Energy Audit System with Multi-Auditor Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy audits and retrofits in commercial and industrial buildings face challenges such as inefficient data collection processes, inconsistencies due to individual notations, difficulty in managing multiple pictures, inability to connect to communication networks due to building materials, and lack of synchronized data among devices and parties.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for conducting energy audits with multiple auditors, where the audits are divided into parts and automatically synchronized to a server network device, allowing for completion at different dates and times by different auditors. This system utilizes network devices with processors and non-transitory computer readable media to collect and synchronize data across the building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If building engineers physically walk through the building collecting data manually on paper, then data collection can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical data collection process (paper-based) with an electronic system using mobile devices, automated applications, and digital tools to capture, store, and transmit energy audit data, thereby reducing time and errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of building data through electronic devices and applications, replacing physical paper records with electronic versions that can be easily stored, transmitted, and processed without manual transcription errors
2Productivity
If building engineers use their own individual data collection processes and notations, then data collection can be completed, but inconsistencies are introduced in the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements standardized data collection templates, forms, and protocols that ensure all engineers use the same methods and notations, creating homogeneous data collection processes that eliminate inconsistencies while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data collection system that can be used by any engineer in any building, with standardized templates and electronic forms that work across different contexts, ensuring consistency without sacrificing adaptability
3Loss of information
If multiple individual pictures are taken of energy consuming components, then complete documentation can be achieved, but managing such multiple individual pictures is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual pictures into organized digital albums or collections within the electronic application, automatically grouping related images by component, location, or audit section, thereby maintaining complete documentation while simplifying management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of physical documentation and organizes them in structured electronic formats with metadata tagging, making picture management systematic and searchable rather than manual and chaotic
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices continuously try to connect to communications networks in buildings with blocking materials, then network connectivity can be attempted, but the battery drains quickly and the device can no longer be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connectivity management where the electronic device adapts its network connection attempts based on signal conditions, automatically switching between connected and offline modes to preserve battery life while maintaining connectivity capability when available
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables offline data collection capabilities where the device can function fully without network connection, storing data locally and synchronizing when connectivity is restored, eliminating the need for continuous connection attempts that drain battery
5Productivity
If energy audits are conducted by multiple auditors at different times, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but data synchronization and consistency become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where data collected by multiple auditors is automatically synchronized to a central server, with real-time or periodic updates ensuring all auditors work from the latest data version, maintaining consistency across distributed teams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined data synchronization protocols and centralized storage structures before multiple auditors begin their work, ensuring that data collection processes are pre-configured for automatic integration and consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing energy audits or energy retrofits with plural auditors. An energy audit or energy retrofit is conducted in plural parts by plural different auditors on plural different energy audit applications on plural different network devices for energy consuming components (e.g., lighting, heating, ventilation, air condition, etc.) and energy producing components (e.g., solar, wind, water, etc.). The plural audit parts are automatically synchronized to a server network device allowing energy audits or energy retrofits to be completed at different dates and times by different auditors.