Tailored gamification and serious game framework based on fuzzy logic for saving energy in connected thermostats

Connected thermostats (CTs) often save less energy than predicted because consumers may not know how to use them and may not be engaged in saving energy. Additionally, several models perform contrary to consumers’ expectations and are thus not used the way they are intended to. As a result, CTs save less energy and are underused in households. This paper reviews aspects of gamification and serious games focused on engaging consumers. A gamification and serious games framework is proposed for saving energy that is tailored by a fuzzy logic system to motivate connected thermostat consumers. This intelligent gamification framework can be used to customize the gamification and serious game strategy to each consumer so that fuzzy logic systems can be adapted according to the requirements of each consumer. The framework is designed to teach, engage, and motivate consumers while helping them save electrical energy when using their thermostats. It is described the proposed framework as well as a mockup that can be run on a cellphone. Although this framework is designed to be implemented in CTs, it can be translated to their energy devices in smart homes

Integrating Smart Ceiling Fans and Communicating Thermostats to Provide Energy-Efficient Comfort

The project goal was to identify and test the integration of smart ceiling fans and communicating thermostats. These highly efficient ceiling fans use as much power as an LED light bulb and have onboard temperature and occupancy sensors for automatic operationbased on space conditions. The Center for the Environment (CBE) at UC Berkeley led the research team including TRC, Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), and Big Ass Fans (BAF). The research team conducted laboratory tests, installed99 ceiling fans and 12 thermostats in four affordable multifamily housing sites in California’s Central Valley, interviewed stakeholders to develop a case study, developed an online design tool and design guide, outlined codes and standards outreach, and published several papers.The project team raised indoor cooling temperature setpoints and used ceiling fans as the first stage of cooling; this sequencing of ceiling fans and air conditioningreducesenergy consumption, especially during peak periods, while providing thermal comfort.The field demonstration resulted in 39% measured compressor energy savings during the April–October cooling seasoncompared to baseline conditions, normalized for floor area. Weather-normalized energy use varied from a 36% increase to 71% savings, withmedian savings of 15%.This variability reflects the diversity in buildings, mechanical systems, prior operation settings, space types, andoccupants’ schedules,preferences, and motivations. All commercial spaces with regular occupancy schedules (and twoof the irregularly-occupied commercial spaces and one of the homes) showed energy savings on an absolute basis before normalizing for warmer intervention temperatures,and 10 of 13 sites showed energy savings on a weather-normalized basis. The ceiling fans provided cooling for one site for months during hot weather when the coolingequipment failed.Occupants reported high satisfaction with the ceiling fans and improved thermal comfort. This technology can apply to new and retrofit residential and commercial buildings

Creating a place for learning - Bridging physical and virtual learning spaces at conferences

This paper presents a reflective case study of the introduction of Learning Toolbox as an ePoster solution for conferences. The Learning Toolbox ePoster platform is designed to overcome practical knowledge sharing and communication problems encountered in both the traditional paper poster and standard, screen-based ePoster approaches. Additionally it draws on the trialogic learning theory, by offering ePoster authors and viewers support for discussion and knowledge development focused on an object (the ePoster). As such it aims to support greater engagement, community building and knowledge creation within and beyond an academic conference. In this paper we describe the educational aims behind Learning Toolbox, the technological solution, the practical approach used to introduce it as the ePoster platform at a large international conference, a review of its use at the conference and then reflect on what contributed to its successful adoption. Finally open challenges and further work are identified (including evaluating the impact on learning and engagement beyond the conference and scaling up the numbers of ePosters whilst still allowing authors to present to and discuss their work directly with an audience) to which we propose possible solutions

The Effect of Panelized Single Family Residential Construction on the Environment

