Assignment 2: Reader's response "Sensor Tech for HVAC" final
Reader's Response:
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 of knowledge and training about sensors can influence the
architects and building owner’s decisions to adopt these smart technologies.
The
incorrect integration of smart technologies will potentially affect the
performance of the integrated building. Therefore, having the necessary training
in handling smart technologies is crucial. 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, Abharis’ research has shown that a minority
of the surveyed personnel “consider themselves proficient enough to utilise
SST.” In my opinion, I feel that there are many architects that lack sufficient
training in handling smart technologies. Due to that, many of them will not
have the confidence to adopt these new technologies in their systems.
The lack of knowledge in smart technologies
will mean that collaboration between architects and other stakeholders such as
engineers is inevitable. Unfortunately, such collaboration usually results in
conflicts. In the article “Design with Perfect Sense: The Adoption of Smart
Sensor Technologies in Architectural Practice”, Abhari (2019) found that the
lack of knowledge in the technologies meant that the architects had to
collaborate with various engineers and the building’s stakeholders. This often
results in the reconsideration of integrating smart technologies. In the same article, it was mentioned that the lack of knowledge “was the
most prominent factor” affecting the adoption of new technologies. It was
stated that the demand for smart technologies is expanding and many architects
acknowledge the benefits of incorporating them. However, these architects
remain mindful in utilising the new technologies as they similarly lack the
confidence to incorporate them into their systems.
Due to the lack of knowledge and
training about smart technologies, many architects are not willing to risk
integrating them into their building’s design processes. This is because these
new developments will “eliminate or change the organisational practices that
have been well established for several years.” According to Alexander (2019), a
designer tends to fall back on some arbitrary formal order if they fail to
fully understand and dictate a solution to a problem. Based on this, I feel
that the chances of adopting new technologies such as smart sensors are slim.
Thinking in the architect’s shoes, I will be wary of integrating new
technologies into an already sufficient system too. I will not want to take
unnecessary risks.
In conclusion, I feel that the lack
of knowledge and training about smart technologies greatly influences its
adoption into the industry. I feel that business owners and architects should
be properly educated about smart technologies such as sensors so that they will
be proficient and willing to incorporate them.
References
Abhari, Abhari.
(2019). Design with perfect sense. The Adoption Of Smart Sensor Technologies In
Architectural Practice. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328017490_Design_with_Perfect_Sense_The_Adoption_of_Smart_Sensor_Technologies_in_Architectural_Practice
Abhari, Abhari.
(2019). Ambient intelligence. Applications In Architecture Factors Affecting
Adoption Decisions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335682056_Ambient_Intelligence_Applications_in_Architecture_Factors_Affecting_Adoption_Decisions
Manz.
(2018). The Expanding Role Of Sensors In Smart HVAC Systems.
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. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190916092105.htm
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