Ways to Use Wireless to Operate Buildings Better

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Current situation:
Insufficient number of environmental sensors (1/1000sf)
Ineffective placement of sensors (limited by wires)
Monthly lump-sum electricity/gas bills
Occupants have little information, insight, or influence over their building environment



Sensing, intelligence, actuation:

Detect ambient conditions, solar radiation, wind pressure, natural light, perspiration, occupancy,…
Trade-off energy, thermal comfort, and visual need,…
Appropriate adjustments are made at: vav valve, light dimmer, reflective vanes,…



Motivation
Lighting accounts for ~50% of commercial building electricity consumption
Switching is often inadequate and inflexible and results in significant energy waste
One switch may control the lights for many occupants
Switches are often not conveniently located
“Ownership” of switches is unclear
Switching often does not work well with daylight patterns

Control strategies

More creative strategies are possible than with a simple switch…
Lights on/off
Lights needed/not needed
Minimum light level
Emergency lights on
Non-critical lights off