Dwelling Energy Management System with Real-Time Deviation Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems lack effective energy management solutions, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and lack of real-time information availability for users, despite advancements in media delivery and computer technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring various aspects of a dwelling, comparing them to an energy policy, and sending notifications to occupants about deviations, while allowing for adjustments in lighting and temperature based on monitored data, and providing a gaming interface for energy efficiency competition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If home automation systems are implemented, then access to information and technology efficiency are improved, but energy management information is not readily available and energy consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors energy consumption data from various appliances and provides real-time feedback to occupants through notifications and a user interface. This feedback loop enables occupants to see the impact of their energy usage patterns and make informed decisions to improve energy efficiency, directly addressing the lack of readily available energy management information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically compares monitored energy consumption against energy policies and identifies deviations without requiring manual intervention. The energy management system autonomously generates notifications and provides recommendations, allowing the system to self-manage energy optimization while providing comprehensive information to occupants.
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of dwelling aspects is implemented, then energy efficiency information is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to monitor multiple aspects of the dwelling (energy consumption, temperature, occupancy) through a single integrated energy management system. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate monitoring systems, providing precise energy consumption measurements while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management system acts as an intermediary layer between various dwelling components (appliances, HVAC systems, lighting) and the occupant. This intermediary consolidates data from multiple sources, processes it against energy policies, and presents unified information, simplifying the interface while maintaining precise monitoring capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If automated energy management adjustments are implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but loss of user control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows occupants to pre-define energy policies and preferences in advance. These preliminary settings establish the criteria for automated adjustments, such as temperature thresholds or energy consumption limits. The automated system then operates within these pre-agreed parameters, reducing energy consumption while respecting user-defined control boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic control where occupants can adjust their energy policies and preferences at any time through the user interface. The automated adjustments are not fixed but can be modified based on changing user needs, maintaining flexibility and user control while enabling automated energy optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for energy management is described. In one embodiment, an aspect of a dwelling is monitored. The monitored aspect of the dwelling is compared to an energy policy to determine a deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from a setting of the energy policy. A notification is sent to an occupant, the notification comprising the deviation of the monitored aspect of the dwelling from the setting of the energy policy.