Lead Performer: PARC, A Xerox Company – Palo Alto, CA
Partner: Energy ETC Inc.– Union City, CA
DOE Total Funding: $795,086
Cost Share: $198,722
Project Term: October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2018
Funding Type: Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers and Innovations Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2016 (DE-FOA-0001383)

Project Objective

Advancing wireless sensor networks that are fully automated, plug-and-play, and capable of monitoring multiple parameters will enable a low-cost approach to accurately detect and diagnose faults, failures, and resulting inefficiencies in building equipment and subsystems, while also allowing for optimal localized whole-building control to improve occupant comfort and productivity while reducing energy use. While wireless sensor nodes partially address the necessary cost targets to enable widespread adoption and energy savings in buildings, innovations in sensor device physics and computational algorithms are also necessary to increase the operational lifetime, reduce power consumption constraints, and streamline calibration and configuration of the overall system. Through innovation in radio frequency (RF), this project will address power management and automated commissioning for wireless sensor networks in building by providing power remotely to eliminate energy storage and harvesting needs, as well as automatically locating each sensor through signal strength comparison. The concept is based on innovations in small antenna design, efficient RF energy capture, and flexible electronics. Flexible hybrid integration similar to what is used in current radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags will provide a low-cost system in a flexible form factor for easy plug-and-play installation. A <$10/node cost is targeted through these innovations that will ease installation and maintenance. 

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Marina Sofos
Lead Performer: David Eric Schwartz, PARC, A Xerox Company

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