan
control systems.
• Integration with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind
power, to optimize energy usage based on environmental
conditions.
• Expansion into new applications and industries as technology
continues to evolve, potentially including aerospace, agriculture,
and medical devices.
2.2 Existing Solution

Earlier proposed solutions for temperature control fans typically involved simpler mechanisms
compared to modern systems. Here's a brief overview of some earlier proposed solutions:
1. Manual Control: Initially, fans were manually controlled by users based on their
perception of temperature. Users would manually adjust the fan speed or turn it on/off
as needed.
2. Simple On/Off Control: Basic temperature control fans were designed to turn on when
the temperature exceeded a certain threshold and turn off when it fell below another
threshold. This approach was limited in precision and efficiency.
3. Mechanical Thermostats: Mechanical thermostats were introduced to automatically
control fan operation based on temperature. These thermostats used bimetallic strips or
other mechanical mechanisms to actuate switches at predetermined temperature
setpoints.
4. Voltage Regulation: Some early solutions involved varying the voltage supplied to the
fan motor to control its speed. This method was relatively simple but lacked precision
and efficiency.
5. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): PWM control gradually gained popularity for fan
speed control. It involved rapidly switching the power supplied to the fan motor on and
off, with the ratio of on-time to off-time determining the average power and thus the fan
speed.
6. Analog Control Circuits: Analog control circuits were developed to provide more
precise control over fan speed based on temperature input. These circuits used analog
components such as operational amplifiers, resistors, and capacitors to modulate fan
speed.
7. Digital Control Systems: With advancements in microcontroller technology, digital
control systems became more prevalent. These systems utilized microcontrollers or
dedicated digital control chips to process temperature sensor inputs and adjust fan speed
digitally.
8. PID Control: Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control algorithms were
implemented to improve the accuracy and responsiveness of temperature control fans.
PID controllers continuously adjust fan speed based on the difference between the
desired temperature setpoint and the actual temperature.
These are just some of the earlier proposed solutions for temperature control fans.
Over time, advancements in sensor technology, control algorithms, and fan design
have led to more sophisticated and efficient temperature control systems.
2.3 Bibliometric Analysis

1.Manual Control:
• Key Features: Simple, low-cost, user-dependent.
• Effectiveness: Limited precision and efficiency, relies on user perception.
• Drawbacks: Not suitable for automated temperature control, prone to
human error, may lead to energy waste if not adjusted appropriately.
2. Simple On/Off Control:
• Key Features: Basic automatic control based on temperature thresholds.
• Effectiveness: Provides basic temperature regulation, low-cost.
• Drawbacks: Limited precision, may result in frequent cycling of the fan,
potential discomfort due to sudden changes in airflow.
3. Mechanical Thermostats:
• Key Features: Automatic control based on temperature, mechanical
reliability.
• Effectiveness: Provides better control compared to simple on/off
systems, durable.
• Drawbacks: Limited precision, mechanical wear and tear over time,
slower response compared to electronic systems.
4. Voltage Regulation:
• Key Features: Analog control method, relatively simple.
• Effectiveness: Allows for variable fan speed control, moderate precision.
• Drawbacks: Limited efficiency, less precise compared to PWM or digital
control methods, may
cause motor humming or noise.
5.Pulse Width Modulation (PWM):
• Key Features: Digital control method, high-frequency switching.
• Effectiveness: Precise control over fan speed, efficient.
• Drawbacks: Potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI), requires
additional filtering components, complexity in implementation.
6.Analog Control Circuits:
• Key Features: Utilizes analog components for control.
 • Effectiveness: Offers moderate precision and efficiency, relatively
simple.
• Drawbacks: Limited scalability, may require frequent calibration,
susceptible to component aging.

7.Digital Control Systems:

• Key Features: Utilizes microcontrollers or dedicated digital control
chips.
• Effectiveness: High precision, flexibility in control algorithms,
integration with other systems.
• Drawbacks: Initial cost may be higher, requires programming knowledge
for customization and maintenance.
8. PID Control:
• Features Key: Proportional-Integral-Derivative control algorithm.
• Effectiveness: Provides precise and ressive temperature control,
adaptable to varying conditions.
2.4 Review Summary

