Clifford C. Federspiel

How Ambient Intelligence will Improve Habitability and Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Ambient intelligence has the potential to profoundly affect future building operations. Recent breakthroughs in wireless sensor network technology will permit, (1) highly flexible location of sensors and actuators, (2) increased numbers and types of sensors informing more highly distributed control systems, (3) occupants’ involvement in control loops, (4) demand responsive electricity management, (5) integration among now-separate building systems, and (6) the adoption of mixed-mode and other new types of air conditioning systems that require more sensor information to operate efficiently. This chapter describes the issues with current building automation technology, assesses how some applications of wireless sensor technology can increase the quality of control and improve energy efficiency, and suggests opportunities for future development.

Pulsed type ultrasonic anemometer based on a double FFT procedure

A signal processing algorithm for a pulsed type ultrasonic anemometer is described. The measurement principle is based on the linear relationship between the inverse transit time difference (TTD) and air velocity. The algorithm uses two phases of fast fourier transforms (FFTs). Computer simulations demonstrate the high performance of this algorithm. Its advantages over other pulsed type algorithm are discussed.