Building Management Research Articles

Smart Buildings: A Comprehensive Systematic Literature Review on Data-Driven Building Management Systems.

Buildings are complex structures composed of heterogeneous elements; these require building management systems (BMSs) to dynamically adapt them to occupants' needs and leverage building resources. The fast growth of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the BMS field into a multidisciplinary one. Consequently, this has caused several research papers on data-driven solutions to require examination and classification. This paper provides a broad overview of BMS by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) summarizing current trends in this field. Unlike similar reviews, this SLR provides a rigorous methodology to review current research from a computer science perspective. Therefore, our goal is four-fold: (i) Identify the main topics in the field of building; (ii) Identify the recent data-driven methods; (iii) Understand the BMS's underlying computing architecture (iv) Understand the features of BMS that contribute to the smartization of buildings. The result synthesizes our findings and provides research directions for further research.

Thermoelectric properties of geopolymers with iron ore mine waste: A case study for energy management

One of the challenges facing our current and future generations is the effective management of energy and its acquisition through more sustainable means. One solution is using materials capable of generating energy from temperature differences. Construction materials could be the answer, as they are already integrated into structures and have good thermoelectric properties. Geopolymers, emerge as a promising candidate due to their enhanced sustainability compared to alternative materials. Our research explored the use of geopolymers for electricity generation from heat. To minimize the usage of kaolin, we incorporated 50 % of two mining residues obtained from old mines located in Portugal. This approach optimizes the utilization of mineral resources and mitigates the environmental impact. Various methods were used to characterize this material, such as X-ray diffraction, simple compressive strength tests and evaluation of thermoelectric properties, such as the Seebeck coefficient and figure of merit. The geopolymers tested exhibit semiconductor characteristics, demonstrating poor heat conduction due to their low thermal conductivity. Regarding thermoelectric properties, these materials display N-type behavior, with a Seebeck Coefficient between −643 μV/°C and −2760 μV/°C. These findings underscore the advantages of utilizing this sustainable material for the widespread implementation of energy management in buildings on a large scale.

Ontology-Based Data Representation Prototype for Indoor Air Quality, Building Energy Performance, and Health Data Computation

This study investigates the data integration of IoT-enabled sensor networks, emphasizing energy performance and personalized indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions to improve indoor environments, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Ontologies—structured frameworks that standardize data representation and enable interoperability—are the tools for interpreting complex IAQ data for optimal energy rate plans and health situations. Our methodology follows the well-established three-phase engineering approach. We present the design of a prototype with essential classes, which is proposed to integrate IAQ data with health conditions, enhancing real-time monitoring and automated decision making for optimal energy performance for smart buildings. Our research goal is to define the most essential classes, arranging them hierarchically to create a prototype for data computing covering IAQ, energy performance, and health aspects. This ontological framework, covering all three aspects, addresses a current research gap. Results demonstrate the minimum viable product with 78 classes for a smart home IoT system, providing tailored indoor climate control based on user health profiles and energy performance. This prototype represents a significant advancement in sustainable building and IAQ management, promising improved building energy performance, occupant health, and comfort. Future research will validate this framework through extensive testing in real-world environments.

Application of energy combined thermal comfort in intelligent building management in complex environments

The efficient operation of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems relies on advanced control strategies. However, current control methods are often limited by issues such as uncertain system parameter information and spatial coupling constraints related to the supply rate of the air supply fan. To this end, an energy joint thermal comfort management method for complex environments in multiple regions is proposed. The long-term total cost minimization of the system is established, and then the Lyapunov optimization technology is used to design the distributed control algorithm. Simulation validation shows that the proposed method reduces the energy cost by an average of 11.24% compared to other methods with a thermal discomfort cost coefficient of 0. The average temperature deviation in the area is improved by 0.15 °C and 0.68 °C, respectively. The method saves more than 10% of the total energy cost under different thermal perturbations with an average total temperature deviation of 0.04 °C. The results indicate that the proposed energy joint thermal comfort management method can flexibly balance energy costs and user thermal comfort without knowing any prior information of system parameters, which can also greatly protect user privacy information. This method has application value in the control of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems in complex environments such as commercial buildings.

Switchable and Tunable Radiative Cooling: Mechanisms, Applications, and Perspectives.

