Center for the Built Environment: Research on Controls and Information Technology

Research Area :

Research on Human Interactions

Contributing to the next generation of high-performance building control systems.

New information technologies provide ways to optimize the performance of building systems. We are investigating applications for sensing and control of buildings using wireless communications technology, micro-electromechancial systems (MEMS), and Web-enabled software. The cost of installing wiring for controls and sensors in buildings may represent 50%-90% of the installed cost. With wireless and MEMS technologies we can greatly reduce this cost, enable energy savings, and improve the control of the indoor environment.

Human Interactions Research Topics

CBE projects related to control and IT systems include:

Demand Response Research
Developing technology for tomorrow’s dynamic electricity-pricing systems.
Using Occupant Feedback to Improve Building Operations
A system to help facility managers utilize and respond to building occupant complaints.
Plug Load Energy Study
Analyzing plug loads as a means of understanding and tightening the gap between simulated and actual energy use in buildings.
Visualizing Building Information
Identifying the optimal methods for displaying building performance information to occupants, facility managers, and others.
Visualizing Information Symposium
We co-sponsored a full-day symposium in April 2011 on the topic of "Information Visualization in Commercial Buildings: Design, Technology, and Human Behavior".
Development of a Prototype Wireless Lighting Control System
This low-cost system may lead to short payback periods for energy-saving lighting retrofits.
Wireless Measurement and Control of the Indoor Environment in Buildings
Enhanced control systems that may reduce wiring costs and lead to potentially more optimal systems.

CBE staff are developing and testing new building control systems and devices.

Early prototype for demand response control interface.

Full-scale mockup of demand response prototype in CBE's building science lab.


Research Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) HVAC Systems Envelope Systems Human Interactions Demand Response Research Occupant Feedback and Building Operations Plug Loads Energy Study Visualizing Building Information Visualizing Information Symposium Wireless Lighting Controls Wireless Sensing and Control Sustainability and Whole Building Energy Publications Presentations	Research Area : Research on Human Interactions Contributing to the next generation of high-performance building control systems.
	New information technologies provide ways to optimize the performance of building systems. We are investigating applications for sensing and control of buildings using wireless communications technology, micro-electromechancial systems (MEMS), and Web-enabled software. The cost of installing wiring for controls and sensors in buildings may represent 50%-90% of the installed cost. With wireless and MEMS technologies we can greatly reduce this cost, enable energy savings, and improve the control of the indoor environment. Human Interactions Research Topics CBE projects related to control and IT systems include: Demand Response Research Developing technology for tomorrow’s dynamic electricity-pricing systems. Using Occupant Feedback to Improve Building Operations A system to help facility managers utilize and respond to building occupant complaints. Plug Load Energy Study Analyzing plug loads as a means of understanding and tightening the gap between simulated and actual energy use in buildings. Visualizing Building Information Identifying the optimal methods for displaying building performance information to occupants, facility managers, and others. Visualizing Information Symposium We co-sponsored a full-day symposium in April 2011 on the topic of "Information Visualization in Commercial Buildings: Design, Technology, and Human Behavior". Development of a Prototype Wireless Lighting Control System This low-cost system may lead to short payback periods for energy-saving lighting retrofits. Wireless Measurement and Control of the Indoor Environment in Buildings Enhanced control systems that may reduce wiring costs and lead to potentially more optimal systems.	CBE staff are developing and testing new building control systems and devices. Early prototype for demand response control interface. Full-scale mockup of demand response prototype in CBE's building science lab.
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