Nan-Wei Gong, Laura Ware, Steve Ray, Gary Ware, Brett Leida, Tim Ren, Phil London, Ashley Turza, David Way, Leon Glicksman, Joseph A. Paradiso

Abstract

We describe the design and implementation of a dense, low-power wireless sensor network for fine-grained threedimensional thermal characterization of a large open indoor space. To better understand the airflow dynamics and ensuing energy efficiency potential of this type of modern architectural design, we developed a sustainable wireless mesh network consisting of 50 sensors hung on an array of thin cables in a 210 m2 , 14.2 m tall atrium for real-time temperature and humidity monitoring. The goal is to create compact wireless measurement sensor blocks for dense coverage in the building. We demonstrate the implementation through a preliminary analysis, which includes the evaluation of temperature distribution discrepancies with computer-simulated results and data taken during natural ventilation to illustrate the nontrivial, well-mixed temperatures observed during the studies.