Air Movement Efficiency Monitor

The Air Movement Efficiency Monitor is composed of small, inexpensive Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors, connected wirelessly to the Internet, and distributed through a building to measure pressure readings at key points. We consider this a “FitBit” for a building’s air-movement efficiency, employing many of the sensors used by a fitbit – temperature, humidity, acceleration. We expand on that concept and incorporate new emerging sensors from the drone and wearables industries, allowing our system to capture high-resolution absolute and differential pressure data, along with information from the fan shaft speed. These various sensors are deployed on a multi-sensor module and connected wirelessly to the system – exposing this previously hidden information at an affordable cost, with a small form factor and low power profile. This information is continuously monitored and can be used for a number of applications including: duct leakage, air balancing and fan efficiency measurement. The aggregated data is curated using flow network model simulations to calculate envelope leakage and duct leakage for the building, along with alerts or alarms to maintenance, building occupants or building managers. This “Performance” based approach to building efficiency provides a EM&V basis for more sustainable energy savings.