Revised assignment 2: Reader's response "Sensor Tech for HVAC"

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, especially in HVAC systems,  is becoming an imperative for many industries to achieve substantial energy savings. 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. Not only are the sensors more energy-efficient, but they also enable 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 many factors that can negatively influence the architect’s and building owner’s decisions to adopt these smart technologies. The incorrect integration, lack of confidence towards integration, and the unwillingness to integrate the smart technologies are the main factors.

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”, San Diego State University (2019) mentioned that Abhari 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 only a minority of the surveyed personnel “consider themselves proficient enough to utilize SST.” In my opinion, I feel that there are many architects that lack sufficient training in handling smart technologies. Due to that, the benefits of smart technologies will not be maximized, which defeats the purpose of its integration.

In addition, many architects and building owners will not have the confidence to integrate the technologies into their system. In the article “Design with Perfect Sense: The Adoption of Smart Sensor Technologies in Architectural Practice”, Abhari (2019b) found that the lack of knowledge in the technologies meant that the architects had to collaborate with various engineers and the building’s stakeholders. They often end up rejecting the integration of smart technologies due to their conflict in opinions. In the same article, it was mentioned that the lack of knowledge “was the most prominent factor” affecting the adoption or non-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 utilizing the new technologies as they similarly lack the confidence to incorporate them into their systems. The abovementioned factors negatively influence the building owners and the architect’s decision to incorporate smart technologies.

Due to the lack of knowledge and training about smart technologies, many architects are unwilling to risk integrating them into their building’s design processes. This is because these new tech developments will “eliminate or change the organizational practices that have been well established for several years.” According to Abhari (2019b), Alexander mentioned that 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 all the discussed factors indirectly affect one another. I feel that business owners and architects should be properly educated about smart technologies such as sensors so that they will be proficient in their use and be willing to incorporate them into their buildings or design processes.

 

References

Abhari, M., & Abhari, K. (2019a). Ambient intelligence. Applications in Architecture Factors Affecting Adoption Decisions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335682056_Ambient_Intelligence_Applications_in_Architecture_Factors_Affecting_Adoption_Decisions

Abhari, M., & Abhari, K. (2019b). 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

Manz, B. (2018). The expanding role of sensors in smart HVAC systems. Electronic Design. https://www.electronicdesign.com/industrial-automation/article/21806809/the-expanding-role-of-sensors-in-smart-hvac-systems

San Diego State University. (2019, September 16). Using smart sensor technology in building. Science Daily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190916092105.htm