Indoor Environment Of Buildings Research Articles

Multi-sensor fault detection and correction for automated IAQ monitoring in smart buildings through attention-aware autoencoders with spatial prediction module

The integration of interconnected monitoring and control devices has significantly enhanced the management of indoor building environments, notably in underground subway stations. In these sophisticated settings, the accuracy of monitoring systems is critical, as data-driven control systems rely extensively on sensor feedback. However, sensor faults arising from hardware damage, wear, and cyberattacks compromise the reliability of these complex systems. Despite extensive efforts, existing methods still face challenges in accurately detecting and reconstructing faults, particularly when dealing with multiple sensor failures. This study introduces a hybrid sensor validation framework that combines a multi-head attention-based denoising autoencoder (AE) with a deep learning prediction module. The performance assessment of the proposed gated recurrent unit (GRU) integrated attention-based fault detection, and reconstruction network (GADRN) shows a significant 33 % and 21 % improvement in critical success index compared to Independent Component Analysis and GRU-AE frameworks. GADRN consistently identified faulty sensors across various fault periods, achieving the lowest false alarm rate of 11 % against several conventional and machine learning-based models. A ventilation control analysis highlights the significance of incorporating a sensor validation framework in modern buildings. The outputs by the GADRN led to a 22.5 % decrease in energy consumption by preventing unnecessary resource use attributed to sensor faults.

Assessment of thermal performance of energy-active window systems in hot climates

Window systems, particularly in hot climates, are the source of considerable heat transfer that affects the buildings’ indoor environment and energy consumption. Proper design and optimization of its thermal performance significantly contribute to the overall envelope energy performance. Using a multi-layer glazing system, Energy Active Window (EAW) adapts window insulation technology to reuse low-grade air from the HVAC system, keeping the temperature at the internal surface of the window close to the indoor air temperature, minimizing heat exchange between indoor and outdoor. This study aims to reduce energy consumption by optimizing EAW to increase its thermal resistance by channeling the return air (RA) from the HVAC system into the curtain frame, thereby lowering the temperature of the air gap and air film layer. The study examined the window system’s exhaust/return air behavior using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool (Fluent) to simulate the heat exchange between outdoor and indoor building environments. The CFD simulation was validated using experimental measurements. Results show a surface temperature decrease of 4 to 7 °C based on the inner and outer pane airflow conditions when the outdoor temperature is 45 °C with an 8 % margin of error. Various EAW components were tested, including air velocity, air–gap width, volume, and outdoor temperatures, examining both triple and double-glazing layers.

Analytical model and comprehensive index construction of indoor air purification effect based on dynamic characteristics and energy efficiency

Meeting environmental regulation requirements while improving energy usage efficiency are crucial endeavors to achieve decarbonization and indoor environmental regulation. In this study, experimental testing, data analysis, and modeling are performed for the dynamic purification process of indoor PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in the context of regulating the indoor environment of buildings. The results show that indoor PM2.5 levels are dynamically matched to the outdoor environment state and the requirements of environmental control. An analytical model of the effect of PM2.5 purification is constructed, which can accurately reflect the dynamic changes in the PM2.5 mass concentration during the indoor air purification process considering the outdoor PM2.5 concentration and the purification efficiency of the purification filters and purification systems, thus supporting the prediction of purification outcomes and accurately constraining the actual indoor air quality purification process. Meanwhile, an indoor air quality control index (IAQCI) is established based on the purification effect and purification energy efficiency under various combinations of air filters and purification systems. This approach is used to quantitatively assess the dual control of energy efficiency and environmental regulation, as well as the purification effect and efficiency of indoor purification schemes based on outdoor dynamic PM2.5 conditions.This study provides a set of innovative and feasible research methods for realizing comprehensive indoor environmental performance evaluations of buildings.

An experimental methodology for the calibration of indoor building environment models using thermal point clouds and CFD simulation

ABSTRACT This paper presents an experimental methodology employing thermal point clouds (TPCs) of indoor spaces to develop and calibrate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for simulating indoor building environments. TPCs, captured at various time intervals, provide geometry and surface temperatures of the space envelope are crucial for initial and final contrast parameters in model calibration. Segments from TPCs of interior surfaces serve as ground truth for calibrating theoretical CFD models. This involves adjusting boundary conditions to approximate real surface temperature distributions on selected walls. The innovative calibration approach incorporates automatic wall segmentation processes, enabling comparison between in-situ measured and simulated values. A case study assesses the similarity between real thermal orthoimages and CFD simulations, employing qualitative and quantitative analysis with a convergence criterion. Results validate the methodology, highlighting the need for further automation of manual processes.

