Intelligent buildings are buildings of the 21st Century. They are buildings which look after their own wellbeing. Intelligent building are so automated that they put off lights, shut down the air conditioner, check the water storage tanks, recharge the central UPS in case of a power failure, keep a tab on visitors and switch on the alarm in the event of a fire.
Optimization of people, product and process
Intelligent buildings are based on optimization of three basic elements: people, product and process. ‘People’ constitutes the owner or occupant of the building, the ‘product’ involves materials, structure, facilities and services, and the ‘process’ means automation, control systems, maintenances, performances etc. It is intelligent interrelations between them that go into the making of intelligent buildings.
Intelligent buildings are not only great energy savers but are known to offer more efficiency and comfort to occupants. With the economy booming in India, this new concept is gradually being implemented, though it is still more restricted to the business sector.
Automated controls
Automated controls include energy saving devices which get automatically switched off and lower room temperature in empty rooms. Temperature and light intensity can be adapted according to personal preferences.
In the centralized air-conditioning system the return air is measured for the required temperature to be set. This avoids over-cooling or over-heating and saves energy. With intelligent power monitoring, malfunctions of any electrical devices can be easily detected.
Great stress is laid on the role of security systems. Intelligent entry control devices can effectively control any unauthorized entry. Dome type camera which has a wider view can be installed in corridors and in other common areas to keep a watch on
larger areas.
Intelligent building is a sustainable solution to increasing energy crisis and rising health problems. Intelligent buildings are fast catching up in the developed countries, and going by the present trend, it will be quite some time before it comes into serious contention in India.
Watch a video Intelligent Homes in India
