Details
 

Researcher:	Dr Richard Harris Mark Skelly
Funded:	DETR 50%, industry 50%
Total value:	£133,500
Partners:	Somfi Taylor Woodrow
Status:	Completed

Background/Justification

Integrated Building Control (IBC) is based on a system of implanting chips in individual sensors (temperature, smoke, light and so on) and actuators (for example door closers, window openers, sprinkler systems) and using various means (mains cables, infra-red links, dedicated wires, radio etc.) to communicate with a central computer system, programmed to operate all of the devices according to some master control scheme. The interaction between sensors and actuators is defined by the computer, not by the connections between components, and so control strategies can be rapidly adapted to suit the changing needs of the occupants.
 

Objectives

This project aims to use an IBC test facility at Taywood Engineering Limited to develop a window with automatic vents and shading. A key part of the project will be to identify self-adaptive control strategies which can be applied to the window, in order to moderate the environment within a room, but allowing for the needs of an occupant. By developing an adaptive control strategy it is expected that the window can be de-sensitised to the effects of different hardware, and yet still adapt to the needs of the particular room and its occupant.
 

Outputs:

'IBC automated window project' on CD-ROM, CWCT members may use the report free on line by visiting the cladding forum and using utilities.

Skelly, M. (2000)
The individual and the intelligent facade,
Building Research & Information, 28(1), pp. 67-69, ISSN 0961-3218

Skelly, M. J. and Wilkinson, M. A. (1999)
'Blinded by the Light',
CIBSE Journal, December 1999, pp30-34