Offline Energy Audit Workflow for Consistent Building Floorplans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conducting energy audits in commercial and industrial buildings is inefficient due to the use of outdated technologies, inconsistent data collection methods, and the inability to connect to communication networks within these buildings, leading to errors and inefficiencies in documenting energy-consuming and energy-producing devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for conducting energy audits using network devices that allow offline data collection and synchronization with a server network, employing customizable templates and graphical markers on electronic floorplans to ensure accurate and consistent identification of energy components, and utilizing AI for additional information analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If building engineers conduct energy audits using traditional paper-based methods, then data collection can be performed without electronic devices, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based data collection system with an electronic mobile device-based system. Engineers use tablets or smartphones with specialized applications to collect, store, and transmit energy audit data electronically, eliminating manual transcription errors and significantly reducing the time required for data collection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of energy audit data directly in the field using mobile devices. Instead of writing on paper and later transcribing, engineers capture data electronically as digital records, which can be immediately stored, validated, and transmitted to central servers for processing and analysis.
2Productivity
If electronic devices are used for data collection during energy audits, then data collection efficiency improves, but devices cannot connect to communication networks due to building materials blocking signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements offline data collection capabilities where mobile devices can function without network connectivity. Data is collected and stored locally on the device during the audit, and synchronization with central servers occurs automatically when network connectivity is restored, ensuring continuous productivity regardless of signal availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an offline data buffer as an intermediary between the mobile device and the central server. This buffer allows data to be collected and temporarily stored on the device, then transmitted to the server when connectivity is available, decoupling the data collection process from network availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If building engineers use their own data collection processes and notations, then flexibility in data collection is maintained, but inconsistencies are introduced in the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a standardized data collection template that works across all energy audit scenarios. The template includes predefined fields, data types, and validation rules that ensure consistent data collection while remaining adaptable to different building types and energy systems through configurable parameters and optional custom fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter validation and data type constraints to enforce consistency. The system automatically validates entered data against predefined parameters, ranges, and formats, preventing inconsistent or erroneous data entry while maintaining flexibility through configurable parameter sets that can be adjusted for different audit contexts.
4Loss of information
If multiple individual pictures are taken of energy components during data collection, then comprehensive documentation is achieved, but managing these multiple pictures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual photos into a single composite image or photo montage that displays all views of an energy component in one organized graphic. The system automatically stitches together multiple photos taken during the audit, maintaining proper sequencing and labeling, which simplifies storage, retrieval, and review while preserving complete visual documentation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If energy audits are conducted in buildings with concrete and steel structures, then comprehensive building types can be audited, but electronic signals are blocked preventing device connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares mobile devices with offline capabilities before entering buildings with poor signal coverage. All necessary applications, templates, and data collection tools are pre-loaded on the device, and data is collected and stored locally during the audit, with automatic synchronization occurring after the building is exited and network connectivity is restored.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing energy audits including installation, verification and inspection of energy consuming components and energy producing components. An energy audit is conducted offline on an energy audit application on a network device for energy consuming components (e.g., lighting, heating, ventilation, air condition, etc.) and energy producing components (e.g., solar, wind, water, etc.) and automatically synchronized to a server network device when the network device is able to connect to a communications network and go on-line. Energy audit templates are provided to ensure all energy consuming components and energy producing components are fully defined and consistently identified on an electronic floorplan for a commercial or industrial building.