Assignment 2: Summary & Reader's Response (Partial) "Sensor Tech for HVAC" draft 1

-

Summary:

In the article “The Expanding Role of Sensors in Smart HVAC Systems”, Manz (2018) asserts that the integration of sensors into large buildings is becoming an imperative part for many industries to achieve substantial energy savings, especially in HVAC systems. The integration of sensors allows the systems in a building to constantly communicate and transmit data to a focal point where analysis of the information can be carried out. In addition to being more energy-efficient, this enables predictive maintenance which can be cost beneficial for building owners. Manz states that the sensors are becoming more accurate and they ceaselessly track their own performance. The integration of HVAC controls along with other building systems in a single open solution can achieve much better performance “at less cost and in a shorter timeframe.” As much as I agree with Manz’s assertion that the integration of sensors brings about a significant impact on smart buildings, I feel that there are tons of limitations involved as well.


Reference:

Manz. (2018). Www.Electronicdesign.Com. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://www.electronicdesign.com/industrial-automation/article/21806809/the-expanding-role-of-sensors-in-smart-hvac-systems


Reader's Response: (Partial)

In the article “The Expanding Role of Sensors in Smart HVAC Systems”, Manz (2018) stated that the integration of sensors is helping large buildings reap financial benefits and energy savings. For example, the integration of sensors allows the systems in a building to constantly communicate and transmit data to a focal point where analysis of the information can be carried out. In addition to being more energy-efficient, this enables predictive maintenance which can be cost beneficial for building owners. It was mentioned that the awareness of energy efficiency only came about after the oil crisis in the year 1973 and 2000. Manz also discussed that the analog sensors are being replaced by digital successors due to the reduced wiring costs and the need for recalibration. As much as I agree with Manz’s assertion that the integration of sensors brings about a significant impact on smart buildings, I feel that there are tons of limitations involved as well.

The benefits associated with the integration of sensors are proven. However, there are many limitations that building owners may face. All sensors have their limitations, be it physically or based on external factors. For example, when the radar and camera sensors in Tesla’s automobile is obstructed, the driver will not be able to get the intended parking assistance. Sensors have many other limitations such as having blind spots, limited effective detection range, and degradation of performance over time. Given all these different limitations that sensors can bring, I feel that many buildings owners will be reluctant to rely on them.

In addition, building owners or architect’s lack of knowledge about these smart technologies can be an issue as well. In the article “Using smart sensor technology in building design”, Abhari (2019) stated that “We found there existed real or perceived barriers which prevented architects from utilizing technologies in their design processes.” Evidently, Abhari’s research has shown that a minority of the surveyed personnel “consider themselves proficient enough to utilise SST.” In my opinion, the lack of knowledge about sensors greatly affects building owners or the architect’s decision to incorporate them. Without a good understanding of the sensors, building operators will not have the confidence to adopt them.

Lastly, building owners always consider the costs of new integration including sensors. Despite how petite sensors are, it can cost a sum to incorporate them into large buildings. The integration of sensors along with their associated maintenance and repair costs can be intimidating for many owners. Due to this reason, I feel that many owners will not be willing to take the risk of incorporating sensors into their buildings.

-to be continued-

Reference:

BCC Research. (2018). Login.Openathens.Net. Retrieved September 27, 2020, from https://academic-bccresearch-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/market-research/engineering/smart-parking-technologies-report.html

Manz. (2018). Www.Electronicdesign.Com. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://www.electronicdesign.com/industrial-automation/article/21806809/the-expanding-role-of-sensors-in-smart-hvac-systems

San Diego State University. (2019). Using smart sensor technology in building design: Researchers find apprehension of using technology may stifle architectural innovation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 1, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190916092105.htm

Tesla. (2020). https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_y_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf


Updated on 02/10/2020 at 02:57

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Assignment 1: Formal Letter (Descriptive Reflection)

-
Dear Professor Brad   I am Teo Rue Hong from your effective communication class (T3) and the purpose of this email is to give you my self-introduction. I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in integrated facility management. I majored in the hospitality sector and it ignited my passion for pursuing a degree in the sustainable infrastructure engineering (building services) programme offered by the Singapore Institute of Technology.    During my polytechnic days, I was fortunate enough to be given the chance to work at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. I have discovered my strength in communication will be my ability to strike a conversation with people of all backgrounds. Having worked at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, I learned to be comfortable and professional while conversing with my guests. I have spoken to guests of various nationalities throughout my 5 months of internship.    As for my weakness, it will have to be in the...
Read more

Assignment 2: Summary & Reader's Response "Sensor Tech for HVAC" draft 2

-
Summary: In the article “The Expanding Role of Sensors in Smart HVAC Systems”, Manz (2018) asserts that the integration of sensors into large buildings is becoming an imperative part for many industries to achieve substantial energy savings, especially in HVAC systems. The integration of sensors allows the systems in a building to constantly communicate and transmit data to a focal point where analysis of the information can be carried out. In addition to being more energy-efficient, this enables predictive maintenance which can be cost beneficial for building owners. Manz states that the sensors are becoming more accurate and they ceaselessly track their own performance. The integration of HVAC controls along with other building systems in a single open solution can achieve much better performance “at less cost and in a shorter timeframe.” As much as I agree with Manzs’ assertion that the integration of sensors brings about a significant impact on smart buildings, I feel that the lack...
Read more

Annotated Summary

-
Kosori ć, V., Lau, S.K., Tablada, A., & Lau, S.Y. (2018). General model of photovoltaic (PV) integration . Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032118301825 Annotated Summary: In this article, Kosori ć, Lau, Tablada, and Lau (2018) showcase a general model of photovoltaic (PV) integration applied onto a 12 storey HDB slab block in Clementi, Singapore. A clear analysis of its challenges and benefits were also evaluated. This model of integration allows early detection of potential problems which aids in proper planning. It also assists in evaluating and optimizing PV integration into the buildings to get the best results. In addition, the safety of PV systems is ensured by mandating a license whenever necessary. This model further confirms the importance of techno-economic and the functional-aesthetic aspect of a PV integrated building. The article highlighted that the optimal solution to a PV integrated building does ...
Read more