Tools & Methods

Traditional HVAC systems are inefficient, excess energy usage of up to 30% per household. Systems are based on set point controls connected to centralised HVAC, ignoring the conditions of spaces, personal needs and forthcoming thermal demand, creating unnecessary costs, GHG emissions and unhealthy indoor conditions. . Systems fail to monitor the H&S standards, IEQ, and do not enable monitoring and decision making from end users in relation to health and welfare with repercussions on wellbeing.

The novelty of EHHS is the integration of disconnected technologies in one sole product with a unique value for money in terms of cost optimisation and indoor health standards assessments. EHHS integrates: 1) Connectivity via FiWare smart city architecture for IoT networks and building control systems (ventilation); 2) Predictive Energy+ simulations based on digital BIM/3D models; 3) Dynamic weather and occupant data (Digital Twins); and 4) Cloud microservices for scalability and interoperability.

EHHS is an integrated building control system delivering:

• Connectivity to control systems, IoT networks and HVAC devices
• Integration of hardware and software via cloud architecture using digital replicas (twins) of buildings
• Continuous monitoring and reporting of indoor health conditions;
• Dynamic prediction, optimisation and control for energy/cost savings based on the occupant needs
• Mobile interfaces for visualisation and control
• EU Health and Safety regulation monitoring

Impact

The tool will allow homes to meet European health and safety standards, will avoid intrusive audits, and monitor actions needed to deliver the welfare of the occupants. It will improve indoor air quality resulting in a decrease of 5% cases in respiratory diseases aggravated by bad indoor quality and will improve CO₂ saving by 22%. This will have a major impact in reducing premature mortality due to bad indoor air quality in housing heating.