Concept of Intelligent and Smart Building - Coursework Example

Topic: Designing a Modern Home – Services Introduction: This work focuses on those services which are well installed in a modern home. With thehelp of all mentioned services you can simply turn your home according to your dreams. All the services mentioned here are easily accessible as well as affordable to all. Furthermore, these are helpful to fulfill all your requirements. In this coursework, I will explain conventional Hot and Cold water Domestic systems with diagrams as well as pipe sizes and fittings. All the systems mentioned here are not only well suited for domestic use but they are equally helpful if you are associated with any business and wish to run it accordingly. These systems are easy to install and will serve you better. However, remember they are not designed for big and high scale industries. This designing of services is just for a multi storey building where homemakers want to install such systems that can fulfill their domestic as well as small scale business requirements. In this coursework I will also explain the working and design of traditional central heating system. Moreover, I will also explain separate and combined drainage layouts with the help of diagrams. Various methods of sewage treatments are also included to prevent water pollution and risks associated to it. As contaminated wastes and poisonous substances of homes, working places and industries pollute the water that further give rise to many ailments. To minimize such risk sewage treatments are discussed here. In the last part the evolution of smart and intelligent building concept is discussed. Alternative means of energy that can be achieved easily are also mentioned as well as some more ways to deal with wastes are also discussed. Hope this coursework will better serve you and fulfill all your needs in building and construction of modern home requirements. There is a variety of hot water domestic system available in the market for domestic use. These systems are most often used in flats and houses and known as domestic hot water systems. There are many systems according to the requirements and availability of water. Some of these are as under, Conventional hot water system that has a large tank at the upper floor of house or flat plus a hot water container Combi Boilers Unvented system Heat Stores or Banks Solar System Gas Heaters Let us discuss the conventional hot water system in detail Design of Conventional Hot Water Domestic System First of all decide the requirement of hot water. This involves the temperature and quantity of water required. Now select the kind of heat exchanger according to the capacity of water required. Select the boiler and carefully decide the pipe sizes and scheme. Hot water system usually offers 50ºC to 60ºC temperature of water to the consumers at domestic level. However, this is suitable choice if you only wish to use a system for domestic purpose. On the other hand if you wish to add something for professional purpose 65ºC temperature will be more appropriate. It is very easy to store hot water in large tanks. Mostly this water is used and supplied by mixing it with cold water. However, several occupants with their consumption habits depend on the quantity of water required. Boiler Always select the most suitable boiler according to your requirements. The best way is to consider catalogue for that purpose. A formula is listed here to get the best rating for boiler. Boiler rating is equal to heating ability of calorifier plus safety margin that is normally 10 to 20%. Conventional Cold Water Domestic system At domestic level, cold water is usually stored in tanks and then used. Cold water from the main supply is allowed to pass through pressure gauge and is collected in expansion tank from municipal system. The water from this system is pumped to different zones. The other ends of the pipes are connected to shut off valves to allow the water to flow in one direction only to avoid any inconvenience. Hot & Cold water pipes: Fitting and sizing Maximum flow of volume through pipes, types of pipes and number of fittings is determined according to the demand of consumer. Here is a table that describes different dimensions of cold and hot water pipes. Furthermore, it tells the maximum amount of draw off through a pipe. This table is especially designed and calculated by professionals and constructors keeping in view all essential considerations. Nominal bore of pipe Maximum number of draw offs served Flow pipes Return pipes in Steel pipe (mm) Copper pipe (mm) Head up to 20 m (70 ft) Head over 20 m (70 ft) 1/2 15 15 1 1 - 2 1 - 8 3/4 20 22 2 - 4 3 - 9 9 - 29 1 25 28 5 - 8 10 - 19 30 - 66 1 1/4 32 35 9 - 24 20 - 49 67 - 169 1 1/2 40 42 25 - 49 50 - 79 170 - 350 2 50 54 50 - 99 80 - 153 2 1/2 65 67 100 - 200 154 - 300 Source: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/hot-cold-water-pipe-sizes-d_83.html Source: http://www.radiantcompany.com/images/muni.gif Traditional Central Heating System While designing a home there are several significant considerations that should be made intelligently especially when we talk about services. I personally advise you that always try to make any decision keeping in mind all important aspects because you should remember services can not be altered and replaced like interiors. If we talk about traditional central heating system that how it really works and is designed then first we should know about it’s over all structure and working so that we can better understand its designing and fitting. Traditional central heating system, basically, composed of three important parts. These generally include inter connecting pipes, boiler and radiators. If we talk about its functioning, boiler helps to heat water which is then circulated through the pipes by a pump and finally radiators help to return water back into the boiler. These three vital components are arranged in a number of ways. Moreover, each and every system within a central heating system has its own pros and cons. Here I am going to explain you the most used central heating system that is ‘The boiler’. This system is widely used at domestic