Energy-saving building system integration with a smart and low-cost sensing/control network for sustainable and healthy living environments: Demonstration case study

The present study examined in a field condition a smart integration to the control of ventilation/AC/lighting, integrated with the use of a smart sensing network, embedded PIR/CO₂ sensors, and environmental system modeling towards considerable savings of building-operational cost/energy while providing satisfactory thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ). For approach demonstration, a typical office building with multiple zones was utilized as testbed. The study 1) investigated the integrational effect of embedded PIR/CO₂ sensors with a smart sensing network on occupancy detection/estimation; 2) field-monitored the energy benefits of an integrated smart sensing/control network in building-operations; and 3) examined the feasibility of further energy reduction via environmental system modeling. Two types of demonstration tests were performed under similar occupancy patterns and weather conditions; a) Baseline Test (3-day) with a normal building-operation following ASHRAE 62.1-2016 requirements, and b) Case Study (3-day) with a smart network-based demand control. Results showed substantial enhancements in occupancy accuracy and energy savings (up to 45% of fan electricity and 36.5% of room cooling/heating energy). The new approach provided satisfactory or similar levels of thermal comfort and IAQ. It was analyzed that the use of the environmental system modeling could further reduce the building-operational energy via more detailed control of ventilation.