Numerical-experimental study of the thermal behavior of a green facade in a warm climate in Mexico

Demographic growth entails an increase in the construction of buildings and streets, whose materials significantly absorb heat and, upon release, create discomfort for the inhabitants of large urban areas. Vegetation emerges as a crucial element to enhance both the indoor environment of buildings and the outdoor surroundings. Green facades present themselves as a highly efficient alternative to integrate vegetation in densely urbanized areas. This study focuses on evaluating the thermal performance of an indirect-type green facade system in a warm climate in Mexico. The research encompasses experimental measurements and numerical simulations of the thermal effect of the green facade and also a parametric study of the vertical leaf area index (LAIV) and air gap size. In the experimental test, temperatures were recorded in two identical test cells, one of which was equipped with a green facade with Pyrostegia Venusta plants on one of its surfaces. The numerical study validated the results obtained through experimental tests, using simulations of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) considering a typical day for each season throughout the year. Validation results revealed Mean Percentage Errors (MPE) of −2.86 % and 0.25 %, Mean Bias Errors (MBE) of −0.49 °C and 0.08 °C, and Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) of 1.34 °C and 1.29 °C for the bare facade and the green facade, respectively. In the numerical analysis, it was observed that the green facade succeeded in reducing the indoor air temperature in a range of 4.57 to 5.64 °C, while decreasing the heat flux in an interval of 7.84 to 16.79 W/m2. Moreover, a parametric study revealed that the LAIV ceases to be a significant parameter beyond 2.5, while the air gap size proves to be a considerably less influential factor compared to the LAIV. These results confirm the relevance of using vegetation in buildings to mitigate the effects of heat and improve the thermal comfort of inhabitants.

Optimizing a courtyard microclimate with adaptable shading and evaporative cooling in a hot mediterranean climate

While in recent years significant improvements have been made in the thermal adaptation of indoor building environments, less progress has been made in improving thermal comfort in transitional spaces next to buildings. This makes it imperative to investigate the thermodynamics of such outdoor urban spaces, particularly in warm locations such as southern Spain. The application of suitable passive systems for the regulation of thermal exchanges and the creation of temperate conditions is explored. In order to determine the thermal comfort of users this study focuses on the assessment of two key parameters, mean radiant temperature and relative humidity, and how these are impacted by shading and misting systems in a courtyard. Field measurements analysed the extent to which shading and misting systems enhance user comfort levels in a Seville courtyard. The results indicate a considerable decrease in temperature, with thermal mitigation of up to 11.7 °C below reference points outside the courtyard. The percentage of hours within comfort ranges during heat waves increased by 100% by optimizing the results of an additional experimental campaign and considering results from previous ones. The main novelty of this research lies in the comparative study of standalone and integrated passive cooling strategies aiming to provide optimal results in high temperature and heat wave scenarios. The study findings help understand and estimate the effectiveness of low-cost and easily applicable strategies for maintaining comfort conditions during diurnal and nocturnal cycles in both hot seasons and heat waves.

Evaluation of the Effects of Window Films on the Indoor Environment and Air-Conditioning Electricity Consumption of Buildings

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of window films on indoor environmental conditions and electricity consumption of air conditioning. The research focused on the performance of different window films (HAG, RG), taking into account variations from different building orientations. The findings of this research indicated that building orientation could significantly influence the duration of direct sunlight entering the interior, with the areas closer to the glass being more susceptible to the effects of outdoor temperature and solar radiation. The clear glass with heat-absorbing film (HAG) and reflective film (RG) both reduced the indoor temperature and indoor illuminance while increasing indoor comfort. The RG could accumulate less heat on the glass surface compared with the HAG. The glass temperature of the RG will be lower than the HAG. The electricity-saving ratios of the HAG were 1.4%, 1.9%, 1.4%, and 1.2%, respectively, when facing the east, south, west, and northwest orientations compared with the clear glass (OG). The electricity-saving ratios of the RG were 3%, 4.2%, 4.2%, and 10.3%, respectively.

