Sensor technologies are becoming imperative to intelligent
building design. The use of thermostats kicked off the beginning of HVAC sensor
technology but as other sensors are developed the thermostat must evolve beyond
its current binary capabilities. Other technologies such as CO2 sensors, enthalpy sensors, and occupancy sensors have been implemented in building
design to reduce energy consumption by HVAC systems. As these specialized
sensors become more used, thermostats that at one point in time controlled
entire HVAC systems, will become intelligent monitoring systems coordinating the
specialized sensors. As renewable energy becomes adapted more widely, terminal
sensors will be self-powered, wireless, and communicative [1]. Sensors will
report errors in building envelopes, report damage, and report other data that
pertains to what they are designed to do specifically.
Home automation and IoT have become buzzwords regarding
building automation. As Home automation becomes more economically viable for
the average American, data can be recorded and collected to achieve more
accuracy for energy modeling and BIM. [2] Using 3-D models of buildings to
monitor operating conditions in a building will allow for engineers and
occupants to achieve an engaging synergy that encourages energy consciousness.
Additionally, the IoT may allow self-powered sensors to
repair and maintain themselves using AI to physically repair damaged or
weathered sensors. This could also be applied to a larger scale where buildings
are maintained, repaired, and constructed using robots. [3] However, as robots
become able to do jobs better and more efficiently than humans, the building
industry will naturally require less humans. Naturally, this is an issue for
many people and it is a question that has yet to be solved. But with the good
news of reducing energy consumption we can think about a greener future instead
of an unemployed future.
[1] Stein, Scott. “A Thermoelectric Future: Meet the next
Generation of Self-Powered Sensors.” CNET, CNET, 4 Jan. 2019,
www.cnet.com/news/thermoelectric-future-we-tried-out-the-next-generation-of-self-powered-sensors/.
[2] Khemlani, Lachmi.
“Three Tech Trends Shifting the BIM Industry in 2016AECbytes Viewpoint #80
(July 21, 2016).” Technology
Toolkit for Sustainable Design at Orcutt Winslow Partnership: AECbytes Feature,
www.aecbytes.com/viewpoint/2016/issue_80.html.
[3] B1M, The. “The
Construction Robots Are Coming | The B1M.” YouTube, YouTube, 30 May 2018,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKGGHdl3NyQ.
I agree that sensors are key to intelligent building operation. I look forward to when buildings will run themselves and will keep occupants safe and comfortable just by using sensors. I like that you mentioned the internet of things because it really is where we are headed. Reducing energy consumption is also an important factor in future building construction.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the function of IoT facilitating automatic maintenance and repair can ensure safety and efficiency, when it comes to the case if the maintenance work takes a long time or it is dangerous. Also, I agree that the development of BIM does not only provide 3-D models for better insight of the building in construction, but also an efficient model for every parties, from clients to consultants and contractors, to access the same file of model.
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