A Smartphone Application for Personalized and Multi-Method Interventions toward Energy Saving in Buildings

Peeraya Inyim, Mostafa Batouli, Maria Presa Reyes, Triana Carmenate, Leonardo Bobadilla and Ali Mostafavi
Additional contact information
Peeraya Inyim: OHL—Arellano Construction Co., 7051 SW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33144, USA
Mostafa Batouli: Florida International University, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University 10555, West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USA
Maria Presa Reyes: Florida International University, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University 10555, West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USA
Triana Carmenate: Florida International University, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University 10555, West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USA
Leonardo Bobadilla: Florida International University, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University 10555, West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, USA
Ali Mostafavi: Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: Occupant behavior is a significant contributor to energy waste in buildings. This research introduces an advanced smartphone application, developed based on the theoretical underpinnings of situational awareness theory, to effectively implement multi-method and personalized intervention to encourage energy conservation behaviors of building occupants. The new smart application provides several innovative features, such as energy saving points, customized feedback, and visualized user interface, which are implemented in the application to support multi-method interventions. The application was created using the Java language for Android devices. With the use of the Android platform, the app takes advantage of hardware technology from the user’s mobile device. Measurement of occupancy behavior is accomplished by making use of the device’s positional sensors. Orientation and geomagnetic field sensors serve to provide an accurate location of an occupant inside the building. The application can determine energy waste in a zone by using occupancy behavior. Moreover, the application offers real-time and projected future energy consumption based on occupants’ behaviors. This novel feature can significantly improve communication that can lead to prompt action for building energy reduction. Results show how the app can compile raw data on energy behavior and make it easy to understand for the user through the use of visuals and statistical algorithms.

Keywords: building energy consumption; occupant behavior; smart building; situational awareness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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