Sensor Systems for Complete Residential Energy Monitoring

A major challenge in assessing the effectiveness of energy conservation measures in buildings is conveying real-time information about energy consumption by particular end-use to occupants. Advances needed to address this challenge for commercial success include making these components inexpensive, easy to install and operate, and supportive of intuitive decision making about energy usage. The gap related to ease of installation is especially evident for sensors used to monitor residential infrastructure, such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and air conditioners. To address cost, TIAX proposes to use cost as an independent variable to develop a sensor suite and communication system at a price point that will permit a 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 while monitoring the energy usage of specific end-use devices and providing feedback to the user.