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    Retrofitting solar air heaters in New Zealand schools – A randomized crossover intervention study
    (Elsevier B.V, 2024-06-15) Wang Y; Phipps R; Boulic M; Plagmann M; Cunningham C; Guyot G
    Most New Zealand (NZ) schools rely on natural ventilation and are often inadequately ventilated in winter. NZ school hours typically span from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are well aligned with optimum solar radiation. Existing classrooms could therefore be heated and ventilated using retrofitted solar energy applications. To investigate the suitability of a commercially available solar air heater (SAH) to improve ventilation, a randomized crossover intervention study was conducted in 12 classrooms from six primary schools in Palmerston North, NZ, during the winter of 2014. Typical performance results showed a mean (standard deviation, SD) SAH outlet air temperature of 29.2 (10.4) °C at a mean (SD) velocity of 0.7 (0.3) m·s-1. During most school periods (64–99%) classrooms maintained required thermal comfort. The concurrent use of the extant heaters was reduced, and carbon dioxide levels were improved, lowering exposure for occupants. This study confirmed that retrofitting SAHs contributed to improved classroom ventilation, increased thermal comfort and reduced energy use. Optimising performance would require design improvements to improve airflow in order to comply with NZ ventilation and indoor air quality requirements for schools.
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    Modular design and implementation of a low cost home automation system using web-services : a thesis presented in partial fulfilement [i.e. fulfilment] of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Computer Systems at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) Gomasa, Sunny Peter
    The idea of home automation has existed and worked on by several researchers. The idea of controlling devices, around a home, in way to provide improved comfort and security has been in the way since early 19th century. Current advancements in computing and communication technology allow for designing smart home automation systems that can manage several devices from one central location. Several researchers have been working in designing one that can manage, maintain and process data with very little user interaction. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to design and implement a low-cost home automation system that is independent of networking protocol, is scalable and easy to deploy & maintain. The system works as several modules operating independently while coordinating with a central gateway. Zigbee protocol was used provided wireless communication to devices that require low-power and not a whole lot of computing. Lastly a discussion was made to use Open-source software to keep cost to minimum.