Microclimate-Monitoring: Examining the Indoor Environment of Greek Museums and Historical Buildings in the Face of Climate Change

The preservation of cultural artifacts within museums and historical buildings requires control of microclimatic conditions, and the constantly evolving climate certainly poses a challenge to maintaining recommended conditions. Focused on the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Church of Acheiropoietos in Greece, our study evaluates the hygrothermal behavior of these buildings with a specific emphasis on the preservation of cultural heritage objects hosted there. An innovative approach to the real-time analysis of data is utilized, aiming to achieve a timely detection of extreme temperature and humidity levels. A one-year monitoring campaign was carried out to achieve a detailed assessment of the indoor climate in selected museums and historical buildings in Greece. The monitoring campaign was performed using dataloggers that were set to measure and record temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) values hourly. The results allowed for the detection of extreme temperature and relative humidity values, pinpointing the time period that requires more attention. The museum’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide temperature control for visitor comfort, but the temperature still rises in summer, highlighting the impact of external climate factors. The church’s lack of HVAC systems widens the temperature range compared to the museum, but significant hourly fluctuations are not observed, underlining the building’s high thermal mass and inertia. Both buildings demonstrate a significant response to changes in outdoor temperature, emphasizing the need for future adaptation to climate change. The HMRhs and PRD indices indicate minimal microclimate risk in both buildings for temperature and RH, reducing the probability of material damage. The church’s slightly higher HMRhs index values, attributed to relative humidity, increases susceptibility due to sensitive materials. Overall, the study highlights the importance of managing microclimatic conditions in historical buildings and proposes careful adaptations for the protection of cultural heritage.

Passive Infrared Sensor-Based Occupancy Monitoring in Smart Buildings: A Review of Methodologies and Machine Learning Approaches.

Buildings are rapidly becoming more digitized, largely due to developments in the internet of things (IoT). This provides both opportunities and challenges. One of the central challenges in the process of digitizing buildings is the ability to monitor these buildings' status effectively. This monitoring is essential for services that rely on information about the presence and activities of individuals within different areas of these buildings. Occupancy information (including people counting, occupancy detection, location tracking, and activity detection) plays a vital role in the management of smart buildings. In this article, we primarily focus on the use of passive infrared (PIR) sensors for gathering occupancy information. PIR sensors are among the most widely used sensors for this purpose due to their consideration of privacy concerns, cost-effectiveness, and low processing complexity compared to other sensors. Despite numerous literature reviews in the field of occupancy information, there is currently no literature review dedicated to occupancy information derived specifically from PIR sensors. Therefore, this review analyzes articles that specifically explore the application of PIR sensors for obtaining occupancy information. It provides a comprehensive literature review of PIR sensor technology from 2015 to 2023, focusing on applications in people counting, activity detection, and localization (tracking and location). It consolidates findings from articles that have explored and enhanced the capabilities of PIR sensors in these interconnected domains. This review thoroughly examines the application of various techniques, machine learning algorithms, and configurations for PIR sensors in indoor building environments, emphasizing not only the data processing aspects but also their advantages, limitations, and efficacy in producing accurate occupancy information. These developments are crucial for improving building management systems in terms of energy efficiency, security, and user comfort, among other operational aspects. The article seeks to offer a thorough analysis of the present state and potential future advancements of PIR sensor technology in efficiently monitoring and understanding occupancy information by classifying and analyzing improvements in these domains.

Effects of thermal-acoustic interaction on airport terminal's indoor thermal comfort: A case study in cold region of China

Airport terminals are typical large-scale public buildings. Improving the indoor environment of the terminal plays an important role in increasing users' comfort status. In this study, we chose Xianyang Airport Terminal 3 and conducted field tests and questionnaire surveys to obtain indoor environmental parameters and subjective perceptual evaluations. By comparing the correlations between the two aspects, we made analyses about the interaction effects of thermal-acoustic environments on people's indoor thermal comfort. The results show that there are significant correlations between TSV and the temperature, SSV and the sound level. The neutral temperatures of MB and CB are 19 °C and 21 °C, respectively. TCV are mostly above 0, but when the temperature reaches a certain state, it would decrease rapidly. Most of the participants hasn't showed strong feelings of comfort or discomfort, which revealed a relatively high tolerance and adaptation to the indoor environment. As the summer is hot and humid, setting the indoor temperature at 24 °C would be a balance between cost and comfort. The overall sound level is loud, which decreased the TCV to a certain extent while the tendency of how thermal comfort changes remains the same. According to different characteristics of the space, various passive and active approaches were suggested to improve the thermal and acoustic environment. This study partly agrees with the previous studies and we hope to provide reference for the optimization of summer indoor environment in large-scale public buildings in similar climate and location.

