Double Layered Roof Cooling System Controlled by Arduino (Alternative way for cooling system)

The concept of rain and water as cooling agent.

Double Layered Roof Cooling System Controlled by Arduino is a product designed by students from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) which was awarded a gold medal in the Novel Research & Innovation Competition 2017 (NRIC) last August.
The product designed as a cooling system was inspired by verses 48-49 of Surah Al-Furqan, where the translation of the meaning says:
“And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy, and We send down from the sky pure water. That We may bring to life thereby a dead land and give it as drink to those We created of numerous livestock and men.”
Examining the gist of these verses, they explained the concept of rain which brings multiple benefits to mankind and all creatures alike, such as reducing a high temperature, as sustenance for the plants, and more. It is clear that water is essential to life, and we should optimize Allah’s gift for mankind in the best manner possible.
Therefore, the concept of rain is applied by using water as a cooling agent, as well as using the concept of water recycling in the cooling process to minimize wastage and impact to the environment.

 
Advantages
The cooling system functions to reduce and regulate home temperature to a comfortable level at all times. In general, all buildings in Malaysia are built with air ventilation system. When a cooling system is incorporated, a refreshing ambience similar to that after it has rained can be induced.
The existing roof structure is maintained, but a layer of perspex is added as the topmost layer to create a double layered roofing. Water hose is placed in between these two layers and serves to lower the air temperature that penetrates through the roof.
This environmental-friendly cooling system operates automatically. The system uses only minimal electricity especially since it can be activated using the solar power. 

Uniqueness
This product is unique because it uses the Arduino technology to control the system, which has not been widely adopted in industries in Malaysia yet. Moreover, this product is an energy efficient product since it can save up to 40% of energy usage and even higher saving when using the solar power. The cooling system is also portable, can be installed according to building size, and it is easy to dismantle for transfers as well.

 

How does it work?

The cooling system operates in two modes, either automatic or manual. The cooling system will automatically be activated when the thermostat detects temperature of about 34 ℃ and above. Water will be flowing throughout the system and the operation will be deactivated once the temperature reaches 28 ℃. These temperatures are selected based on a study conducted where 34 ℃ is deemed as uncomfortable whilst 28 ℃ is deemed to be a comfortable level. Current temperature of the building can be referred to from an LCD screen display.
The manual mode involves controlling the system through a smartphone application by giving out voice or button instructions remotely using Bluetooth connection. Other than that, the user can also activate the system by sending an instruction via short message service (SMS) from anywhere. In the manual mode, current temperature information can be sent to the user, and the user may also choose to the set the building temperature to be lower than 28 ℃. The current temperature reading for the building will be available in the smartphone application and can also be sent via SMS. 

Benefits for the Ummah
The cooling system can contribute to the ummah by providing a comfortable environment to worship in, as it is suitable for installations in places of worship.
The concept of water recycling applied in the system can also encourage individuals to be more disciplined in minimizing wastage, as mentioned in verse 27 of Surah Al-Israa’. Other than that, the cooling system can also assist in building a happy family, since a comfortable living atmosphere will be condusive in enhancing harmony and peace. This is crucial, as the Ummah is built up from the character of individuals, who then develops solid family institutions which will then lead to a strong Ummah. 

Team members:
Muhammad Fathi bin Mohd Said
Muhammad Danish bin Abd Wahid
Ainul Husna binti Mohd Yusoff