Energy consumption optimization and self-powered environmental monitoring design for low-carbon smart buildings

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how integrating BIM, photovoltaic systems, and sensor technology can significantly reduce energy consumption and enable self-powered environmental monitoring in low-carbon smart buildings, exemplified by a case study in China.

Contribution

It introduces a BIM-based approach combined with solar technology for energy optimization and self-powered environmental monitoring in smart buildings, which is underexplored in current research.

Findings

40.68% reduction in annual energy consumption

36.59% decrease in lighting energy use

7.46-year payback period for rooftop PV system

Abstract

Despite the growing emphasis on intelligent buildings as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development, significant energy inefficiencies persist due to suboptimal design, material choices, and user behavior. The applicability of integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) and solarpowered environmental monitoring systems for energy optimization in low-carbon smart buildings remains underexplored. Can BIM-driven design improvements, combined with photovoltaic systems, achieve substantial energy savings while enabling self-powered environmental monitoring? This study conducts a case analysis on a retrofitted primary school building in Guangdong, China, utilizing BIM-based energy simulations, material optimization, and solar technology integration. The outcomes reveal that the proposed approach reduced annual energy consumption by 40.68%, with lighting energy use decreasing by 36.59%. A rooftop photovoltaic system demonstrated a payback period of 7.46 years while powering environmental sensors autonomously. Hardware system integrates sensors and an ARDUINO-based controller to detect environmental factors like rainfall, temperature, and air quality. It is powered by a 6W solar panel and a 2200 mAh/7.4 V lithium battery to ensure stable operation. This study underscores the potential of BIM and solar energy integration to transform traditional buildings into energy-efficient, self-sustaining smart structures. Further research can expand the scalability of these methods across diverse climates and building typologies.