1. Importance of Temperature-Based Speed Control:

• The review emphasizes that temperature-based speed control plays a
crucial role in two key aspects:
• Energy Efficiency: By dynamically adjusting fan speed based on
temperature, systems can optimize energy consumption. When the
environment is cooler, the fan operates at a lower speed, reducing power
usage.
• User Comfort: Maintaining an appropriate temperature enhances user
comfort. Fans that adapt to real-time conditions ensure that occupants
experience a pleasant indoor environment.
2. Growing Interest in Smart, Adaptive Systems:
• Researchers and practitioners are increasingly intrigued by smart and
adaptive systems. These systems go beyond fixed-speed fans and instead
employ algorithms to adjust fan speed dynamically.
• Real-Time Environmental Conditions: These systems monitor factors
such as room temperature, humidity, and occupancy. Based on this data,
they intelligently regulate fan speed.
• Energy Savings: By not running fans at maximum speed all the time,
energy consumption decreases.
• Reduced Noise: Adaptive systems can operate quietly when cooling
demands are low.
• Improved User Experience: Occupants enjoy consistent comfort
without manual adjustments.
3. Foundation for the Current Project:
• The literature review serves as the bedrock for your current project.
• It identifies gaps in existing solutions:
▪ Perhaps some systems lack adaptability or fail to consider
real-time conditions.
▪ Existing approaches may not fully address energy efficiency
or user comfort.
• Areas Ripe for Innovation:
• Consider exploring novel algorithms or control strategies.
• Investigate how to integrate temperature sensors effectively.
• Explore user-centric design for seamless interaction with adaptive fan
systems.
2.5 Problem Definition
The problem at hand revolves around the development of a temperature-based
speed controller for fans, aiming to efficiently regulate airflow while
minimizing energy consumption.
• What is to be done:
Design and Development: The primary task involves designing and
developing a temperature-based speed control system capable of
accurately sensing ambient temperature and adjusting fan speed
accordingly.
Implementation: This involves the practical implementation of the
designed system using appropriate hardware components and software
algorithms.
Testing and Validation: Rigorous testing and validation procedures must
be conducted to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of the
temperature-based speed controller under various operating conditions.
Optimization: Continuous optimization efforts are necessary to enhance
the efficiency and performance of the controller, ensuring optimal energy
usage and user comfort.
• How it is to be done:
1. Sensor Integration: Integrate temperature sensors capable of accurately
measuring ambient temperature with minimal error.
2. Control Algorithm Development: Develop a robust control algorithm that
processes temperature inputs and adjusts fan speed accordingly,
considering factors such as temperature thresholds, response time, and
hysteresis.
3. Hardware Implementation: Assemble the necessary hardware
components, including microcontrollers, motor drivers, and feedback
mechanisms, to implement the control algorithm and drive fan speed
adjustments.
4. Software Development: Implement the control algorithm in software,
ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the temperature-based speed
controller.
5. Testing and Validation: Conduct thorough testing and validation
procedures, including simulation-based testing and real-world
experimentation, to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the controller
in regulating fan speed based on temperature inputs.
6. Optimization: Fine-tune the control algorithm and system parameters
based on test results and user feedback to optimize energy efficiency,
responsiveness, and overall performance.
• What not to be done:
1. Over-Engineering: Avoid over-complicating the design with unnecessary
features or components that do not significantly contribute to the
performance or functionality of the temperature-based speed controller.
2. Excessive Cost: Strive to maintain cost-effectiveness throughout the
design and development process, avoiding unnecessary expenditures on
high-end components or technologies that may not provide commensurate
benefits.
3. Unvalidated Assumptions: Refrain from making assumptions about
system behavior or performance without adequate testing and validation.
Rely on empirical evidence and data-driven insights to inform design
decisions and optimizations.
4. Compromising Safety or Reliability: Ensure that the temperature-based
speed controller prioritizes safety and reliability, adhering to industry
standards and best practices to mitigate risks of malfunction or failure
2.6 Goals/Objective
1. Goal: Develop a temperature sensing module for accurate ambient
temperature measurement.
• Objective 1: Research and select temperature sensors with a resolution of
at least ±0.1°C.
• Objective 2: Design and prototype the temperature sensing module with
integration capability.
• Objective 3: Validate sensor accuracy through comparison with a
calibrated reference thermometer.
1. 2. Goal: Create a control algorithm for dynamic fan speed adjustment
based
on temperature inputs.
• Objective 1: Analyze existing control algorithms for temperature-based
fan speed regulation.
• Objective 2: Develop a PID control algorithm optimized for fast
response and stable operation.
• Objective 3: Implement the control algorithm in C/C++ for
microcontroller compatibility.
2. 3. Goal: Construct a hardware system integrating temperature sensing
and
fan speed control.
• Objective 1: Select microcontroller and motor driver components
compatible with the control algorithm.
• Objective 2: Design and assemble a prototype PCB for the hardware
system.
• Objective 3: Verify hardware functionality through bench testing and
integration with sensor module.
3. 4. Goal: Validate the performance of the temperature-based fan speed
controller.
• Objective 1: Conduct controlled experiments to measure fan speed
response to temperature changes.
• Objective 2: Evaluate system accuracy and stability under varying
environmental conditions.
• Objective 3: Compare energy consumption of the controller against static
speed settings.
4. 5. Goal: Optimize the temperature-based fan speed controller for
efficiency
and reliability.
• Objective 1: Fine-tune PID control parameters for optimal performance
and stability.
• Objective 2: Implement safety features to prevent overheating and over speed
conditions.
• Objective 3: Validate optimization through long-term stress testing and
performance monitoring