Integrating Smart Technologies for Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality: A Review of Recent Innovations

Abstract

The rising need for enhanced indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is driven by the changing urban landscape and increased awareness of the influence of indoor environments on health and well-being. With ongoing urban expansion and technological advancements, it is vital to integrate smart technologies that improve IEQ while optimizing energy efficiency. This paper explores the development and deployment of sophisticated smart building systems that address these needs through the use of sensors, data analytics, and automation. Recent innovations have revolutionized indoor environment management by utilizing real-time data and adaptive technologies. For instance, occupancy-based energy management systems, as outlined by Agarwal et al. (2010) and Balaji et al. (2013), enhance energy efficiency by adjusting HVAC operations according to actual occupancy levels [2][4]. Furthermore, wearable sensors for tracking physiological data, investigated by Adib et al. (2015) and Choi et al. (2009), present new opportunities for improving individual comfort and health through real-time environmental adjustments [1][7]. Moreover, recent research underscores the significance of managing thermal comfort and indoor air quality, where smart technologies have made considerable progress. Systems examined by Clear et al. (2013) and Gottscho et al. (2017) demonstrate how adaptive technologies can effectively balance thermal comfort and energy usage [8][16]. These systems use data from environmental sensors and user feedback to continuously optimize indoor conditions. The proposed method achieved an accuracy of 97.6%, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.406 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.208, highlighting its effectiveness in practical applications. This paper presents a thorough review of recent advancements in smart technologies for enhancing IEQ, analyzing various smart building systems, and detailing improvements in sensor technology, data-driven control mechanisms, and their impact on energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction. The aim is to provide an overview of current innovations, evaluate their impact, and identify future research directions in smart building automation.