Analysis of the Suitability of Air Conditioning Capacity in the Civil Engineering Workshops at Polytechnic Kuching Sarawak

Lukman Nul Hakim Md Terasid; Muhammad Iqmal Qusyairie  Mazlan; Anis Mastura R Azmi

Authors

Lukman Nul Hakim Md Terasid Department of Civil Engineering, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, KM 22, Jalan Matang, 93050, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Muhammad Iqmal Qusyairie Mazlan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, KM 22, Jalan Matang, 93050, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Anis Mastura R Azmi Department of Civil Engineering, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, KM 22, Jalan Matang, 93050, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Keywords:

Air-conditioning capacity, internal heat load, energy efficiency

Abstract

This study was carried out to analyze the suitability of air-conditioning capacity for the cooling load of Civil Engineering workshop at Polytechnic Kuching Sarawak. The study was conducted because an unsuitable air-conditioning capacity may result in inefficient energy use, higher operating costs, and reduced system performance. The objectives were to determine the cooling load based on internal heat sources, evaluate the performance of the existing air-conditioning units using operating parameters, and assess whether the installed capacity is suitable for the workshop spaces. The study used a quantitative approach through direct measurements conducted in seven workshops at the Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic Kuching Sarawak. Data was collected on the number of occupants, lighting, computers, printers, room volume, current, voltage, and the Coefficient of Performance (COP). The results showed that the cooling load differed according to the size of the workshop and the amount of internal heat generated. Most of the air-conditioning units achieved acceptable COP values. However, the installed capacity in most workshops was found to be higher than the actual cooling load, indicating an overcapacity condition. Overall, the findings suggest that reviewing the installed air-conditioning capacity could improve energy efficiency, reduce unnecessary energy consumption, and provide a more suitable indoor environment for workshop users.

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