Intelligent building is the future of our building industry; all
commercial, residential, industrial and institutional buildings will be
designed towards the goal of `intelligent buildings'. The most
important aspect of an intelligent building is the building systems,
such as electrical services, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
systems, vertical transportation systems, and life safety systems, which
must operate intelligently and efficiently to enhance the activities of
the occupants. Intelligent Building Systems explains what already
exists in a modern intelligent building and describes what is currently
being developed by researchers to improve human comfort, working
efficiency and energy performance for buildings in the 21st century.
Intelligent Building Systems is divided into three parts. The first
part gives a quick review of the structure, terminology, layout and
operating principles of most standard modern building systems. The
second part introduces the background material necessary to understand
intelligent building systems, including information on electronics
technology, fundamental mathematics, and techniques in artificial
intelligence and signal processing. These first two parts are the
foundation for the final part, which consists of research works carried
out by the authors and other researchers in the application of
artificial intelligence to building systems. The technologies presented
will encourage readers to envision new and innovative ideas on possible
future applications.
Intelligent Building Systems is relevant to practitioners and
researchers in the area of architectural science and engineering,
electrical and mechanical services and intelligent buildings. It may
also be used as a text for advanced courses on the topic.