B4 - How Intelligent Building Technology Can Increase Efficiency in Building Mechanical Systems

For this project I’ve chosen to research the different types of intelligent building technology that impact mechanical system efficiency. Smart Home technology as well as other forms of sensors and software have been introduced to us slowly throughout the class and I wanted to delve deeper into how those really impact systems design. I chose this topic specifically because I am a mechanical engineer and want to be more informed about the systems and technologies I can expect to see in my upcoming career. Pasted below each section are some links to articles I think will be useful in my paper.

I plan to discuss three forms of intelligent building technology in my paper. The first being using BIM, specifically Revit and other software systems similar to Revit. There are a lot of different add ons and data packages emerging in 3D building modelling software that specifically address energy analysis in the different building systems. Not only is it helpful that these exist at all but it’s important that they are user friendly and effective. If engineers use those types of analysis tools accurately and often the building system efficiency could increase greatly.

(http://aecbytes.com/tipsandtricks/2015/issue76-revit.html)

The second technology I plan to research is sensor integration. There are many different types of mechanical sensors that are currently being used or in the process of being integrated that can help system efficiency. These can include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors or even occupancy sensors. I plan to look into how some of these sensors are being used now and how future advancements will improve their performance in the future.

(http://www.sens2b-sensors.com/news/item/honeywell-launches-new-media-isolated-pressure-mip-sensor-platform-for-hvac-and-industrial-market)

Finally I will be researching different building management systems. An HVAC system is only really as good as its controls operation and data management systems. Without them the systems can not run at peak efficiency. I will be researching how these systems are utilized and what technological advancements are emerging for future optimization.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610218306969)

I expect one of the main challenges to be finding technology that is not only related to intelligent buildings but is also practical in its applications. Additionally, determining what exactly is "optimized and efficient" can be subjective and will need to be defined clearly.

Amanda, Mike and Brian: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/b4-project-description_3.html

I think your project topic is very applicable, particularly at this time in the world. Everyone is very focused on environmental impacts and green initiatives it will be helpful to read into all the different BIM technologies that are helping with that. It's good that your highlighting the decrease in cost too because clients will need to see benefits that are more than just environmental efficiency.

Andre: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/code-compliant-automation-through-dynamo.html

It's so cool that you're looking at this from an electrical perspective; not many people choose to address those systems but they are arguably one of the most important when it comes to systems design and intelligent buildings. Emphasis on code compliance is really great. Speaking from experience as a mechanical engineer manually checking if something is compliant is a tedious task that can arguably waste a lot of time.

Cory: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/02/cory-christopher-modular-construction.html

Modular building construction is a great concept to look into it definitely looks like its developing into the up and coming accepted construction format. Its good that you're addressing both the pros and cons as every advancement is not perfect, maybe even look into some technologies that help mitigate the downsides? This sounds like its going to be a pretty interesting paper.