Smart IoT control solution for personalized indoor environment management

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, implementation, and validation of an innovative IoT-based solution to enhance HVAC performance in office environments, particularly focusing on the Nordic region. Traditional HVAC systems often face challenges such as energy inefficiency and poor thermal comfort. By integrating IoT technology, this thesis aims to address these issues through real-time monitoring and adaptive control of indoor climate parameters.

This enhanced system integrates various hardware components, including Netatmo weather stations and a specially designed control, IoT device to gather and process environmental data. Software integration through Node-RED facilitates seamless communication between these devices and the smart HVAC unit, enabling dynamic adjustments based on user inputs and predefined algorithms of the smart HVAC unit.

A key contribution of this thesis is the design of an intuitive user interface that enables smooth interaction with the smart HVAC system. A voting mechanism is also implemented to address the varying comfort preferences of multiple occupants ensuring a balance between personal comfort and energy efficiency.

This system prioritises energy efficiency through optimised operations and user preference aggregation. Its scalable architecture enables easy deployment across multiple rooms, showcasing the potential for broader applications and inter-device communication within smart buildings.

This thesis demonstrates the potential of IoT-based HVAC systems to substantially improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency in office settings. Practical implications and lessons learned from real-world case studies are discussed, offering valuable guidance for future implementations. This research contributes to advancing smart building technologies, providing a sustainable solution for modern office climate control.