The cost of annual energy consumption in buildings in the United States exceeds 430 billion dollars ( Science 2019, 364 (6442), 760-763), of which about 48% is used for space thermal management (https://www.iea.org/reports/global-status-report-for-buildings-and-construction-2019), revealing the urgent need for efficient thermal management of buildings and dwellings. Radiative cooling technologies, combined with the booming photonic and microfabrication technologies ( Nature 2014, 515 (7528), 540-544), enable energy-free cooling by radiative heat transfer to outer space through the atmospheric transparent window ( Nat. Commun. 2024, 15 (1), 815). To pursue all-season energy savings in climates with large temperature variations, switchable and tunable radiative coolers (STRC) have emerged in recent years and quickly gained broad attention. This Perspective introduces the existing STRC technologies and analyzes their benefits and challenges in future large-scale applications, suggesting ways for the development of future STRCs.

Mechanistic indoor air quality model and data-driven calibration for intelligent HVAC AI control system through real-time data in underground buildings

Abstract Modeling the dynamics of indoor air quality (IAQ) in subway environments is challenging due to the complex interplay of variables like subway schedules, ventilation, and passenger numbers. This study developed a high-precision mechanistic model for IAQ management and intelligent HVAC control in underground buildings, focusing on Y-station. Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) highlighted the significance of the train piston factor during operational hours and the increased sensitivity of penetration and deposition factors when trains are not operational. The model, calibrated in real-time using a Genetic Algorithm (GA), exhibited remarkable accuracy in simulating PM2.5 levels, affirming its effectiveness in forecasting future air quality. The model adeptly captures the complexities of air quality dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of temporal IAQ variations. The result demonstrates the model’s efficacy as a tool offering a foundation for strategies to forecast IAQ and control the HVAC system in underground buildings.

Analysis of the regulatory and legislative base of Ukraine and the European experience in conducting energy audits of buildings

The article analyzes the regulatory and legislative base for the energy efficiency of buildings. It identifies the main areas for improving energy efficiency by improving the process of energy audit, as well as improving the system of indicators that determine the airtightness of the building and preservation of comfortable conditions for human stay in the room. The relevance of the work is determined by the problem of low energy efficiency of the housing stock of Ukraine, which affects the rational consumption of energy, necessitates the introduction of various measures aimed at rationalizing energy use in general and buildings in particular, setting maximum permissible energy consumption rates for buildings and strengthening relevant control. The imperfection of the regulatory and legislative base in the field of energy efficiency, the need to develop a state standard for the design of buildings with increased air permeability, the development of a methodology for determining the air permeability of a building, the legislative establishment of minimum requirements for building airtightness, the development of a methodology for testing buildings for airtightness, and the imperfection of the methodology for conducting an energy audit of a building form the basis for further research. To improve the energy management of buildings, it is proposed to introduce mandatory testing of the building for airtightness, which will standardize approaches to energy management and compliance with the relevant requirements for building airtightness will lead to an increase in the energy efficiency class of buildings. Keywords: energy efficiency, energy audit, air permeability, airtightness.

Operation and Maintenance Challenges in Building Life Cycle Management: A Literature Review with Insights from Nigeria

Building life cycle management is crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of buildings. However, operation and maintenance challenges hinder the effective management of buildings, leading to dilapidation and reduced lifespan. This literature review explores the reasons for building dilapidation, the impact of professionalism and finance on building life cycle, and the essential aspects of operations and maintenance. The study reveals that poor maintenance, lack of professionalism, and inadequate funding are significant contributors to building dilapidation. Furthermore, effective operations and maintenance involve regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs. The findings have implications for building managers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the Nigerian building industry.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF MULTI-STOREY HOUSING: A SKYVILLE @ DAWSON SINGAPORE CASE STUDY

Social and economic sustainability significantly affect the well-being of residents in high-rise vertical housing. Previous research has identified various complaints about poor relationships between residents, lack of interaction, and feelings of confinement. On the other hand, COVID-19 has limited interactions among residents in densely populated housing due to the high transmission rates of the disease. This study aims to conduct a content analysis of data on Skyville @ Dawson apartments from reliable sources, covering the period from 2009 to 2024. The research is conducted with the content analysis method, focusing on economic, social, and environmental aspects of Sustainable Architectural Design. From secondary and online data, it was found that WOHA designed Skyville @ Dawson to accommodate the behavioral needs of Singaporean society with several horizontal gardens on various floors, potentially securing interaction against COVID-19 through good building management. Therefore, this high-rise housing is an excellent example of the socio-economic development of upper-floor housing.

