JOULEA Building Energy Model Feedback Loop
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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 various building environments.
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 in the design phase, but the predicted resource usage differs significantly from actual operation by 20% to 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops that collect actual operational data from sensors deployed in buildings and compare it against BEM predictions. This feedback mechanism identifies performance gaps and feeds information back to improve model accuracy for future projects, directly addressing the 20-50% discrepancy between predicted and actual resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data collection and model calibration during the design and construction phases before full operation begins. By establishing baseline measurements and adjusting BEM parameters in advance based on early operational data, the system reduces the accuracy gap before significant resource consumption occurs.
2Ease of operation
If separate software packages are used for design, construction, and operation phases, then each phase can be managed independently, but coordination between phases is poor leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges previously separate design, construction, and operation software packages into a single integrated BEM platform. This consolidation allows data to flow seamlessly across all phases while maintaining the ability to manage each phase independently, eliminating energy inefficiencies caused by poor coordination between phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated BEM system serves multiple functions across different project phases - it performs design-phase energy modeling, construction-phase tracking, and operation-phase monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized software while maintaining phase-specific capabilities, thereby reducing energy waste from lack of coordination.
3Measurement precision
If post-occupancy energy analysis is conducted after construction is complete, then building efficiency can be evaluated, but design or construction flaws cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs energy analysis and identifies performance issues during the design and construction phases before the building is fully operational. By detecting and flagging potential flaws early, the system allows corrections to be made during construction rather than after completion, saving time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accelerates the energy analysis process to provide real-time or near-real-time feedback during construction, skipping the traditional delay until post-occupancy evaluation. This rapid analysis enables immediate identification and correction of design or construction flaws while the building is still being built.
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 modem construction.