Thermal insulation performance of buildings with phase-change energy-storage wall structures

Considering that improving the energy efficiency of buildings is crucial to achieving China's carbon neutrality goal, the application of phase-change energy-storage (PCES) technology could be considered a practical and feasible approach. Currently, the heat transfer characteristics of PCES walls and their influence mechanisms on the indoor building environment are the key issues to be solved in this field. Based on gypsum-based phase-change materials (PCMs), outdoor, indoor and central PCES walls are designed in this study. Unsteady heat transfer experiments, finite element numerical simulations and energy consumption analyses were used to study the thermal behaviour of PCES walls, and the thermal insulation performance of the buildings utilizing these wall structures were assessed. The results show that the maximum temperature of inner surface of wall with PCMs applying at the interior side is reduced by 0.6 °C, and the maximum temperature lag is reduced by 0.8 h. The results also prove that buildings employing this PCES walls as envelope have a reduction of annual cooling energy consumption about 7.6%, and a reduction of annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 2%, comparing with conventional buildings. Thus, these results suggest that the use of PCES walls can effectively enhance the thermal insulation performance of buildings in summer. This research could provide an innovative idea for the design of PCES walls, which is of significance for the application of PCES walls in severe cold regions.

Characteristics Analysis of CO2 Concentrations and Temperature in Residential Buildings in Severe Cold Area Based on Field Measurement

This paper provides references for the design and control of high-quality green building indoor environments during the transitional season in severe cold area. A residential building in severe cold area was selected as the research subject, where indoor pollutant CO2 concentrations and temperatures were measured at the beginning of the transitional season. The study explored the variations in indoor pollutant temperatures and CO2 concentrations under natural and non-natural ventilation conditions, in conjunction with an analysis of the occupants' activities. The results demonstrated clear relationships between indoor pollutant CO2 concentrations and temperatures under natural ventilation conditions. Based on these findings, recommendations for natural ventilation strategies that consider both indoor CO2 levels and thermal environment are proposed.

POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION (POE) FOR ENHANCING SATISFACTION LEVEL OF COMFORTS IN MALAYSIA’S SCHOOL BUILDINGS

The physical factors of building performance in a school building must be determined to meet the users’ basic requirement of comfort level. The disruption of physical factors such as ventilation, lighting, or thermal may constitute to reduce the productivity and efficiency among users. Thus, Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is a significant tool to indicate the level of satisfaction and occupants’ comfort in ensuring the current issues mainly related to physical aspects such as indoor environmental quality, space utilization, energy efficiency, and so forth. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to assess the satisfaction level of school building users in Malaysia, including students, teachers, and staff to improve the quality of the indoor environment in a school building as the leading learning space for the future generation. The interview was conducted with 12 participants in determining the satisfaction level of building performance assessment on school buildings. Next, the survey instrument was distributed to 224 respondents in 7 different schools, to evaluate the awareness level of POE in current practice and to analyse the physical criteria to conduct the evaluation standards on school buildings in Malaysia. This study concludes that POE is the most accurate approach to estimate the quality of building performance, especially for school buildings. Also, it should be emphasized as a continuous routine of physical environment evaluation or a periodic assessment of school buildings.

Retracted: Design and Research of Building Indoor Environment Monitoring System Relying on 3D Modeling and Image Processing

Retracted: Design and Research of Building Indoor Environment Monitoring System Relying on 3D Modeling and Image Processing

The practical implications of the EN 17037 minimum target daylight factor for building design and urban daylight in several European countries

Sufficient daylight in the indoor environment of buildings is important not only for vision and well-being as daylight also has significant non-visual effects on the human organism. The provision of daylight in the interiors of buildings significantly affects the architectural and urban parameters of the building environment. Harmonized EN 17037 introduced a number of changes and ambiguities to the relatively established principles of incorporating daylight in buildings in several European countries; these were significant for both architects and other stakeholders. This paper compares the long-standing practice and historical context of daylight provision according to the criteria of national standards in selected European countries (Germany, Czech Republic, Slovak republic, Sweden) with the minimum target daylight factor according to the harmonized EN 17037. The consequences of the methodological differences and design criteria of daylight provision are presented in case studies of the assessment of the daylight in residential rooms and typical school classrooms. Daylight factor and lighting distribution are analyzed for different room scenarios, different window configurations and obstruction angles according to local standards in the mentioned European countries versus EN 17037. The paper also highlights the practical impact of the EN 17037 criteria on building design and the extent of façade obstruction.

QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR USER-ORIENTED INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

ABSTRACT Understanding indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and integrating indoor data into architectural design is a critical component of green building design for building occupants’ comfort and health. With a growing emphasis on creating healthy and comfortable indoor environments in green buildings, indoor data in architectural design has increasingly incorporated quantitative methods to analyze and optimize indoor environmental quality parameters. Data-driven design in architecture has been used as a decision-making approach to the green building design process; it has implications for the building occupants to voluntarily enhance their indoor environments and comfort. A higher degree of personal control for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) leads to higher satisfaction, energy savings, and productivity in work environments. IEQ data access related to thermal, visual, and acoustic comforts and indoor air enables occupants to acquire ownership of indoor controls, contributing to their comfort and task productivity. Undergraduate architecture students carried out a series of data-driven designs for IEQ monitoring and design integrations by conducting a field study, data collection, data analysis, and visualization, and linking findings to architectural proposals. Participating groups were requested to i) theoretically understand IEQ data parameters for four primary indoor environments, ii) experimentally conduct a field survey of target spaces, iii) numerically predict IEQ conditions by using diverse simulation tools and measurement devices, iv) graphically visualize IEQ findings, and v) finally integrate findings into the architectural design as a solutional proposal. The findings highlight that the potential of quantitative approaches in architectural design enhances students’ understanding of environmental contributors and design solutions for occupants’ comfort and health.

지그비 메쉬 네트워크를 이용한 대형건물의 실시간 실내 환경 모니터링

지그비 메쉬 네트워크를 이용한 대형건물의 실시간 실내 환경 모니터링

An Assessment of the Influencing Factors Promoting the Development of Mould in Buildings, A Literature Review

There are few literature evaluations that analyse the growing environment of indoor mould, despite its health risks and building management burden. This paper examines the most significant factors influencing indoor mould growth and risk levels through a literature review. It was discovered that relative humidity, temperature, time, and nutrients in the substrate were the most significant factors affecting the growth of moulds and that the development of the majority of mould species depended heavily on the relative humidity and temperature values. The optimal ranges for mould growth in terms of temperature and relative humidity are 30°C to 35°C and 95% to 99%, respectively. In order to prevent the growth of indoor mould, this review suggests that the indoor environment of future buildings should pay particular attention to the control of the thermal and humid environment, as well as the accumulation of nutrients and time within the interior of walls.

Assessing the Potential of Integrated Shading Devices to Mitigate Overheating Risk in University Buildings in Severe Cold Regions of China: A Case Study in Harbin

Creating a comfortable indoor environment in education buildings is an important design objective. Climate change has resulted in rising summer indoor temperatures in the severe cold regions of China, and evidence of summer overheating risk in these regions has not yet been fully investigated. This study presents evidence of overheating in a university building in a severe cold region of China, discusses the potential of integrated shading devices for mitigating overheating, and proposes design ideas for the application of shading devices. Temperature monitoring and simulation were performed in a university building with natural ventilation located in Harbin, and various configurations of integrated shading devices were simulated using IES Virtual Environment software. The results demonstrate that 69% of classrooms were overheated; furthermore, south-facing classrooms could be overheated for up to 152 h during summer occupancy hours. This study finds that integrated shading devices reduce overheating hours by up to 59.2%. The design of appropriate parameters for shading devices can effectively improve indoor thermal comfort while maintaining daylight levels and controlling the increase in energy consumption. The methodology and results presented in this study offer a reference point and practical guidance for mitigating regional overheating, aiming to promote the improvement of regional standards and optimisation of thermal environments in the severe cold regions of China.

POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION (POE) FOR ENHANCING SATISFACTION LEVEL OF COMFORTS IN MALAYSIA’S SCHOOL BUILDINGS

The physical factors of building performance in a school building must be determined to meet the users’ basic requirement of comfort level. The disruption of physical factors such as ventilation, lighting, or thermal may constitute to reduce the productivity and efficiency among users. Thus, Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is a significant tool to indicate the level of satisfaction and occupants’ comfort in ensuring the current issues mainly related to physical aspects such as indoor environmental quality, space utilization, energy efficiency, and so forth. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to assess the satisfaction level of school building users in Malaysia, including students, teachers, and staff to improve the quality of the indoor environment in a school building as the leading learning space for the future generation. The interview was conducted with 12 participants in determining the satisfaction level of building performance assessment on school buildings. Next, the survey instrument was distributed to 224 respondents in 7 different schools, to evaluate the awareness level of POE in current practice and to analyse the physical criteria to conduct the evaluation standards on school buildings in Malaysia. This study concludes that POE is the most accurate approach to estimate the quality of building performance, especially for school buildings. Also, it should be emphasized as a continuous routine of physical environment evaluation or a periodic assessment of school buildings.