Sensible networked façade unit for a healthy and comfortable environment

Sensing technologies in the building sector are growing rapidly, their platforms for interconnection, communication and fault detection are doing likewise. Nevertheless, their applications are mostly concentrated in plant systems and very few on building elements (which aid data collection and response). These technologies are currently collaborating for boosting plant system efficiency, failure detection and maintenance inquiries; few have been devised for corroborating the efficacy of passive strategies or technology performance, and even less for monitoring the occupant-building interaction. It is conceivable to promote greater building operation performance by boosting their reactivity towards disadvantageous conditions, even when passive strategies have been implemented; this can be achieved by means of a sensor network, within a facade element, for the granular data collection on facade technology performance and space occupation. Transferring this information to the Building Management Systems, permits indoor environment adaptation to unusual climate conditions, abrupt space use or occupants’ behavior misconducts towards energy efficiency. This work presents an attempt on monitoring the indoor environment and the behavior of its occupants from a smart façade window unit, equipped with a sensor network also capable to react onto provoking beneficial adjustments on the exchange of heat, radiation and air.