A wireless sensor network prototype for post-occupancy troubleshooting of building systems

The correct commissioning of mechanical and electrical services is critical to new buildings’ performance, but there is seldom sufficient time available to complete this skilled-labour intensive task. Accumulated delays from the rest of the project eat into the available time and there can be little left to complete commissioning before the handover. No provision for post-occupancy commissioning would be made either. It is argued that the process would be improved if commissioning engineers had access to good monitoring data, but that the main building energy management system is seldom suitable for this purpose. The practicality and limitations of using a network of wireless sensors as a portable enhanced intensive monitoring regime are explored by constructing and testing a prototype system. On the basis of a deployment in a field trial, a number of design constraints are identified. However, results show the major potential of this approach in post-occupancy commissioning.