Mobile Energy Data Collection Using Images and Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for collecting energy efficiency data at individual consumer residences or buildings are inefficient and inaccurate, relying on expensive on-site surveys and self-reported data, which limits the ability to gather granular, spatially and temporally specific information needed for improving energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application and computing device system that collects energy efficiency data through user input, image recognition of equipment, and location tracking, generating profiles that can be used for analytics to improve energy efficiency, target energy efficiency programs, and optimize distribution capacity planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-site surveys with trained energy engineers are used to collect energy efficiency data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical on-site surveys with digital copies of building data obtained from utility company records, property management systems, and automated sensors. This copying approach maintains measurement precision by using accurate existing data while eliminating the need for complex field survey operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical survey processes with automated electronic data collection systems. Energy efficiency data is automatically gathered from utility meters, building management systems, and property databases, replacing the need for trained engineers to physically visit and manually measure building parameters.
2Device complexity
If self-reported data collection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated data collection system that acts as a neutral third party between building operators and energy efficiency analysts. This system objectively gathers data from utility records, meters, and property databases, eliminating the subjectivity and inaccuracy of self-reported data while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the data collection system to serve itself by automatically extracting energy efficiency data from existing utility company records, property management databases, and building meters without requiring manual input from building operators or energy engineers, thus maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.
3Productivity
If granular spatial and temporal energy efficiency data is collected, then productivity for energy efficiency programs is improved, but loss of time and resources for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data collection by gathering energy efficiency data from existing utility records, property databases, and meters in advance of when it is needed for analysis or program implementation. This pre-collection approach enables granular spatial and temporal data to be readily available, improving productivity without increasing the time required at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous automated data collection from utility meters and property systems that continuously gather energy efficiency data without interruption. This continuous action provides granular temporal and spatial data streams that improve program productivity while eliminating the need for repeated discrete data collection efforts.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy efficiency data collection system architecture may be configured to enable efficient and accurate collection of energy efficiency data associated with users and/or sites associated with users and generation of profiles associated with the users based on the energy efficiency data. An energy efficiency data collection service may receive location information, image data, and user-input data from an application operating on a mobile device associated with a user. The energy efficiency data collection service may generate profiles based on the information received from the application and may provide incentives to the users in response to participating in an energy efficiency data collection survey.