Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network

In recent years, our time spent indoors has risen to around 90% and to maintain an occupant’s comfort and well-being, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is monitored. Concerned with inhabitant’s satisfaction and health, the adoption of smart solutions for IEQ monitoring and improvement has expanded....

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Main Authors: Tsz-Wun Tsang, Kwok-Wai Mui, Ling-Tim Wong, Angus Chun-Yu Chan, Ricky Chi-Wai Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/21/6850
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author Tsz-Wun Tsang
Kwok-Wai Mui
Ling-Tim Wong
Angus Chun-Yu Chan
Ricky Chi-Wai Chan
author_facet Tsz-Wun Tsang
Kwok-Wai Mui
Ling-Tim Wong
Angus Chun-Yu Chan
Ricky Chi-Wai Chan
author_sort Tsz-Wun Tsang
collection DOAJ
description In recent years, our time spent indoors has risen to around 90% and to maintain an occupant’s comfort and well-being, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is monitored. Concerned with inhabitant’s satisfaction and health, the adoption of smart solutions for IEQ monitoring and improvement has expanded. The solution this study explores is an occupant-centric approach involving the implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT) IEQ sensing network in a prominent office skyscraper in Hong Kong. Over the course of 15 months, real-time IEQ data were collected from 12 locations within the building. The data were collected at 1-min time intervals and consisted of readings of indoor air temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>), horizontal illuminance levels, and sound pressure levels, which served as the basis of the assessment made about the qualities of thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), aural comfort, and visual comfort. Compared to traditional periodic surveys, this IoT-based sensing network captured instantaneous environmental variations, providing valuable insights into the indoor environment’s spatial characterization and temporal dynamics. This smart solution also assisted facility management in terms of identifying sources of discomfort and developing effective mitigation strategies accordingly. This study presents an occupant-centric approach to improve occupant comfort and energy efficiency within office buildings. By customizing the built environment to enhance occupants’ well-being, comfort, and productivity, an emphasis is placed on a more personalized and occupant-focused design strategy. This approach integrates technical design with human experience, highlighting the importance of real-time physical and subjective surveys for achieving optimal results.
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spelling doaj-art-50a1ffbc3c1142fa842a9212e7c6ec812025-08-20T02:13:15ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202024-10-012421685010.3390/s24216850Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing NetworkTsz-Wun Tsang0Kwok-Wai Mui1Ling-Tim Wong2Angus Chun-Yu Chan3Ricky Chi-Wai Chan4Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, ChinaDepartment of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, ChinaDepartment of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, ChinaDepartment of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, ChinaS.H.K. Real Estate Management Co., Ltd., Hong Kong, ChinaIn recent years, our time spent indoors has risen to around 90% and to maintain an occupant’s comfort and well-being, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is monitored. Concerned with inhabitant’s satisfaction and health, the adoption of smart solutions for IEQ monitoring and improvement has expanded. The solution this study explores is an occupant-centric approach involving the implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT) IEQ sensing network in a prominent office skyscraper in Hong Kong. Over the course of 15 months, real-time IEQ data were collected from 12 locations within the building. The data were collected at 1-min time intervals and consisted of readings of indoor air temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), particulate matter (PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub>), horizontal illuminance levels, and sound pressure levels, which served as the basis of the assessment made about the qualities of thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), aural comfort, and visual comfort. Compared to traditional periodic surveys, this IoT-based sensing network captured instantaneous environmental variations, providing valuable insights into the indoor environment’s spatial characterization and temporal dynamics. This smart solution also assisted facility management in terms of identifying sources of discomfort and developing effective mitigation strategies accordingly. This study presents an occupant-centric approach to improve occupant comfort and energy efficiency within office buildings. By customizing the built environment to enhance occupants’ well-being, comfort, and productivity, an emphasis is placed on a more personalized and occupant-focused design strategy. This approach integrates technical design with human experience, highlighting the importance of real-time physical and subjective surveys for achieving optimal results.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/21/6850indoor environmental qualityinternet of things (IoT)human-centric managementreal-time environmental monitoring
spellingShingle Tsz-Wun Tsang
Kwok-Wai Mui
Ling-Tim Wong
Angus Chun-Yu Chan
Ricky Chi-Wai Chan
Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network
Sensors
indoor environmental quality
internet of things (IoT)
human-centric management
real-time environmental monitoring
title Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network
title_full Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network
title_fullStr Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network
title_full_unstemmed Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network
title_short Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network
title_sort real time indoor environmental quality ieq monitoring using an iot based wireless sensing network
topic indoor environmental quality
internet of things (IoT)
human-centric management
real-time environmental monitoring
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/21/6850
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