Feature Intelligent Automation And Analytics


Beyond basic occupancy detection, radar-based systems enable a new level of building intelligence and automation. The high- fidelity occupancy data can be used to create detailed heatmaps across a building over time and can enable building management systems to automatically adjust temperature and ventilation for optimal comfort and efficiency, triggering smart building actions like turning on lobby signage when someone approaches, detecting unusual patterns that may indicate security issues or medical emergencies and inform space planning and resource allocation decisions.


These systems have the ability to log all occupancy data, allowing for robust analytics and reporting on the use of different rooms or areas of a building, pedestrian traffic patterns within the building, dwell times and more. This wealth of data gives facilities managers unprecedented insight into how their buildings are actually being used.


Privacy And Ethical Considerations


Any discussion of advanced occupancy sensing must address privacy concerns. It is important to note that radar systems do not capture identifying personal information - they simply detects the presence and location of humans, not who they are.


To further avoid these privacy concerns, the radar system should operate on a separate, isolated network and not integrate with other building systems that may contain personal data. Facilities managers must carefully consider how they use and potentially combine occupancy data with other sources to avoid issues of privacy and GDPR.


There are also ethical considerations around how granular occupancy data is used. For example, monitoring how often employees leave their desks or use the toilet would be seen as invasive. Organisations need clear policies on data usage, retention and access. When properly implemented with privacy safeguards, most occupants should find the system’s benefits outweigh their concerns. The enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability of the building environment are welcomed.


Considerations


For facilities managers interested in deploying this technology, several key considerations come into play. A site survey is required to determine optimal sensor placement and coverage. Typical installations use three sensors per room, with additional sensors for bathrooms or larger spaces.


Radar systems require a dedicated, isolated network for security and reliability and ethernet cabling to each sensor will be required . Sensors are installed in the upper corners of rooms to ensure the best coverage. In secure environments, wiring may need to be concealed in walls or ceilings. The control system can often integrate with existing building management systems via standard protocols such as MQTT or HTTPS. User interfaces typically include a floor plan viewed on one or more large monitors showing real-time occupancy.


The precision occupancy detection enabled by radar sensors allows for much more granular and responsive control of building systems. Energy waste from over-lit or over-conditioned unoccupied spaces can be virtually eliminated.


Some potential energy-saving applications include lighting only active corridors and stairwells, while keeping minimum safety lighting


in unoccupied areas, adjusting HVAC in real-


time based on the number of occupants and their locations in a space, powering down equipment, displays and other systems when areas are empty and optimising lift usage based on actual traffic patterns. While the exact savings will vary by facility, our projections indicate most buildings could reduce lighting and HVAC energy consumption by between 20 and 40 per cent compared to traditional occupancy-based controls.


Costs vary by installation size but are typically in the range of £300-500 per room for sensor hardware, plus you must take into account costs relating to installation planning and execution, telemetry server(s), PC(s) to run large monitors, and software licensing fees. While still an emerging technology, radar-based occupancy sensing is rapidly maturing, and we expect to see wider adoption over the next two to three years.


Looking ahead, we see radar occupancy sensing as a foundational technology for truly intelligent and sustainable buildings. As the


systems evolve, potential future capabilities include


detecting health emergencies by monitoring breathing and heart rates using highly sensitive accelerometers, enabling gesture- based control of building systems, and using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict occupancy patterns and proactively optimise building operations.


Combined with other emerging technologies like IoT sensors, AI and digital twins, high-precision occupancy data will be key to creating the efficient, comfortable and sustainable buildings of the future.


For facilities managers focused on boosting energy efficiency and sustainability, radar-based occupancy sensing presents a significant leap forward. The technology enables a new level of intelligent building control that optimises energy usage while enhancing occupant comfort and productivity. As we collectively work to reduce the massive carbon footprint of our built environment, these “proof of life” sensors may prove to be a vital tool in achieving our green building goals.


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