Integrating Building Management Systems in High-Rise Structures using Building Information Modeling

Rapid industrialization and population growth in urban areas has resulted in scarce land resources thus changing builtform tremendously. Complex construction such as high-rise structures are becoming an essential requirement in urbanareas. Efficient Building Management System (BMS) such as fire safety, heating ventilation and air-conditioning,security, and surveillance along with the operation and maintenance is crucial for high-rise construction projects. Theconstruction industry is one of the most labor-intensive industries in the world with a human centric managementapproach. With the advent of computer technologies, planning and management of building systems in a constructionproject have become easier. The concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage building managementsystems in construction projects is gaining popularity. In this study, an integrated framework is proposed that includesnumerous aspects of building management systems in high-rise structures with a dynamic BIM model. This proposedframework was explored with a case illustration of a multi-story building. Preliminary results of the model arepresented herewith.

Best practices in cybersecurity for green building management systems: Protecting sustainable infrastructure from cyber threats

This study explores the critical intersection of cybersecurity and sustainable infrastructure, with a focus on Green Building Management Systems (GBMS). Recognizing the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the integration of digital technologies in sustainable buildings, this research aims to understand the challenges and prospects of cybersecurity within this context. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the study examines peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and industry reports from 2010 to 2024. The methodology facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the evolution, current practices, and future directions of cybersecurity measures in sustainable infrastructure. Key findings reveal that robust cybersecurity measures are foundational to protecting the digital and physical assets underpinning sustainable infrastructure. The study identifies core principles of cybersecurity, such as resilience and the integration of cybersecurity with sustainability efforts, as crucial for enhancing the security posture of GBMS. Looking ahead, the research anticipates a future where cybersecurity measures are seamlessly integrated into sustainable buildings, ensuring resilience against cyber threats while advancing sustainability goals. Strategic recommendations include adopting international standards, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, investing in cybersecurity education, and leveraging emerging technologies. The study concludes that advancing research in cybersecurity technologies tailored for sustainable infrastructure is essential for navigating the complexities of cybersecurity in green building management.

Proposal of a domain model for 3D representation of buildings in Ecuador.

The accelerated urban sprawl of cities around the world presents major challenges for urban planning and land resource management. In this context, it is crucial to have a detailed 3D representation of buildings enriched with accurate alphanumeric information. A distinctive aspect of this proposal is its specific focus on the spatial unit corresponding to buildings. In order to propose a domain model for the 3D representation of buildings, the national standard of Ecuador and the international standard (ISO 19152:2012 LADM) were considered. The proposal includes a detailed specification of attributes, both for the general subclass of buildings and for their infrastructure. The application of the domain model proposal was crucial in a study area located in the Riobamba canton, due to the characteristics of the buildings in that area. For this purpose, a geodatabase was created in pgAdmin4 with official information, taking into account the structure of the proposed model and linking it with geospatial data for an adequate management and 3D representation of the buildings in an open-source Geographic Information System. This application improves cadastral management in the study region and has wider implications. This model is intended to serve as a benchmark for other countries facing similar challenges in cadastral management and 3D representation of buildings, promote efficient urban development and contribute to global sustainable development.

Layered laser-engraved wood-based composite capable of photothermal conversion and energy storage for indoor thermal management in buildings

Wood is used more and more in building. Phase change materials (PCM) with automatic temperature regulation and heat storage function have been widely concerned in the field of building energy conservation. However, phase-change materials have poor light induction and cannot absorb sunlight during the day in time, resulting in limited heat storage effect. For the purpose of achieving efficient energy collection and utilization, a laser-engraved method was employed in this study to directly generate a three-dimensional grid structure on the surface of wood. Then, the eutectic mixture of capric acid (CA) and stearic acid (SA) and nano-SiO2 composite PCM (CPCM) was impregnated into the supporting substrate with photothermal conversion capability. The obtained laser-engraved wood (LEW) loaded with CA-SA/Nano-SiO2 showed a latent heat of 64.706 J/g, a thermal conductivity of 0.732 W/(m⋅K) and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 64.46 %. Additionally, the three-dimensional porous structure of wood and the addition of nano-silica set up a double barrier for the leakage of PCM. Therefore, CPCM have prospective applications as indoor thermal insulation materials. In this research, a simple laser engraving method was adopted to endow the wooden substrate with photothermal conversion ability, which provides an idea to expand the application of photothermal conversion materials in the field of phase-change energy storage. In addition, the building simulation software validated the potential of CPCM in stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing building energy consumption.

