Building Topic Outline: "How Sensor Technology Will Shape Occupant Comfort and Energy Consumption"

I
Identification of sensor technologies
Define sensors and the problem
State argument for research
II
Available technology
Application of sensors in HVAC systems
III
Issues that must be researched regarding enthalpy sensors
How these issues can be sorted
Who will solve these problems and how will the research be conducted
IV
Issues that must be researched regarding CO2 sensors
How these issues can be sorted
Who will solve these problems and how will the research be conducted
V
Benefits of better sensor technologies
How will the building industry change as a result?
VI
Conclusion
VII
References

Sensor technology for HVAC design is still developing and control schemes are often overlooked by mechanical engineers throughout the design process. Most available sensor technologies that are available now are used to optimize the comfort of occupants. The cost of this is measured through increased energy consumption in mechanical systems. However, to the owners of the building, the benefit of making sure all occupants are comfortable is measured in productivity. Ensuring occupant comfort is an integral aspect towards designing now as many new buildings adhere to more stringent wellness standards. I would like to explore how building systems can maintain occupant comfort while also reducing the energy consumption of buildings using the same sensors.

CO2, enthalpy, humidity, temperature, and occupancy sensors are all available for use in mechanical design. Networking these sensors to mechanical systems in the form of complex control schemes is a method of increasing occupant comfort and decreasing energy cost. These sensors can be used to determine outside conditions and whether passive or economizer cycles can be enabled in a mechanical system. CO2 sensors specifically are imperative to smart energy control, yet, they are among the most unreliable sensors among the group listed. Often having to be recalibrated and replaced, CO2 sensors have proven themselves to be a mutable at best solution to reducing energy demand in HVAC systems. In addition to CO2 sensors, Enthalpy sensors which are used in air handling units to create economizer cycles are still yet to be widespread in use because the standard energy practice set in place by ASHRAE codes 90.1 and 189.1 need to change to accommodate higher limit controls.

The paper I will be writing will focus on how CO2 and Enthalpy sensor technology can improve so that HVAC systems and HVAC design practices can reduce energy demand in buildings. Many successful companies have commercialized these sensors which proves that the industry is ready for a breakthrough regarding sensor technologies. When CO2 technology becomes more practical and more widespread, the industry will see a positive shift in occupant comfort. Ganging CO2 sensors together with enthalpy sensors, engineers will be able to increase the prevalence of economizers in HVAC systems. Thus, increasing occupant productivity and reducing energy consumption.

The benefits of researching sensor technology will be felt by employees, they environment, and businesses alike. Sensors must also have the capacity to be wireless now as well. To reduce the cost of wiring and other materials, the ability to network sensors to a central control system is essential. Additionally, by creating a wireless network of sensors, the operational staff can monitor and override the automatic controls of the HVAC system. Giving the operational staff control of the building allows for the ability to maintain acute areas of the building without having to disrupt an entire HVAC system.

Some of the drawbacks of researching sensor technology include the initial investment cost. The biggest issue that undermine the development of CO2 sensors pertain to undiscovered materials that can be mass produced efficiently to give reliable measurements. More experimentation in different climate zones must be conducted to realize the potential of enthalpy sensors. So far, the technology is still relatively unregulated and to pervasively enact positive change, codes must be developed and required. Conducting this research is expensive and often is not beneficial enough to invest in as a private company. However, with the emergence of these technologies and their improvements so far, the industry will continue to develop. In my opinion, it is worth the investment which is why I want to find out what can be done to improve CO2 and enthalpy sensors.

Relevant papers:

http://www.cmfnh.com/documents/ASHRAE_Journal_QA.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316364813_SMART_HVAC_SENSORS_FOR_SMART_ENERGY

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4266818

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5346631

Comments:
Laney Fries:
I think the inclusion of AI within residential homes will become more commonplace as time goes on. It is already popular through the use of Amazon echo and other similar devices. It will be interesting to see what other applications they have in residential atmospheres.
Calvin Tang:
Your topic would pertain more to this class if you included a section on how your method of design will change over time. It would also be interested to read about any notes you may have about the flaws and benefits of your current method.
Qiaodan Lin:
Predicting the future of the buidling industry in ten years is an interesting concept. However, I would like to hear about a longer term. Maybe a time frame larger than what we have discussed in class. Maybe you could include a short section of this in your report.