When we talk of a smart building, the definition remains somewhat ambiguous because of the consistent evolution of intelligent building technology each year. These buildings happen to be commercial structures that happen to be equipped with smart sensors as well as a variety of internet-connected devices that happen to have the capability to help in various areas like monitoring systems, centralized control in terms of HVAC systems, facility management, smart parking, measuring building performance, fire alarms, and much more.
SMART HOMES AND SMART BUILDINGS- The Difference
The idea of a smart home has in it automating varied routines in a household or even for personal use. Smart building technologies are made use of for commercial purposes, in contrast to smart homes. The range of applications when it comes to smart buildings happens to be broader than that of smart homes. Commercial buildings, in particular, require the measurement of numerous indexes so as to assess their performance, whereas smart homes mostly do not require such analytics.
ATTRIBUTES
Connectivity
All vital intelligent building systems get interconnected and equipped with smart technology. Building managers are known to have the capability to access control systems remotely by way of a centralized digital platform called a building management system.
Sensors
Smart actuators as well as sensors are integrated into the physical components of a building, thereby enabling the control as well as monitoring of numerous elements like lighting, air conditioning, security cameras, as well as other building resources.
Automation
IoT devices happen to have the capability to automate many building operations. The building systems are capable of operating independently and also self-managing without having the need for human intervention. They can go on to automatically adjust the temperature, control lighting, help operate the doors, and also perform other tasks.
Visualization Dashboard
Apart from their intelligence, smarter buildings can have in them a centralized building management system that allows for the visualization of smart building data, thereby offering occupants with valuable insights when it comes to energy consumption, building efficiency, as well as necessary maintenance.
Tech used in smart buildings
The main technology that happens to be used in smart buildings is IoT. The belief that smart buildings must specifically be modern and recently constructed is no longer the need of the day. Existing buildings, which are old, can also be transformed into smart buildings by having the following technologies:
IoT
The Internet of Things, or IoT, as it is mostly mentioned, is a fundamental technology that gives throttle to smart buildings. The integration of IoT helps buildings to automate process as well as become smart by way of making use of sensors, network connections, as well as dashboards. The applications of IoT happen to be diverse and possess various areas like reducing energy usage, executing smart lighting, controlling air quality, and, at the same time, improving business operations via the collection of sensor data from IoT devices.
AI-ML
It is worth noting that AI seamlessly combines with the IoT environment, thereby enabling for enhanced customization of automation patterns as well as adjustments based on occupants’ behavior. AI, for instance, can be utilized to do predictive maintenance, offering early warnings for any abnormalities, malfunctions, or even breakages in a system or piece of equipment. AI has the ability to learn and also identify patterns when it comes to normal functioning, allowing it to detect as well as alert to any sort of irregularities it may come across.
AR
Augmented reality is a highly effective tool that happens to have the potential to greatly enhance educational experiences. The staff members of a plant or even a laboratory, for instance, have the opportunity to involve with virtual equipment, thereby helping them to get training in a secure environment before working with the actual equipment. Another AR application is indoor navigation within the building itself. AR glasses have in them to provide prompt as well as accurate directions in a large building as well as its surroundings. This attribute is extremely helpful for visitors and new employees, aiding them in navigating their way with efficiency and ease.
Robotics
Robotics, as a matter of fact, is still considered an advanced tech. It is now being utilized for a variety of tasks. They are primarily utilized for performing very hard or dangerous assignments such as lifting heavy objects, cleaning, or even disinfecting. By making use of robotic assistance, individuals employed across smart buildings can pay their attention to tasks that are complex and demand human intelligence and not just be occupied with mundane and repetitive ownerships.
IOT SOLUTIONS & OPTIONS FOR SMART FACILITIES
While the fundamental concept when it comes to IoT remains consistent, which involves connecting a device to the network and also automating tasks, the smart building technology application can vary across different domains, each reaping its own distinctive benefits.
HVAC systems
The system helps with maintenance in terms of pre-set temperatures not only across the entire building but in specific sub-zones as well. such as the temperature near a window happens to be lower than anticipated, the smart HVAC systems will automatically alter it specifically in that area. It will make use of only the required resources for this purpose, and at the end enhancing energy efficiency.
Air quality track
Smart sensors have the capacity to monitor CO2 levels in a room. By doing so, they ensure a healthy environment. As the level surges, the system adjusts the airflow the way it should so as to ensure that the air quality is comfortable as well as safe for everyone. This is especially of use during meetings in which large groups of people collect in a room and are there for several hours together.
Management of lighting
Daylight sensors happen to have the ability to precisely alter the lighting levels and also automatically turn the lights on or off depending upon the amount of daylight that is available. This system makes sure that the lighting level happen to be optimal throughout the day, thereby taking care of two main requirements, which are aiding in saving energy and offering sufficient illumination for comfort as well as productivity for the occupants.
Occupancy & utilization of space
Occupancy sensor devices are the ones that gather data on the presence of individuals in a particular location. By way of conducting an in-depth analysis, the sensor data happens to offer insights into whether the building space and also resources are being made effective use of. Apart from this, when occupancy sensors are incorporated into a smart system, they have the capacity to interact with other sensors. This helps them to switch off lights, adjust ventilation, and turn off heating, among other actions, automatically, as soon as they get to know through detection that no one is making use of the resources.
Smart Parking
Wireless sensors, which happen to be embedded within pavements, in addition to car counting tools and cameras, help the drivers locate parking spaces more effectively and efficiently, and in some cases, even help them to reserve a spot well in advance. Searching for a parking space can be quite a major distraction for drivers and increases the likelihood of an accident. But due to the use of smart parking systems, one can minimize this risk to a significant extent. Because of this, the system effectively addresses many major pain points that happen to be experienced by drivers.
Smart Elevators
The fact is that it is not just about making use of a smartphone to call the elevator. Smart elevators have the capacity to detect people inside the cabin. If the elevator is already running at its maximum capacity, it will not stop at another floor without a need. This also happens to be much safer than a typical elevator since if there is any issue, it will provide a notification to the maintenance team well in advance, thereby safeguarding people from getting stuck inside the cabin.
