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