Integrated Construction and Energy Management System for Affordable Housing in Fort McMurray
PhD Students: Tanzia Sharmin & Xinming (Sherry) Li
Research Engineer: Ahmad Alrifai
Partner Companies: Integrated Management & Realty, Cormode & Dickson, TLJ Consultants, Hydraft Development Services
Time Period: May 2011 - April 2015
Summary: This project involves energy management during the occupancy phase for a 106,600 sq ft multi-family residential facility in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. This facility comprises two 4-storey buildings constructed out of wood-framed modules. These modules were prefabricated in Lethbridge, Alberta, then transported to the site for installation. All other construction activities, such as site services and foundation, were carried out on site while the modules were being fabricated and transported.
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Phase 1: Construction
Lethbridge Factory
Fort McMurray Site
Phase 2: Energy Management
Heating
Sensor-Based Monitering and Control
The suites contain sensing devices to monitor indoor air quality, water temperature, water usage, electrical usage and heat transfer through the building envelope. The information is sent to the management system, which in turns sends the data to the research team's server for analysis. The objective of this research is to optimize the integrated energy management system based on the occupant energy usage data.