Technology Tuesdays: Controls and Sensors!
Hello Partners!
Here is a question for you to think about: is your building a smart one? Not in the sense they have smart people working IN them; we already know there are but is the building itself smart?
This question is the topic of increasing research and development in technologies that make buildings smarter. What does that mean?
Well, a smart building is one that has the ability to control its energy usage based on the occupants’ needs as well as load shifting. This is accomplished through the use of sensors and controls.
Sensors and controls come in many shapes, sizes, and disciplines. However, universally, they have the same basic functions. For example, the basic function of a sensor is to monitor what is going on with a building’s temperature settings, air flow, and daylight levels. They then communicate to the controls which make adjustments based on that information.
In practice, think of what your building looks like at 1:00 PM. At this time, there is usually an abundance of sunlight especially if it is summertime and also depending on the way your building is positioned. A sensor will determine that there is enough sunlight coming in from the windows that you do not need as much lighting to maintain adequate and safe lighting levels inside the building. Therefore, your sensor will send this information to your lighting controls which will dim or even turn off the interior lights based on what action is appropriate for your goals. Also, if your building has interactive window shades, your sensor may tell your window shades to open slightly to harvest more daylight.
Ideally, all of these adjustments will be made without the occupants having to think about it. The building maintenance personal will determine how much lighting is adequate which will set the parameters for these functions. A similar interaction can be set up for an HVAC system as well.
This type of sensor and control system can generate energy savings of 30% or more depending on your building. Since buildings are such a large representation of the energy usage in our portfolios, there is great interest in making them as efficient as possible. Look for more applications such as the one I have described here; they are coming soon to a building near you!
The savings never stop!
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Sources:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/sensors-and-controls
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/about-sensors-and-controls
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/sensors-and-controls-project-portfolio