Term Project - Sensor Database in BMS

For my AE-510 term project I am researching how a collection of data, provided by sensors throughout a building, is compiled into a database and how this database interacts with the Building Management System (BMS) to specifically influence HVAC system control. Like Rita Pauliushchyk stated in her blog post, sensors improve the overall efficiency of building operation. By themselves, sensors provide very little information; it is not until the sensor data is compiled and processed that the information can be used to report data or perform a task. My project will explore the interaction of the sensors in a database with the BMS to operate the various components of the HVAC system efficiently in order to optimize the building and lower the operating cost and environmental impact.

In order to do this I will define the aspects of a building management system which involves a network of controllers, sensors and output devices that can control metering, air systems and water systems within the building. I will then explore the various kinds of sensors and how their data is collected and formed into a database of all the sensors within the building. This data is processed and recorded and displayed to the user through the database so the information can be used. I will look at the specific ways that data is used in order to automate the building systems. I will also look at the future of sensors and their interaction with the BMS.

Many of the students in the class are researching intelligent vs. green building. I believe that the interaction between sensors and the BMS are a link between these two as it is using the intelligence of sensors and automation in order to improve system efficiency, lowering the amount of energy used and minimizing the buildings impact on the environment.

Tem Project

As an HVAC major, I wanted to choose a project that focuses on this aspect of intelligent buildings. Reading about the Nest thermostat in the building of the term intrigued me to research the capabilities of thermostats. It might seem like a primitive control system but it is the first integration of an “intelligent” system into a building.

After my project partner, David Morrison, and I spoke and brainstormed with my friend from Drexel Smart House, Michael Magee, we finalized the scope of the project as the exploration of the capabilities of integrated thermostats. For this project, we will use an Arduino microprocessor to collect temperature and humidity data from different spaces. Sensors will be placed in each of the four corners of the rooms we will use for this study and temperature and humidity differences will be measured. The data will also be compared in the static thermostat controlling each of the spaces measured. This data will be analyzed to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the thermostat. Location of thermostat, location of diffuser, size of space, and type of air conditioning system in the space will be taken into account.

After the data will be analyzed thoroughly, we will draw conclusions regarding the implications of the study in relation to intelligent buildings. Some implications include actually including multiple thermostats in each space to create an integral system, providing automated diffusers that spread air more evenly, adding automated fans to mix the air better thermally, etc. The project will draw conclusions to help provide a more even thermal comfort throughout spaces and give suggestions as to how to integrate it into intelligent buildings.

Sensors - the Future

Thermostats are one of the first examples of intelligent systems in buildings. As simple of a device as temperature controlling unit have evolved throughout the years and today the Nest Thermostat is seen as the future of thermostats.

To read and watch more about the Nest, you can use this link:

http://mobile.theverge.com/2011/11/14/2559567/tony-fadell-nest-learning-thermostat

It exemplifies the different capabilities of former Apple employee Tony Fadell’s thermostat, as well as the technological evolution of the industry.

More important than the neat design and touch screen, the Nest has multitude of sensors to help maintain thermal comfort, as well as save energy in the building. This thermostat does not only have a thermometer like old thermostats; it also has a humidity sensor, light sensor and even an activity sensor. The touch screen has a touch sensor and the wifi receiver is also a sensor. This tiny device includes all of these sensors for a relatively cheap price. Just like an iPhone, that is sold for $200 and includes many sensors (and selling the smart device is not even what the phone companies make their money off of, but the plan), the Nest is small, cheap, and very intelligent is term of its sensor capabilities. It is unbelievable how some houses built in the US a few years ago still did not have a central air system or a thermostat, and now this simple device has expanded to be able to sense activity in the room, adjust itself, and save energy accordingly.

Looking to the future, sensors are just going to evolve more. A study that was done five years ago by Kim Fowler (see link below) asked people what they think about sensor and network development in the next five years. The study shows how different people think sensors are developing in a variety of areas. Expectedly, academics who work with sensors predicted the most drastic increase in sensor use and advancement. Some people don’t even realize how fast this technology is moving and it is hard to predict how the future will look like with even more, better, smaller, and cheaper sensors. Factors like dependability, size, ease of diagnosis, security of data, power consumption, etc. are some of the areas in which sensors seem to improve dramatically.

It is funny to think how eight years ago we used to think the ultra thin Motorola phone was the most advanced piece of technology out there, and touchscreens, wifi, voice command and other features that exist in every smartphone today were only science fiction. And this development is all thanks to sensors.

Sources:

http://mobile.theverge.com/2011/11/14/2559567/tony-fadell-nest-learning-thermostat

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=04801766

Common Topic Labels for the Course

Below are topics that we'll address in the course.  This post also creates those topics as Labels for use when you're putting in your own blog posts.

TOPIC

AI

BIM

Building

Civil

Computer

Database

Design

Electrical

Environmental

Future

Hardware

HVAC

Manufacturing

Robotics

Sensor

Software

Structures

System

Term Project