Widespread occurrence of pesticides in low-income housing

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status (SES) residents living in social housing, which is subsidized by government or government-funded agencies, may have higher exposures to pesticides used in indoor residences since pesticides are applied due to structural deficiencies, poor maintenance, etc.ObjectiveTo estimate exposure of residents in low-SES social housing built in the 1970s to legacy and current-use pesticides and to investigate factors related to exposures.MethodsTwenty-eight particle-phase pesticides were measured in the indoor air of 46 units in seven low-income social housing, multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) in Toronto, Canada using portable air cleaners deployed for 1 week in 2017. Pesticides analyzed were legacy and current use in the classes: organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and strobilurins.ResultsAt least one pesticide was detected in 89% of the units with detection frequencies (DF) for individual pesticides of up to 50%, including legacy organochlorines and current-use pesticides. Current-use pyrethroids had the highest DF and concentrations, with the highest particle-phase concentration for pyrethrin I at 32,000 pg/m3. Heptachlor, restricted for use in Canada in 1985, had the highest estimated maximum total air (particle plus gas phase) concentration of 443,000 pg/m3. Heptachlor, lindane, endosulfan I, chlorothalonil, allethrin, and permethrin (except in one study) had higher concentrations than those measured in low-income residences reported elsewhere. In addition to the intentional use of pesticides to control pests and their use in building materials and paints, tobacco smoking was significantly correlated with the concentrations of five pesticides used on tobacco crops. The distribution of pesticides with high DF in individual buildings suggested that pest eradication programs by the building management and/or pesticide use by residents were the major sources of measured pesticides.ImpactLow-income social housing fills a much-needed demand, but the residences are prone to pest infestation and hence pesticide use. We found exposure to at least 1 of 28 particle-phase pesticides in 89% of all 46 units tested, with the highest DF and concentrations for current-use pyrethroids and long-banned organochlorines (e.g., DDT, heptachlor) due to very high persistence indoors. Also measured were several pesticides not registered for use indoors, e.g., strobilurins used to treat building materials and pesticides used on tobacco crops. These results, which are the first Canadian data for most pesticides indoors, show widespread exposure to numerous pesticides.

Risk Management of High-Rise Buildings in Coastal Areas: A Bibliometric Review Using Vosviewer

Risk Management of High-Rise Buildings in Coastal Areas: A Bibliometric Review Using Vosviewer

Semantic model-based large-scale deployment of AI-driven building management applications

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligent (AI) are revolutionizing building operation management. The abundance of data generated with the digitalization of buildings in the whole lifecycle can be harnessed to enhance building operational efficiency through data-driven control and optimization applications. However, the heterogeneity of data across building datasets hampers data interactivity and interoperability, presenting obstacles to the large-scale deployment of AI-enabled data-driven solutions. A semantic model-based framework is developed to integrate multi-sources data from buildings' air-conditioning system, supporting the large-scale deployment of AI-enabled data-driven building management applications. Both static and temporal data from multi sources are stored in the database guided by the semantic model. To demonstrate the framework's effectiveness, a building cooling load prediction application is implemented and evaluated across three typical buildings. The successful deployment of the proposed semantic model-based framework demonstrates its potential for facilitating large-scale deployment of AI-enabled data-driven applications in building sector.

Transition towards Positive Energy District: a case study from Latvia

The transition from a fossil fuel-based energy system to renewable energy sources has become a crucial consideration in both national-scale planning processes and local-scale energy system planning. Research has been conducted to seek technical solutions for a specific district of a university campus located on the peninsula of Riga to implement a smart energy system with multiple energy sources, storage systems, and energy efficiency measures. The solutions for the transformation of Energy Island to an Energy Community include power generation by building integrated solar panels with different power storage alternatives, such as thermal storage, batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. The simulation also evaluates the potential for heat recovery and waste heat integration from the data center and cooling systems to cover the heat demand. The interlinkage with energy efficiency improvements through improved building management systems provides an opportunity to increase RES utilization rates and improve overall energy efficiency. To provide a holistic overview of the future development of the urban area, the research also compares the connection to the district heating network. Results show that the analyzed energy community can achieve up to 80% of the RES self-consumption level as cost-optimal solutions by combining off-site wind turbine, solar PV panels, water source heat pumps, waste heat recovery and adjusted power storage.