level. Moreover, if you wish to run a small business as well in a plaza or building, then remember this will be the best available choice for you and your building. As far as this system is concerned, two main arrangements are most often used. The first one is open vented systems and later is sealed systems. Open vented systems It is a good choice for your home that also works very well. It is usually used at that scale where hot water is stored in cylinders. This means it is a popular choice for domestic use. This system runs at natural atmospheric pressure. Usually, the tank is fitted all above the system, mostly in attics. A ball valve is also fitted in a tank to replace any loss of water that may happen due to evaporation. This tank also offers water the ability to expand within the system when heated. Ball valve is usually set at the bottom so that no over flow can cause while water expands. Furthermore tank also allows water to vent from system up to a vent pipe that has ability to recover it. This vent pipe is joined near boiler and bent over tank. Source: http://www.diydata.com/planning/central_heating/boiler.php Sealed system This system does not run at natural atmospheric pressure but it runs one bar above than that. A loop is filled from main water supply to create required pressure. This loop is connected to the system. A cork is also used that stops the water and allows required pressure. However, once the system is pressurized, it should retain the pressure otherwise there may cause leakage in the system. However, a safety valve is also incorporated to ensure security otherwise pressure may cause serious damage to the system. This valve helps to emit and escape the pressure to atmosphere. Remember excess pressure only occurs if there is some fault or error in the system. This system is also used in many hard water areas where different devices are used to add softness to water. These softening devices help to minimize the risk of any build up in total arrangement. A number of boilers are designed according to this system. Moreover, vessels, valves, pressure gauges and controls are available easily in a single casing for consumers’ convenience. You can also purchase separate components for customized systems. An important consideration is that not all boilers are well matched with sealed system. For that system specially manufactured boilers should be installed with special technical designs according to the purpose. After that I am going to describe drainage systems because currently, water pollution is a great problem especially for those areas where industrial units are present. So, in order to prevent pollution related to water and marine life it is very essential to have a good knowledge about drainage layout. Source: http://www.diydata.com/planning/central_heating/boiler.php Drainage Layouts Basically there are two main types of drainage systems. These include separate drainage layout and combined system. Sometimes, partially combined layouts are also used. Here I am describing each of these systems with diagrams to present a complete picture of these systems. This will also help you to understand the divergence between them. Separate Drainage system is composed of two drains. One drain stores foul water whereas the other drain is used for surface water. Foul water means polluted water that is filled with contaminants and noxious substances. This water is also referred as sewage which is composed of all industrial and domestic wastes. On the other hand, the second drain that is for surface water carries all uncontaminated, pure and clean rain water. This rain water directly enters or goes into the main water course. In this system it is important to fit gullies to the water pipes that are fitted for discharge of foul water. In this layout these pipes do not serve as ventilation pipes. Source: http://www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/images/sewage/separate.jpg Combined Drainage This drainage system is combined with single drain. This drain carries both surface and foul water for sewage treatment. It is very essential to ventilate this system throughout. This will help to discharge foul gases into the air. Moreover, in this drainage layout it is important to fit trapped gullies with water seal. There are some terrains where ground is not leveled. In such areas drainage systems are difficult or sometimes impossible to install. So, soakaway is another option that is suitable for rough terrains. Source: http://www.winnipeg.ca/WaterandWaste/images/sewage/combined.jpg Soakaway It is a kind of device that is used to infiltrate water. This is in a shape of well or a hole in the ground that helps to loose water rather than collecting it. These Soakaways are essential component in urban drainage systems. This is especially designed to collect storm water. An important thing to remember is that these do not work well on heavy soils. For example if you want to dig a soakaway in your garden to avoid water logging then you may get disappointed. There are two important factors that must be considered while digging a soakaway. The first and foremost consideration is the volume of water that is required to be drained or the depth or deepness of water table. Water table is very essentials to consider. Always remember that water table usually rises in winter days and goes down during dried months. Soakaway also does not work well in those areas that are highly water logged. In such areas soakaway cannot work well and acts like a small pond that remains fill with water all the time. So, before having a soakaway always consider that where this extra water will go. In highly logged areas soil is not able to absorb this water. Soakaway is practicable in those areas where water table is low. So, before creating a soakaway always consider the site whether it is suitable or not for a soakaway. Suitable Site Choice for a Soakaway As already mentioned site is always important for a soakaway. There are some guidelines in this regard. Soakaway spot should be always lower in relation to area that is being drained. It must be 5m away from the building to prevent any weakness and destruction for building’s foundation and