Page 60 - Climate Control News May 2020

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Harnessing data in the built environment
GROSVENOR ENGINEERING GROUP
managing director, Nicolas Lianos, explains how to use data to better manage risk and create smart buildings.
The advent of IoT technologies is accelerat- ing the collection of data, enabling greater in- sights into how buildings operate. Comprehen- sively interpreting data can highlight possible failure points, identify where opportunities may lay to improve the indoor environment, re- duce absenteeism, improve productivity and decrease costs such as maintenance, energy, in- surance and employees.
The collection of most data within the built environment has been derived through what could be termed ‘man-made’ or via Building Management Systems (BMS). One example is fire extinguishers and the reading and recording of data on the registration attached to the de- vice. Currently, a technician must locate each ex- tinguisher on a regular basis to determine when it was last tested and weighed.
With the introduction of IoT technology the humble fire extinguisher can be made to be ‘smart’. Sensors can alert and send an email or SMS to the building manager as soon as the pres- sure in the extinguisher drops below a pre-deter- mined level or if the device is removed from its mount. Greater occupant safety is provided in the event of a fire requiring the use of an extin- guisher with assurance it will be where it should be and in working order.
A number of IoT devices can now be installed into the built environment. These devices better
manage people movement and density, monitor comfort and environmental conditions and as- sess equipment performance. For example, HVAC systems in conjunction with IoT devices can help to avoid excessive energy use and alert managers to potential failures or breakdowns prior to them happening.
Analytics and the rapid development of arti- ficial intelligence (AI) is enabling detailed analysis and pattern recognition, providing in-
“HVAC SYSTEMS IN CONJUNCTION WITH IOT DEVICES CAN HELP TO AVOID EXCESSIVE ENERGY USE AND ALERT MANAGERS TO POTENTIAL BREAKDOWNS.”
sights into the built environment that have not yet been captured. For example, analysis com- bining weather data and HVAC equipment maintenance regimes. This combined data identifies geographic locations in Australia where altered maintenance programs could be undertaken leading to reduced breakdowns and economic benefits.
The benefits of IoT technologies are only now starting to be realised within the built environ- ment. Technological improvements and cost re- ductions are leading to an accelerated update in
its use. One of the biggest opportunities lies within the tens of thousands of B and C grade of- fice buildings. Owners of these types of build- ings typically spend little to nothing on technol- ogy that could improve the performance and safety of their assets.
Prospects also lie within educational institu- tions. New access control systems using mobile phones allow for an enhanced ability to monitor who can and cannot enter facility buildings. Greater security, space utilisation data and re- duced costs can all be harnessed by using IoT technology.
Organisations with the requisite expertise within the built environment to capture stranded data sets are needed. Such expertise can then ad- vise on what technologies should be used to cap- ture data and further advise on what outcomes could be expected to manage cost and risk.
Millions of people everyday inhabit the built environment whether it is at home, work or lei- sure pursuits. Safety and comfort are paramount in these environments. The implementation of IoT technology in
buildings will mitigate risks and create more efficient and cost-ef- fective assets.
RIGHT: Grosvenor Engineering Group managing director, Nicolas Lianos.
IoT devices installed into the built environment can manage people movement and density, monitor comfort and environmental conditions and assess equipment performance.
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