Modern Technologies for Effective Communication between Apartment Owners and Apartment Building Managers in Latvia

As in other sectors of the economy, the construction and operation of buildings are becoming increasingly technologically advanced. Different digital tools are used not only for design and construction planning but also for faster and more efficient communication in housing maintenance and management processes. These technologies can significantly speed up the flow of information, save time and money, and optimize decision-making. This way, the most sustainable solutions are chosen, which not only saves money but can also increase the value of the property. The aim of the study is to identify and analyze the problems and their causes in the communication between apartment building managers and apartment owners, as well as to provide recommendations for their elimination using modern technologies. In order to achieve the objective of the study, the following tasks were carried out: 1) to analyze the statistics, technical and legal aspects of the Latvian housing stock, 2) to assess the situation in the cooperation and communication of apartment owners with the manager, 3) to study and evaluate the use of the largest and most frequently used digital platforms in management activities. The analysis of the technical and legal aspects is based on the monographic or descriptive method and the analysis of secondary data. In order to find out the current situation and identify the main communication problems, the authors have carried out a survey of apartment dwellers. The study found that the most significant problems in managing apartment buildings are related to a lack of information among apartment owners, which contributes to confusion, disinterest, passivity, or conflict. Sometimes you may also encounter incompetence on the part of the manager. Problems are often caused by communication gaps between apartment owners and building managers, or even a lack of communication. With the communication that modern technology can provide, apartment owners and managers can work together effectively to address issues in an environment of understanding and mutual trust.

Multi-objective integrated optimization of geothermal heating system with energy storage using digital twin technology

Heat energy storage technology plays a significant role in energy systems, and the various technological solutions brought about by digitalization are especially valuable in the field of energy storage. This article proposes an innovative model based on digital twin technology to solve the supply–demand mismatch problem in geothermal heating systems. This model achieves multi-objective optimization of comprehensive cost, geothermal energy utilization rate, and carbon emission by constructing a heat storage geothermal heating system. Digital twin technology integrates data and information models of public buildings and facilitates their sharing and transmission throughout the entire lifecycle of the geothermal heating system. Initially, the proposed method employs a machine learning-based approach to accurately predict heating demand. Subsequently, the operation of the heat storage water tank and heat pump units is optimized to resolve difficulties in matching energy supply and demand. Finally, the method takes full advantage of time-of-use electricity pricing policies to reduce costs. The data utilized were collected from an office building in China over a period of six months. Experimental results demonstrate that: (1) In terms of predicting heating demand, the improved neural network proposed in this study achieved a prediction accuracy of 98%, which is a 10% improvement over comparative algorithms. Additionally, the experimental comparison of four types of errors showed that the machine learning method proposed had smaller errors across the board. (2) The method realized collaborative multi-objective optimization, and in five scenarios, the comprehensive performance index increased by up to 38.03% compared to the benchmark system. This indicates that intelligent technology is an effective means of enhancing the energy sustainability of geothermal heating systems, and the use of geothermal energy as a clean energy source effectively addresses issues related to the storage, utilization, management, and energy conservation of buildings.

Assessment of HVAC Performance and Savings in Office Buildings Using Data-Driven Method

Enhancing energy efficiency within the building sector is imperative to curbing energy losses, given that this sector alone contributes to over 34% of global energy consumption. Employing a building management system, along with its regular updates, presents a strategic avenue to decrease energy usage, enhance building energy efficiency, and more. Tailored control strategies, aligned with the unique characteristics and usage patterns of each building, are essential for achieving energy savings. This article presents an evaluation of HVAC system efficiency in office buildings, utilizing a data-driven approach coupled with simulations conducted in building performance simulation software. The research explores the control strategy of an office building equipped with a constant air volume HVAC system, featuring a regularly controlled air handling unit. The objective is to boost energy efficiency while striking a balance between occupant comfort and energy consumption. The findings indicate that by analyzing measured data and adjusting the configurable parameters, the energy consumption of buildings can be significantly reduced. The close monitoring of indoor parameters by building operators and making corresponding adjustments to the HVAC system can yield energy savings of up to 16%. Leveraging these insights, this paper suggests integrating data-driven and dynamic simulation methods into building management system models to optimize HVAC systems, enhance energy efficiency, and advance ambitious carbon neutrality objectives.