to avoid any risk of pollutants. Base of soakaway should be above water table. Size of a Soakaway After finalizing the site, the next step is to carefully calculate the size of soakaway. There are number of calculations used in this regard. However, here we will discuss the mostly used formula. Volume= (Area × Rain fall rate ÷ 3000) This formula basically states that volume of a soakaway is equal to area that is required to be drained and then multiply by the product of rainstorm rate and finally divided by 3000. I want to explain this equation assuming 50mm/hour rainfall rate in UK and area required to be drained is 60m² Hence, Volume= (Area × Rain fall rate ÷ 3000) Volume= 60 × (50/ 3000) 1m³ 1m³ is the storage capacity that is required between soakaway base or water table and the drainage pipe. Further assume that chamber is not overflowing with concrete lumps, bricks etc. These wastes are mostly found in old Soakaways. On the other hand if the chamber would be filled with stones and other stuff like that then its holding capacity will be reduced. So, in such cases bigger chambers will be required to construct. In industrial projects or relatively bigger projects, large diameter Soakaways are required that may be up to 6m³. Their installation always required heavy machinery with skilled and professional experts. You can consult with your local builders for all available sizes and prices of these Soakaways. Maintenance Soakaway does not require any special maintenance. However, it would be a good idea to check once in a month that if there is any contamination or silting. Moreover, sometimes it happens that a soakaway stop functioning. This usually happens because of mud and silt clogging. A helpful remedy in this regard is that just dig up the structure and reconstructs it from scratch. Now, here I am explaining different ways through which sewage can be treated easily. Ways of Sewage Treatments Sewage refers to waste water. Sewage treatment is a method of eliminating noxious waste from water. This process includes chemical, biological and physical methods to eliminate contaminants. The main objective behind this process is to eradicate waste that can be reused. Actually sewage is a mixture of many poisonous inorganic and organic compounds that are harmful for human being and that must be treated. However, it is not true that these harmful wastes are present only in oceans and rivers near industrial plants. These can be created in tanks, boilers and other systems used at domestic level or commercially. So, they can be treated in these areas. Generally, it is collected and transferred with a framework of pipes that dump it into municipal plant. Sewage treatment basically comes in local or state regulations. Specialized processes are used at industrial levels. If we talk about different ways that can help to treat sewage then we will find three stages in this regard. Primary, secondary and tertiary stages of treatment. These three stages are very essential to understand and they will help you to treat sewage efficiently. However, before going through these processes, there are some more measures keeping in mind. Besides the measures I will also highlight some sewage treatments that can help you at domestic level as required in this coursework. Some industrial level procedures will be described as well keeping in mind publishing and printing business as required here. Pre-treatment Method Pre-treatment is an easy method that can help to prevent further clogging and any blockage in skimmers and pumps. In this way left over material is properly collected before it further causes any obstruction in pipes and pumps. Screening It is another choice to remove left over things. It is an easy approach. You can simply use this method at homes. Water is properly strained to confiscate all material that may go otherwise in sewage streams or drains causing them clog or block. This method of sewage treatment is often used in big or small industrial plants that serve a great population. Mostly, in big plants and scales a mechanically automated bar screen is used. However, if you want to put in practice this system at low scale or in a small plant, you can simply go with a manually cleaned screen. So, all the solid materials that are collected through this process are further disposed off in landfill or pits. Grit or Sand Removal In this process velocity of flowing water is carefully controlled that allows grit, stones and sand to settle down. Primary Treatment In this way of sewage treatment, sewage runs through big tanks. These tanks are commonly known as Primary Clarifiers or Sedimentation tanks. These tanks are so large and have capacity to settle the sludge at the bottom. Oil and grease can easily rise while floating and can be skimmed. Generally, the main objective behind this process is to produce homogenous liquid at one hand as well as sludge at the other. Liquid can be further treated biologically whereas sludge can be processed further. Secondary Treatment This treatment is used to degrade biological substances of sewage that are derived from food waste, human waste, detergent and soaps. This method is most often used by municipal treatment plants. Secondary treatment is further classified into fixed fill or suspended growth. However, whatever the process may be, the final objective is to degrade biological content in water. Activated Sludge Generally, these plants have various mechanisms. In this process biological floc is growing with specific methods that further eliminate organic matter. Surface Aerated basins Industrial sewage is most often treated with this method. This process is a blend of oxygen and microbial action. 