Sensor Systems for Complete Residential Energy Monitoring

In Phase 1, TIAX developed and demonstrated a residential energy monitoring system (R-EMS) with potential national energy savings of $20 billion annually. Based on user requirements and well-established systems engineering methodology, TIAX’s R-EMS solution is inexpensive, easy to install and operate, and is supportive of intuitive decision making about energy usage. In Phase 2, TIAX will extend these accomplishments by further refining our Phase 1 system to enable internet access to a homeowner’s energy usage data through a simple, yet powerful user interface. Working with industry partners, our goal is to have a product in the marketplace within 24 months of the initiation of Phase 2. This is achievable given the rapidity of technology development and the U.S. consumers’ interest in saving money and adopting technologies. To address cost, TIAX will use cost as an independent variable to develop a sensor suite and communication system at a price point that will permit a less than three-year payback for the average consumer. Furthermore, TIAX will use a human-centric design methodology to develop a system that is easy to install and operate.