12 pagesThe construction of single family housing in the U.S. is growing increasingly industrialized with panelization emerging as the dominant form of industrialization. Will this trend mean that housing construction, operation, and demolition will have a greater or a reduced impact on the environment? This paper analyzes the differences between low levels of industrialization, such as site built wood framing or open wood-frame panels, with higher levels of industrialization, such as closed wood-frame or stressed skin insulating core panels, in terms of material use, waste generation in construction, and energy use in operation. One experiment measured the energy consumption of six units of housing built using various forms of factory fabrication-· open wood-frame panels, closed wood-frame panels, and stressed skin insulating core panels. The tests indicated that the more completely components are factory fabricated, the less energy a house built from these components will consume, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels. The units built with more industrialized panels had a more complete insulation envelope and half the air changes per hour. Another test compared conventional on site construction (wood frame) to stressed skin insulating core panel construction. Stressed skin insulating core panel construction used 5% less total wood and 50% less framing lumber, indicating the consumption of fewer trees. A similar experiment comparing the side by side construction of a wood frame house to a panelized house showed less solid sawn lumber used and less waste generated on site by the panelized house construction. A recent prototype panelized floor/foundation system showed promise as a lower cost alternative to concrete slab construction with its high embodied energy. The on-grade panel floor system has a better thermal performance than a typical slab floor, and the panels can be reused upon demolition. These examples show that high levels of industrialization can potentially result in less environmental impact from construction, operation, and demolition

Why occupancy-responsive adaptive thermostats do not always save - and the limits for when they should

So-called ‘smart thermostats’ are beginning to fill the gap left in efficiency programs after researchers and policy makers discovered that in practice, simple programmable thermostats do not guarantee energy savings. As a result, EPA ended EnergyStar certification of programmable thermostats in 2010. Many recent pilots for communicating thermostats, occupancy-responsive thermostats, and adaptive control schemes have shown significant annual HVAC savings on the order of 10-20%. However, the form and function for technologies in this space vary widely. Some controls merely allow for remote management (e.g., web-based setpoint scheduling or smart-phone interface and control), while other devices monitor occupancy and automatically adjust set-points when a space is vacant. Still other technologies automatically adapt to user behaviors and preferences in order to anticipate changes and adjust HVAC operation. These differences have different savings implications. Further, the application into which any of these technologies is installed also impacts savings potential. The study focuses particularly on a series of pilot evaluations conducted with one occupancy-responsive adaptive thermostat system that resulted in very little energy savings during normal operation in university residence halls. These results came as a great surprise to the research team, especially since the HVAC system run-time for vacant zones was reduced to nearly zero in the buildings. The detailed evaluation of this case forms a conceptual basis for explanation of the limitations for smart thermostat devices. The research shows that considerable savings can be had in certain instances, but that the impact is sensitive to technology and application. The study also reviews previous research on the technology and recommends methodological improvements for future studies

Why occupancy-responsive adaptive thermostats do not always save - and the limits for when they should

So-called ‘smart thermostats’ are beginning to fill the gap left in efficiency programs after researchers and policy makers discovered that in practice, simple programmable thermostats do not guarantee energy savings. As a result, EPA ended EnergyStar certification of programmable thermostats in 2010. Many recent pilots for communicating thermostats, occupancy-responsive thermostats, and adaptive control schemes have shown significant annual HVAC savings on the order of 10-20%. However, the form and function for technologies in this space vary widely. Some controls merely allow for remote management (e.g., web-based setpoint scheduling or smart-phone interface and control), while other devices monitor occupancy and automatically adjust set-points when a space is vacant. Still other technologies automatically adapt to user behaviors and preferences in order to anticipate changes and adjust HVAC operation. These differences have different savings implications. Further, the application into which any of these technologies is installed also impacts savings potential. The study focuses particularly on a series of pilot evaluations conducted with one occupancy-responsive adaptive thermostat system that resulted in very little energy savings during normal operation in university residence halls. These results came as a great surprise to the research team, especially since the HVAC system run-time for vacant zones was reduced to nearly zero in the buildings. The detailed evaluation of this case forms a conceptual basis for explanation of the limitations for smart thermostat devices. The research shows that considerable savings can be had in certain instances, but that the impact is sensitive to technology and application. The study also reviews previous research on the technology and recommends methodological improvements for future studies