Prototype of a cyber-physical façade system

Jens Böke*, Ulrich Knaack, Marco Hemmerling

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)
62 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This research examines the technical feasibility of façades as cyber-physical systems, which can revolutionize former hierarchical and closed automation concepts of mechatronics through their cooperation of decentralized entities. While such systems are already employed in many application fields to increase the flexibility and performance of automated processes, a transfer to the operation of automated adaptive façades has not yet been investigated. In this study, a prototype is developed to systematically test the application of individual cyber-physical system criteria to façades. The prototype is organized in modules, each of which represents one instance of the selected façade functions of solar shading, natural and mechanical ventilation, and heating and cooling. The emphasis lies on development of a communication system that allows the functions to communicate and cooperate with each other. Evaluation of the prototype takes place in five independent case studies, in which the potential of the cyber-physical implementation is demonstrated by a successful system-internal cooperation. The study found that important aspects of cyber-physical systems, like their embedded control, the integration of actuators and sensor networks, implementation of a communication system and connection to a digital twin, are also feasible and promising in the façade domain.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101397
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Building Engineering
Volume31
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Adaptive façade
  • Building automation
  • Digital twin
  • Intelligent technical system
  • Machine-to-machine communication
  • MQTT

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