Sensors and Automation
Embedding sensors in building systems to optimise functionality and minimise energy consumption
Developing efficient, reliable, and functional sensing systems that connect the critical environmental variables with building control systems by using AI algorithms to process data and signals from sensors to increase design efficiency.
Advances in the effective integration of sensing technologies into building environments including motion sensors, optical sensors, structural health monitoring and environmental sensors are transforming the built-environment by maximising energy efficiency, life cycle, and occupant productivity.
Moreover, the national economy, security, and health is also anchored in our built-environment, so there are limitless opportunities to develop innovative solutions in the supporting technologies. In particular, smart distributed sensors will be pivotal for the networked intelligence in emerging “smart cities” to capture and convey data and insight.
If you can't measure it, you can't manage it! To be able to control and manage our infrastructure efficiently, it is essential that we can measure all the key parameters with the accuracy and spatial resolution needed. Applying novel sensing technologies to building systems will allow dramatic improvements in functionality and energy efficiency.
Our approach
Our approach integrates a range of technologies for infrastructure monitoring and health prognosis to increase sustainability by reducing emission, resource consumption, and environmental impact, while maintaining occupant comfort by enhancing indoor environment quality (e.g. thermal, air quality, and lighting).
Research areas
- Embedded systems design
- Automated control and robotics
- Fibre optic sensing technology, radio sensing, radar imaging
- Sensors for smart structural health monitoring (SHM)
- Sensor design for building air flow and quality
- Advanced Machine Learning and data-driven predictions
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sensors and Automation cluster of the Smart Sustainable Building Network is actively working towards three of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
- Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
- Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Professor Simon Fleming, School of Physics
- Dr Ali Hadigheh, School of Civil Engineering, Smart Materials and Sustainable Structures
- Dr Zihuai Lin, School of Electrical & Information Engineering
- Prof Yonghui Li, School of Electrical and Information Engineering
- Prof Philip Heng Wai Leong, School of Electrical & Information Engineering
- A/Prof Nicholas Lawson, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Using fibre optic sensor and conventional aerodynamic sensor technology for air flow measurement and quality
- A/Prof Gregor Verbic, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Optimal scheduling of HVAC systems
- Prof Branka Vucetic, School of Electrical and Information Engineering
- Dr Chang Xu, School of Computer Science
- Prof Ollie Jay, Faculty of Medicine and Health
Ali Hadigheh
-
Room 311 School of Computer Science Building J12