When discussing the subject of
Intelligent Buildings, many different topics come to mind: databases, BIM, and
innovation. One common topic that is
always brought up with the subject is sensors.
Sensors can range in usage, price, size, and efficiency. Their usages are very beneficial to a building
when it comes to analyzing what goes on in and outside of the structure. This could be as simple as measuring the
temperature of each room to observing how often a room is in use for. For this particular post, Professor Mitchell
has designated that the pressure sensor should be discussed.
To start off, what is a pressure
sensor and what are their purposes? Pressure
sensors, as the name states, are sensors that are able to detect changes and
monitor pressures. When something is
detected, that detection is converted to an electric signal so that it can be
sent to a processor. Originally, the types
of pressures that are monitored were liquids and gases. The need for pressure sensors for these two
types arose once steam began being a primary source of energy. Pressure sensors
are necessary so that data can be collected on a certain system and to keep
track of any changes that may occur in that system. By monitoring a system, like a pipe network,
they are able to give warnings if a change has occurred in the network, and in
some cases, can respond to those changes to protect the system from a failure
[3].
Pressure
sensors, although a small part of bigger systems, are a necessity for many
industries. These sensors are a standard
in many industries like the automotive, aviation, and bio-medical industry. In the automotive and aviation fields, for
example, sensors are used to monitor and maintain the different pressures that
the parts of the craft and engines are experiencing. For cars, this could be delegating a safe
pressure for the oil and coolants, while an airplane uses the sensors to
maintain a correct balance between cabin and atmospheric pressure for passengers
and equipment alike [2].
One future
use of pressure sensors that is being explored at the moment is the use of
pressure sensors in contact lenses. One
company in Switzerland has tested the use of pressure sensors in contact lenses
to detect any changes in pressure in the user’s eye to help identify glaucoma
[1]. Before this can be a reality and a
standard, many more tests must be done; however, it does show the future of
this kind of sensor. For buildings, this
same technology is used today in non-destructive testing to monitor the members
of a structural to make sure that it is structural sound. With the research being done with the contact
lens, it could be possible in the future to use the tech behind that in
intelligent building design.
Comments:
-Steve: I like how you talked about the different types of pressure sensors there are. It's interesting to read about these different types of pressure sensors. Although they all monitor pressure, it is neat to read how each one does this differently.
-Audrey: I like how you said that each temperature sensor has their own advantages and disadvantages. I suppose depending on the situation those benefits and drawbacks really need to be considered when pickng one of these sensors. For instance, I would assume price versus accuracy would be one comparison that would need to be thought over.
I had no idea the importance of pressure sensors. I never realized how common they actually are either. I really liked how you included many different uses for a pressure system, it really puts the importance into perspective. Really well written post, two thumbs up!
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