Property Energy Scoring With Occupancy-Based Efficiency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that effectively scores and improves the energy efficiency of monitored properties, providing users with insights into their energy usage and suggesting ways to reduce consumption, while also aggregating data to compare with neighboring properties.
Innovation Solution
A system that computes and outputs energy scores for properties, including property efficiency and lifestyle efficiency scores, using user input and thermodynamic models, and offers recommendations for improvement, with the ability to automatically adjust settings and control devices for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring system is installed to provide security and automation, then security and automation capabilities are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters of monitoring devices based on real-time conditions. Motion detectors switch between active and standby modes, cameras adjust recording frequency, and thermostats modify temperature settings based on occupancy detection, thereby maintaining security reliability while reducing energy consumption during low-activity periods
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system automatically optimizes its own energy consumption by using occupancy sensors and environmental data to adjust device operation modes without user intervention. The system self-regulates power usage based on detected conditions, such as lowering thermostat settings when no occupants are present while maintaining security monitoring
2Loss of information
If energy scores and detailed analytics are computed, then energy efficiency insights are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual analysis and reporting mechanisms with automated computational algorithms that process energy data. Machine learning models and automated scoring systems substitute for manual energy audits, providing comprehensive efficiency analytics through software-based solutions rather than physical inspection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs multiple functions including security monitoring, energy consumption tracking, efficiency scoring, and automated optimization. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated platform, the system provides comprehensive energy efficiency information without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Loss of energy
If automated control features are implemented, then energy savings are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to users through mobile applications and interfaces, displaying real-time energy consumption data, efficiency scores, and automated actions taken. This transparency allows users to understand and trust the automated control decisions while maintaining the ability to override or adjust settings if desired
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures optimal energy saving strategies and automated control rules based on user preferences and historical data. Common scenarios are pre-programmed with appropriate responses, such as automatic thermostat adjustment when occupancy is detected or when utility rates change, reducing the need for complex user decisions while maintaining energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for energy scoring of a monitored property and users of the monitored property. A system provides users with information related to the efficiency of the monitored property and aggregates data over multiple monitored properties. The system computes and outputs a score for a monitored property that reflects efficiency of the property and/or the users of the property. The system may track how that score changes through time, and how it relates to neighboring properties. The score may be expressed as both a number and a percentile.