Building Performance Gap Analysis via Sensor Data Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces a significant 'energy performance gap' due to discrepancies between predicted and actual resource usage in buildings, largely because existing technologies fail to effectively coordinate design, construction, and operation phases, leading to inefficiencies and increased resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
The JOULEA system, a computer-implemented platform that collects and analyzes data from sensors and existing software platforms to identify performance gaps and provide real-time feedback, optimizing resource use by coordinating design, construction, and operation phases, and utilizing machine learning to improve resource efficiency across building lifecycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If building energy models are used to predict resource usage, then resource consumption can be estimated, but the predicted values deviate significantly from actual post-occupancy performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects post-occupancy operational data from sensors and building meters, compares it against energy model predictions, and uses this feedback to identify performance gaps. This feedback loop enables continuous improvement of prediction accuracy by learning from actual building performance rather than relying solely on initial models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and analyzing operational data during the operation phase to inform future design and construction decisions. This proactive approach allows the system to prepare improvement strategies before new buildings are constructed, ensuring better prediction accuracy from the outset.
2Ease of manufacture
If design, construction and operation phases are executed independently, then each phase can be optimized separately, but discrepancies arise between predicted and actual resource performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from all three phases (design, construction, and operation) into a unified platform. By combining these previously independent phases into an integrated system, the patent enables comprehensive analysis of how design decisions and construction practices impact actual operational performance, resolving the consistency discrepancies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions across different phases: it stores design data, tracks construction information, monitors operational performance, and provides feedback for continuous improvement. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain independence of phases while ensuring consistency through unified data management and analysis.
3Measurement precision
If post-occupancy monitoring is implemented, then actual resource use can be measured, but the complexity of coordinating multiple data sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a central data management platform that acts as an intermediary between various data sources including sensors, building meters, design software, and construction records. This intermediary coordinates and standardizes data from multiple sources, making accurate measurement achievable without overwhelming complexity in data coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for optimizing building design, construction and operation by tracking post-construction operational data, along with design and construction data. The system addresses the energy performance gap associated with modern construction.