80% or more biological and chemical compounds are eliminated with this process. Basins that store the waste have usually depth ranging 2.0 to 5.0 meters. Motors are installed for proper working. Oxidizing Beds Filter beds are also known as oxidizing beds. In this process sewage is settled and spread on the surface of bed that is made of carbonized coal and lime stone chips. In that bed sewage is spread and distributed. From this distributed sewage liquid trickles down and is collected into drains that are at the base of this plant. Biological films of protozoa, fungi and bacteria are produced on the surface of the bed. Remember; never try to overload this bed because its increased load can cause thickness of biological film that will further lead into clogging and blockage of filter. Membrane Bioreactors If you want to operate this process as sewage treatment in your building then it may cost you higher but remember this method is now extensively used and technology is gaining popularity day by day. Throughout industrial units, whether small or big, this treatment has increased its popularity. This system helps to produce high quality waste product. This system combines stimulated sludge or mud treatment with membrane that facilitates liquid solid separation. Low pressured micro filtration or ultra micro filtration membranes are used that eradicates any further need of tertiary filtration. This system sufficiently overcomes those limitations that are mostly connected with conventional sludge processes. Tertiary Treatment The main purpose of these treatments is to treat waste and runoff finally before discharging it in sea, lake, river or ground. Multiple processes can be used at a time. Filtration Remaining suspended material can be removed by sand filtration and residual poisons can be removed by filtration over stimulated carbon. Lagooning In this process biological material is settled in man made lagoons and ponds. This provides biological improvement. Lagoons are extremely aerobic. Concept of Intelligent and Smart Building After explaining all details regarding the services of a modern home, I think it is essential to explain the concept of intelligent and smart building. In order to describe the concept and principle of intelligent and smart building, it is very important to understand all those issues that are related with various technologies which may be advance machinery or equipment that further contribute in smart construction. You should always require focusing on various important aspects that will further lead you into smart building. It is required that architecture should be monitored with great care. While incorporating any sub system to the building, pay proper attention. Moreover, manage the construction and describe some solutions that can further help you at institutional and residential level. Transformation Process in Construction The concept of Smart and Intelligent building basically involves a relation of building with other businesses that are associated with its construction process. These associated dealing and businesses include several other people like architects, engineers, users, managers and owners. All these people come in contact and manage together to make any construction not only possible but also successful. Here I am going to explain you briefly about this concept that has been changed with the passage of time. Buildings have been constructed in different ways according to the demands, requirements and technologies available in different eras. In the end of last century and beginning of this century, buildings evolved at strong rate. Roughly, we can identify three periods on the basis of construction and technologies recruited in different eras to explain the evolution of smart building according to human needs. Construction before Twenties In the early stage of last century, buildings were mostly constructed with wood, bricks and rocks having static structures. There were no advancement and technologies that can be employed within the structure. Construction Till 1950s In the beginning of 20th century, cement was introduced in construction and building. Electric equipments, machines and motors were also used in new constructions. Construction after 1950s After 1945, much development took place. Construction systems became more advanced with the evolution of several new and refined technologies. Residential constructions also became advance using multi technologies. Moreover, as far as companies and institutions are concerned, special attention was given to all essential equipments keeping in mind institutions’ and individuals’ needs. If we talk about construction of any big institution, we will see in that period walls, pavements and roofs were developed according to space available and goals achieved. Moreover, open and wide spaces became more common for smooth traffic flow. In the late period of last century, automatic communication systems became so common and popular and demand has continuously risen at great pace. New systems and rising technologies regarding construction offer great convenience, flexibility as well as complexity. Various monitoring and control strategies have been developed and implemented. So, all these technologies associate directly with advancement and improvement in construction and building. The electronic items also gained great popularity at that time. A study in USA estimated that in nineties, construction acquisition or attainment cost was the biggest expenditure for an enterprise. Before any further explanation, it is essential to mention that maintenance costs should be managed efficiently. So, it is compulsory that the infrastructure should be planned, managed and maintained. The evolution of technologies and change in society led into smart and intelligent building concept. Three Phases associated with Intelligent Building Concept Automated Buildings Responsible Buildings Effective Building Automated Buildings had innovative and new technologies and these were popular till eighties. In late eighties and the beginning of nineties, responsible buildings gained popularity that involved a great collection of diversified technologies. These constructions were thought to bring organizational change. The third phase more emphasized on effective building. These constructions also support business goals, with sufficient space and management. Technology is used as a tool or an equipment to support various goals. Advance communication infrastructure was also developed properly. Green Construction: A Rising Trend Currently, a new smart construction is put forward and this is green construction and building concept. The basic motive behind this concept is