How Do Smart Buildings Work?
Smart buildings are packed with sensors that collect data and send it over the internet of things (IoT) to be analyzed by building managers and automation systems.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
What is a smart building?
What technologies are used in a smart building?
How does a smart building work?
What problems can a smart building solve?
Smart buildings are packed with sensors that collect data on everything from traffic patterns to air quality, and use internet of things (IoT) technology to automate building operations. This allows smart buildings to improve occupant comfort while reducing costs and environmental impact.
The number of IoT connected devices is growing rapidly: the number of smart devices currently in use is estimated at 7 billion, and it’s predicted that this will grow to nearly 21 billion by 2025. What does this mean for smart buildings? According to a Deloitte analysis, the convergence of IoT technology with buildings could lead to a 5% reduction in management costs, a 5% increase in asset value, and a 5% increase in productivity.
Smart buildings typically fall into one of three categories – smart offices, smart homes, or smart cities. In each case, the goal is the same: make buildings more efficient through better use of data.
Smart Offices &
Smart Buildings have been collecting vast amounts of data for over ten years. However, the analysis and use of that data has been limited to a small number of individuals – typically technical specialists.
The development of new technology, and the introduction of new players such as Google and Amazon, has ensured that data is now being used at scale to enhance the occupant experience. In this article we explore how smart buildings work in greater detail.
As learnt in our previous article on smart buildings, these buildings are packed with sensors (typically around 100 per room). This sensor data is then transmitted over the internet via a gateway to the cloud where it is processed into meaningful information.
This information can be displayed through a mobile application that allows building users to interact with it, or it can be fed into complex algorithms and machine learning techniques in order to optimise performance automatically.
Smart buildings are on the rise, and we will soon see them everywhere. So what is a smart building? A smart building uses sensors, internet of things technology, and software to gather data about the building’s operations and then use that data to optimize building performance.
The sensors in a smart building will be monitoring a wide range of things like temperature, humidity, energy use, and even how many people are in the building. It will then look at this data and make changes based on it. Some of the most important sensors are:
Temperature Sensors – These are crucial for heating and cooling systems. They measure the temperature throughout the building so that you can make sure everything is at a comfortable level.
Air Quality Sensors – Air quality sensors monitor the CO2 levels in the air. Most buildings have good ventilation but there are very few that monitor carbon dioxide levels. This is important because too much CO2 can lead to headaches, fatigue, and drowsiness among employees.
Energy Monitors – Energy monitors keep track of electrical consumption in real time so that you can make adjustments if needed. They also help with maintenance by letting you know when something needs repair before it becomes an issue!
The office of the future might be able to make your coffee, or it may be able to provide you with a comfortable chair. It may even be able to provide you with a cubicle that adjusts itself to your preferences.
The very idea of a smart building has been around for several years, but the technology is getting better and more affordable every year. Smart buildings are now being built in locations across the world and include such benefits as:
Sensors in the walls that tell you where to go
Sensors in the ceiling that show you what’s going on in other parts of the building
Sensors in your chair that adjust to your posture
Sensors on your desk that turn it into a standing desk
And all of this is powered by the internet of things (IoT). IoT devices are connected devices that can be controlled remotely through an app or some other digital interface. A smart building is like an IoT device, but much bigger and with many more sensors. So how does a smart building work?
Smart buildings equipped with Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled devices are making their way into the mainstream. A smart building is a high-performance building that uses automated processes to control and optimize a building’s operations, including HVAC, lighting, safety and security, and other systems. These processes can be managed from a variety of locations. The goal of smart buildings is to save energy, improve asset utilization and generate better business outcomes.
Smart building technology is evolving rapidly as new devices come to market. Let’s take a look at some common devices used in smart buildings and consider how they interconnect to create a more efficient and productive space for occupants.
Smart buildings, also known as smart houses or intelligent buildings, are fully automated and computerized.
Smart Buildings are becoming more popular for home owners and renters due to the convenience and accessibility. Smart Homes can create a more pleasant living environment because of the increased levels of security and comfort.
Smart homes are often equipped with features such as remote control window blinds, automated lighting, climate control and entertainment systems. Many have security systems that can include motion detectors and closed circuit cameras that include the capability to detect intruders.
Smart homes also allow you to monitor your energy consumption in real time, so you can manage your electricity consumption better. Smart meters can allow you to analyze your consumption patterns and make changes in your lifestyle as required.
Smart building automation is becoming increasingly important globally as our cities become more crowded. Automation will help improve the efficiency of our buildings through automation of processes such as HVAC, access control, energy management, lighting control etc. As a result, smart building technology will help us reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and allow us to manage our resources much better.