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System and method for characterization of retrofit opportunities in building using data from communicating thermostats

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1860023

Systems and methods for characterization of retrofit opportunities are described. The methods may comprise computing, using at least one computing device disposed remote from a building and based at least in part on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) runtime data associated with the building, one or more thermal characteristics of the building. In some embodiments, a model-predicted indoor temperature may be fitted against thermal data measured by a thermostat at the building. The thermal characteristic of the building may comprise a thermal insulation, an air leakage rate and/or an HVAC efficiency. The method may be used to determine, using the at least one computing device, suitability of the building for a retrofit opportunity to improve energy efficiency of the building. Determining the suitability may comprise evaluating the one or more thermal characteristics. The HVAC runtime data may be computed based on data received from a thermostat or a meter, such as an electric or a gas meter.

Research Organization:
Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Plymouth, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
EE0007571
Assignee:
Fraunhofer USA, Inc. (Plymouth, MI)
Patent Number(s):
11,162,703
Application Number:
15/681,306
OSTI ID:
1860023
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

Infiltration modeling guidelines for commercial building energy analysis report September 2009