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Methodological approach

Continuous monitoring of environmental biophysical parameters is the sensory infrastructure of the wellness-oriented smart building. A distributed network of low-energy wireless sensors monitors parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, CO₂ concentration, VOCs, gases, illuminance, noise, presence, spatial arrangement, etc. in real time. The approach involves the implementation of building “digital twins” that combine sensory data with predictive models to identify patterns, anomalies and correlations. Advanced visualization interfaces allow occupants to monitor environmental conditions through intuitive dashboards.
The circadian rhythms approach recognizes the importance of synchronization between the built environment and human biological rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, hormone production, and cognitive functions over a 24-hour period. Circadian design considers programmed changes in temperature, humidity, and especially lighting to support these natural rhythms. Lighting follows intensity and color temperature curves that mimic the daily solar cycle: cool light (5500-6500K) and intense in the morning to stimulate cortisol production and promote alertness, intermediate color temperature (4000-5000K) during the day, and warm light (2700-3000K) and less intense in the evening to facilitate melatonin production and prepare for sleep. More advanced systems also integrate ventilation and temperature variations, mimicking the natural nighttime thermal drop (1-2°C) that facilitates sleep induction, and can synchronize with wearable devices that monitor individual physiological parameters.
Global thermal comfort assessment through predictive algorithms represents an advanced approach that goes beyond simple air temperature measurement. The model evaluates some basic parameters: air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and metabolic rate estimation of occupants. Sophisticated algorithms also consider thermal adaptation (adaptive model) and individual differences, which can vary the perception of comfort by up to ±3°C among different people. Sensors distributed throughout the environment measure surface temperatures, radiant asymmetries, and localized discomforts, enabling timely adjustments to the thermal environment.

Innovative Technologies

Intelligent zonal HVAC systems represent the evolution of traditional air conditioning systems, dividing the building into independent microzones (up to single-room or sub-room resolution) with individualized control. Each zone is equipped with intelligent sensors and systems for radiant terminals and motorized dampers for aeraulic ducts. Predictive algorithms and machine learning are used to optimize system operation: by analyzing occupancy patterns, user preferences, and weather forecasts, it anticipates energy needs while minimizing consumption. More advanced systems integrate geolocation of occupants by adjusting optimal conditions in rooms.
Multifunctional environmental sensors represent the evolution of traditional monitoring devices, integrating in a single miniaturized device the ability to simultaneously detect numerous environmental parameters. Using advanced technologies and semiconductors, these sensors monitor temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, illuminance, noise, CO₂, VOCs, fine particulate matter PM2.5/PM10, gases, ozone, Nox, and biometric presence preseza.
Biomedical presence sensors represent the evolution of traditional motion detectors, integrating technologies that monitor use millimeter-wave radar to detect not only the presence and position of people, but also micromovements such as breathing and heartbeat. They are also used to detect possible falls of people in the monitored environment. Communication can be via low-power wireless protocols with long battery life or powered by implantation.
Biosignal tracking systems are represented by noninvasive wearable devices (wearables) that monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, cardiac variability (HRV), skin temperature, skin electrical conductance, respiratory rate and sleep quality. The more advanced devices also include ECG and some hemodynamic parameters (pulse, blood pressure, cardiac output, cardiac output, MAP - mean arterial pressure), blood gas levels (pH, PCO2, PO2, CO2, O2) and hemochemicals, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and erythrocyte count (RBC). These data are transmitted in real time to the intelligent system, which can adapt the environment to the detected physiological conditions: for example, reducing the temperature if an increase in body temperature is detected, modifying lighting based on stress levels, or alerting to abnormal patterns. Integration with voice assistants allows contextual commands such as “I'm cold” or “I'm tired,” which the system interprets based on the detected physiological parameters, tailoring the environmental response precisely.
Ultrasonic misting systems represent an advanced technology for precise control of ambient humidity, which is particularly important for respiratory comfort and prevention of mucosal irritation. These systems use piezoelectric transducers that vibrate at high frequency to fragment water into ultrafine droplets, creating a cool mist that evaporates quickly without wetting surfaces or materials. Compared with conventional humidifiers, they consume up to 80 percent less energy and are extremely accurate in regulating humidity. Some systems also include the ability to diffuse essential oils or negative ions, combining humidity control with therapeutic aromatization and air ionization for a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract and mental and physical well-being.