A persuasive GPS-controlled thermostat system
Name
422621511-MIT.pdf
Size
22.85 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
c0411ed53eb3b2d21e2cc5c984a83013
Author(s)
Gupta, Manu,
S.M.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Alternative Title
Persuasive global positioning system-controlled thermostat system
Date Issued
2008
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Using 10 weeks of data from a couple living in an instrumented home, we report on the potential of context-aware power management for energy saving. We identify an opportunity to save on heating and cooling using a system we propose for just-in-time heating and cooling based on travel distance computation from GPS-enabled mobile phones. Analyzing GPS travel data from eight participants (8-12 weeks each) and heating and cooling characteristics from 4 homes, we report results of running computer simulations estimating potential energy savings of a system that could augment existing manual and programmable thermostats. Although manual and programmable thermostats can save large amounts of energy when used properly, studies have shown that well over 40% of U.S. homes may not use energy-saving setbacks when homes are unoccupied. We estimate that using a GPS-enabled thermostat might lead to savings of as much as 7% for some households that do not regularly use the setback features afforded by manual and setback thermostats, without requiring any change in behavior. For some end users, providing one extra bit of information each day could lead to savings as high as 9%, and additional persuasive strategies could save up to 15%. We then report on the implementation of a prototype system and pilot testing of the user interface. We propose five design guidelines for a just-in-time heating and cooling system.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2008
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-89).
Subjects
Program in Media Arts and Sciences
MIT Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
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