Wireless Sensing and Control for HVAC Terminal Boxes
Investigators at PNNL in collaboration with manufacturers, building owners, and buildings operators have begun examining the potential benefits and applicability of wireless communication for monitoring and controlling the terminal boxes in HVAC systems. A large commercial building may have hundreds of terminal boxes. Operations and maintenance staff rarely inspect or service these units unless an occupant complaint can be directly attributed to failure of a box or a major space remodel is undertaken. This study focuses on determining whether wireless communications might be used to cost effectively monitor and control these units and provide significant energy savings. If warranted based on potential savings, DOE will undertake development of conceptual designs for these wireless monitoring and control systems.