Research Proposal: Mitigating the Rapid

Breakdown of Split-Type Air Conditioning Units

In Government Office Premises

Introduction
As a responsible government institute in Sri Lanka, the Construction Industry Development
Authority is dedicated to providing a favorable work environment for its staff. Providing
thermal comfort through the use of split-type air conditioning (A/C) units is a crucial component
of this commitment. The quick breakdown of these A/C systems, which causes operational
hiccups and elevated maintenance expenses, is a recurrent problem. The goal of this study
project is to determine the root causes of A/C failures and the best way to prevent them.

Background to the Problem

In tropical regions like Sri Lanka, where high temperatures and humidity levels can influence
employee productivity and wellbeing, the use of split-type A/C units in office buildings has
become crucial. But it has come to our attention that the rate at which these units are failing is
concerning, placing a heavy financial load on the organization. Since the causes of these
malfunctions are not well understood, further research is necessary to identify a workable
remedy.

Rationale
Our office has a number of difficulties as a result of the frequent AC unit breakdowns, including
increased operational costs, decreased employee comfort, and harmful environmental effects
from the disposal of malfunctioning units. In addition to enhancing employee working
conditions, addressing this issue is crucial for aligning with sustainability goals by minimizing
resource waste.

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Problem Statement
The following is the research's problem statement:

Split-type air conditioning units frequently breaking down at the offices of the Construction
Industry Development Authority have a negative impact on operational effectiveness, worker
comfort, and sustainability efforts.

Review of Literature
To acquire insight into the elements contributing to the quick demise of split-type A/C units, a
thorough analysis of the body of current literature will be carried out. This review will include
studies on environmental factors, office-specific problems, and A/C maintenance.

Theoretical Framework, Research Objectives, and Questions

Theoretical Framework:
The "Technology-Environment-Organization" framework, which recognizes the interaction
between technological systems, environmental conditions, and organizational practices, will
serve as the theoretical foundation for this study.

Research Objectives:
1. To determine the major causes of the quick failure of split-type air conditioning units
in government buildings.

2. To suggest the best course of action to reduce A/C failures and improve system
dependability.

Research Questions:
1. What are the primary causes of split-type A/C unit breakdowns in government office
premises in Sri Lanka?

2. How can the identified causes be addressed to ensure the long-term reliability of A/C
systems?

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Methodology
Research Design
This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative
interviews to gather comprehensive data.

Sample
The study will involve a sample of 10 government office premises in Sri Lanka that use split-
type A/C units. Additionally, interviews will be conducted with maintenance personnel, HVAC
experts, and office managers.

Data Collection Method

Data will be collected through:

1. Surveys to assess A/C unit performance and breakdown frequency.

2. On-site inspections and technical assessments of A/C units.

3. In-depth interviews with maintenance personnel, HVAC experts, and office managers.

Data Analysis
Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, and qualitative data will be analyzed
thematically. The findings will be triangulated to draw comprehensive conclusions.

Significance of the Study - Expected Outcomes

This research aims to provide valuable insights into mitigating A/C breakdowns in government
office premises, leading to the following expected outcomes:

1. Improved A/C system reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

2. Enhanced employee comfort and productivity.

3. Sustainable practices aligned with environmental goals.

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Time Frame
It is anticipated that the research will last for six months, from October 2023 to April 2024. The
study's timeframe is as follows:

 Review of the literature and creation of the theoretical framework, October–November

2023.
 Data gathering through questionnaires, on-site inspections, and interviews between
December 2023 and January 2024.
 Data interpretation and analysis from February to March 2024.
 Writing a report, making recommendations, and coming up with a solution in March–
April 2024.
 April 2024: completion and submission of the research report.

Budget (Approximate)
The budget for this research project is estimated at approximately [Insert Approximate Budget in
Local Currency]. The budget will cover the following expenses:

 Data collection (surveys, interviews, on-site inspections)

 Travel expenses for research visits

 Statistical software licenses

 Research assistants' compensation (if necessary)

 Report publication and dissemination

References
1. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
standards and guidelines related to air conditioning and HVAC systems.

2. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2019). The Future of Cooling: Opportunities for
Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning. [Report]

3. Fumo, N., & Ribeiro, A. (2018). Air conditioning systems: A review on energy
consumption scenarios. Energy and Buildings, 173, 18-26.

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 4. Oliveira, L. C., Duarte, D. H. S., & Bispo, R. D. (2017). Energy efficiency of air
conditioning systems: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 79, 536-547.

5. Wang, S., Li, Y., & Liu, Z. (2019). A review on refrigeration methods and performance
analysis of air conditioning systems in electric vehicles. Energy Procedia, 158, 4698-
4703.

6. Sevlian, R., Rosen, M. A., & Dincer, I. (2019). A review of decentralized air conditioning
systems: Strategies, advances, and challenges. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 113, 109299.

7. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2017). Refrigerants for Air

Conditioning: Alternatives to High Global Warming Potential HFCs. [Report]

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