Building Performance
Smart Buildings
Sensors and IoT Devices for Smart Buildings
2 hours
to complete
Last updated 05/2025
About this course
This course is designed to equip facility managers, engineers, and technology professionals with essential knowledge of sensor technologies and IoT implementations for modern smart buildings. We will explore both fundamental sensing principles and advanced IoT applications, demonstrating how these technologies work together to create more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable building environments.
Taught by Slipstream's expert team of smart building specialists, you will gain practical insights into selecting, implementing, and optimizing various sensor types and IoT devices specifically for HVAC control systems and other building automation applications. The training combines theoretical knowledge with real-world case studies and field research, ensuring participants can immediately apply these concepts to improve building performance and reduce operational costs. Upon completion, you will possess the technical foundation needed to evaluate, specify, and implement smart building technologies that deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and operational effectiveness.
Taught by Slipstream's expert team of smart building specialists, you will gain practical insights into selecting, implementing, and optimizing various sensor types and IoT devices specifically for HVAC control systems and other building automation applications. The training combines theoretical knowledge with real-world case studies and field research, ensuring participants can immediately apply these concepts to improve building performance and reduce operational costs. Upon completion, you will possess the technical foundation needed to evaluate, specify, and implement smart building technologies that deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and operational effectiveness.
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
3 modules
2 hours to complete
1:25 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Sensors
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Sensors
This session gives an overview of common sensor types used in smart building applications, especially for building HVAC control applications. Purposes of these sensors and theories of sensing principles or operations are discussed. Sensor types covered include temperature and humidity sensors, air velocity sensors, water flow meters, light level sensors, indoor air quality sensors (CO2, VOC, PM), and occupancy sensors. Toward the end of the session, the IoT sensor concept will be introduced, and several IoT sensor examples will be given to illustrate their capabilities and advantage over traditional sensors.
- Sensors (44:47 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
IoT Devices
Module 2 • 2 assignments
IoT Devices
In this session, IoT devices for building applications are first defined and compared to IoT sensors. After briefly introducing the key features of smart thermostats, the discussion focuses on two examples of how IoT devices for commercial building application work: smart motors and smart valves. Smart motors are a motor system that consists of a high rotor switched reluctance motor (HR-SRM), motor controller, and remote monitoring kit. Smart motors save energy through more energy-efficient motors and the capability to convert constant-speed RTU to variable-speed RTU through intelligent motor speed control. Smart valves are pressure independent control valves (PICV) with on-board electronics that can accurately and stably control air handling unit (AHU) supply air temperature (SAT) via superior variable flow control. Field studies are included in both examples. At the end of the session, two other IoT devices are briefly discussed: smart pumps and smart vents.
- IoT Devices for Smart Buildings (40:52 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Authors
Slipstream creates, tests, delivers, and scales the next generation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that move us farther, faster toward a clean energy economy. Slipstream partners with utilities, local and state governments, regulatory agencies and other organizations to inspire new solutions to big energy challenges. With decades of experience...
Joe Zhou, PhD, PE, CEM
Director of Research and Innovation, Slipstream
Xiaohui “Joe” Zhou is a Director of Research and Innovation at Slipstream, headquartered in Madison, WI. Joe has 30+ years of experience in commercial building controls and his current areas of research focus on emerging technology field testing and verification. Before joining Slipstream, he worked for several organizations, including Iowa Energy Center and Johnson...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.