to protect the environment and balance various agents playing their role. For example various building concepts bring exploitation for the surroundings. However, in my personal opinion green concept of building involves work places that are healthy with well matched furniture according to function performed. Furthermore, the recycling process is also better as compared to others. Ventilation and lightning is also better because of natural foundations of the concept. The last but not the least, it lowers the risk of environmental shocks. In the last part of this course work, I am describing some alternative means of providing energy as well as some waste treatments briefly, Some Alternative Means of Providing Energy Geothermal energy is basically achieved by exploiting energy from earth. Geothermal Heat Pump is a central heating system that draws heat from the ground. The earth is used as a source of heat. This system is especially helpful if you want to reduce the costs of cooling and heating systems. The pumps used in this system are also called sometimes as geo exchange, earth energy etc. However, geo exchange is the most widely used name in scientific and technical communities. Geothermal heating uses geothermal power for heating purposes. Many countries are extensively using this process. Solar power Solar power helps in many ways. At domestic level or small industrial scale, you can simply use this method to turn on lights, lamps and bulbs. To obtain energy from solar power there are certain factors to consider. You should have a solar panel, a battery, a solar charge controller and DC lights. These things are very essential if you want to turn on your lights. The working of this system depends on these components. First of all solar panel gives or produces current that further helps to charge controller. This controller charges battery and lights get power from this battery. Wind power If you want to generate energy comparatively at low cost then wind power energy is the best option same as solar energy. This system is actually based on windmills, generators and turbines which run with the help of wind. This system has many advantages as well as disadvantages. An important concern about this system is that when there will be no wind it means no power generation. This is also same in solar power generation. If there is no sun it means no solar power to generate. A hybrid system can also be developed with these two systems. Electric generators are usually used to run these hybrid systems. These generators store energy that can be used later on in case wind or sun is not present. These generators work same as batteries do. However, fuel is required to run these generators. This fuel can be gasoline, diesel or propane. It is up to your choice that which type of fuel you wish to use for proper working of your generator. Before acquiring any system, it is very essential to carefully calculate your requirements of power generation. If you just wish to produce energy for domestic purposes then you have to produce relatively small amount of energy. On the other hand if you are running a side business in your home then the requirement may rise up to specific level. You should need to consider all the systems working within one unit of your home. Moreover, people and workers are also required to consider that solar and wind system can be so costly. So, try to go through with simple installation methods that can serve you better. If you really wish to cut off your bill then these systems are best available choices. Sea/wave power generation This means of power generation is basically related with capturing of energy from huge and strong waves that are further used to produce energy. This mean of generating power is not a new phenomenon. However, still, it is not widely practiced technology. Tidal power generation This is also known as tidal energy and it is a kind of hydro power generation. In this method of power generation energy drawing from tides is converted into electricity or many other helpful forms of electricity. This is also not a widely used mean. However, it can be estimated that this mean of power generation may help in near future. Important benefit of tidal power generation as compared to wind and solar means is that tides are comparatively more predictable. How to deal with waste? Everyday all living especially human beings generate a great amount of waste that can be dumped in pits or processed. Each and every task around us from preparing a meal to manufacture a car requires a great deal of work and careful processing that further results in the production of waste chemicals and other materials. So, waste always requires disposing off properly and efficiently to prevent harm and diseases associated with them. Otherwise they may cause serious threats to human life. This is the basic reason why several waste management companies are working all around and treatment procedures are developed to treat waste material. Here I am going to explain briefly some more methods in this regard. Reed Beds: A Manure Dealing Method Different types of treatments are used to cope with the issue of sewage. In European countries reed bed sewage treatment system is extensively installed and designed since 1986 to deal with many poisonous and polluted substances. This system is very popular and gaining importance and many water companies are using this treatment system successfully. Treatment of sewage with the help of this system is very easy and simple. Generally, the common reed has an ability to transport oxygen from leaves to stem and finally into root system (rhizosphere). This action further results in the growth of micro organisms that develops in rhizosphere. Different conditions affect this growth like anoxic, anaerobic and aerobic conditions. All these conditions result in slow motion of waste water. In this way the liquid can be easily treated. This method resembles in many ways with biological filter bed system that is also used for sewage treatment. Vertical and horizontal beds are both available. This refers to the flow of waste that can be vertical or horizontal. 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