OptoControl - Modern sensor systems for energy conservation in buildings

Status

ongoing

Summary

Over the last few decades great effort has been made to decrease the energy consumption of modern buildings in order to lower CO2 emissions and to ensure the future energy supply. The necessary efficiency of modern energy-self-sufficient buildings can only be achieved with intelligent control of the key parameters, especially with regard to the individual designs and the long lifetime of buildings. Is the thermal insulation reduced due to penetrating water? Is the silicon seal of the windows still ok? Has somebody forgotten to close a window in the basement?

The main focus of the project is the adaptation of optical sensor concepts for application in building technology. A large number of parameters can be measured with optical sensors, including temperature, humidity, CO2, O2, CH4, pH-value, etc. They can be realized as fiber-optics and possess several advantages like tiny size, multi-detection with one sensor spot, sturdiness to environmental impacts and high corrosion resistance.

The actual sensor spot is placed on the tip of a thin glass fiber. Through utilization of the electrical wiring system these fiber-optics can survey important parameters at key spots in a building, minimizing energy loss over the lifetime.

The main topic of the project is the adaptation of optical sensor concepts for application in building technology with focus on the lifetime, easy installation and costs of the sensors. Based on the versatility and small size of these fiber-optics, the future goal is the development of a widespread intelligent sensor network controlling all aspects concerning the indoor climate, the energy efficiency and the safety of a modern energy-plus-building.

Project managemen

Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH

JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH - Materials
Dr. Christian Wolf
Franz-Pichler-Strasse 30
A-8160 Weiz, Austria
Tel.: +43 (316) 876-127-0
Fax: +43 (316) 876-934-01
Mail: christian.wolf@joanneum.at
Web: www.joanneum.at/en/materials.html