BFRL: Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group

Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group

Building Sensor Evaluation Lab

Overview

Technologies

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Overview

NIST is currently exploring novel technologies for sensing in buildings to achieve several goals:

To enable sensor technologies that will lead to energy savings and occupant comfort

To enhance the amount of available data to building control and fault detection systems.

To provide new forensic tools for finding and diagnosing problems in buildings.

To promote the interoperability of data from various sources to improve the security of building occupants.

One current focus area is on the emerging field of wireless sensor networks. Wireless technology has worked its way into the field of sensing, allowing for the quick deployment of sensors throughout a building that transmit data without the need for wiring. This technology enables a building operator or investigator to place sensors without disrupting existing construction and allows sensors to be placed in spaces that may see changing configurations. With wireless radio technology dropping in cost, many sensors can be placed throughout a building with relative ease. Challenges arise, however, when incorporating wireless sensor networks in buildings. BFRL is embarking on an effort to develop metrics that indicate how such systems perform in buildings. Among the issues to be investigated include the ability to integrate data from these networks seamlessly into software applications, measures of the reliability and robustness of sensor networks in buildings, and estimates of lifetimes of sensor nodes. In addition to this effort, BFRL is also investigating methods to promote the integration of building sensor data for homeland security applications. Related research at NIST in the field of wireless sensors is compiled by the Wireless Sensor Working Group.

Other efforts have focused on improving the detection of moisture in buildings. NIST has been involved with heat and moisture transfer within building envelopes for several decades. Past work includes the development of the MOIST computer program to simulate heat and moisture transfer through wall and roof assemblies. Currently, the focus of the work related to moisture in buildings is on the development of novel sensors to measure the moisture levels within the envelope. As moisture and problems related to moisture have gained attention, the need for methods to accurately diagnose excess water in building materials has also increased. To assist in detecting damage within walls and in determining best practices for construction, NIST has been examining novel technologies that can be used to detect excess water, determine the moisture content of solid materials, or to sense the humidity levels at surfaces where mold or mildew might grow.

Contact:
William M. Healy
Mechanical Engineer
Phone: (301) 975-4922
e-mail: william.healy@nist.gov

NIST is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce

Last updated: 1/7/2008