The DESNZ (Formerly BEIS) funded research project aims to show how, through utilising a temperature sensor built into the smart meter in-home display (IHD), consumers can benefit from intelligently generated energy efficiency insights to be used for reducing home heating bills
A consortium, led by energy solutions firm SMS plc with participation from Chameleon Technology, has received Government support for a new research project that aims to demonstrate how the smart meter system can be used to develop innovative, ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT)-enabled solutions for UK households.
The trial, backed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ, formerly BEIS) proposes to access a temperature sensor that is built into a Chameleon Technology smart meter in-home display (IHD) in order to record real-time temperature data within consumers’ homes. The temperature data, along with corresponding outside temperature data obtained from weather reports, will then be compared with the related consumption data from gas smart meters in order to make a highly accurate calculation of home heating efficiency.
Chameleon Technology will work alongside SMS on the project, using Chameleon’s heat transfer coefficient algorithm that analyses homes’ historic gas usage data to create different archetype groups and benchmarks. It is envisaged that tailored insights, advice and solutions could then be presented to consumers via app, suggesting how to use energy more cost effectively.
Recommendations on specific energy efficiency upgrade options, such as necessary building fabric improvements and suitability for more sustainable heating systems, such as heat pumps, could also be identified and offered to each home.
The next evolution of energy advice
Chameleon Technology’s in-home display, already being deployed as part of the national smart meter rollout, has a temperature sensor built in. The ivie smart energy app will provide the insights and advice about how to be more energy efficient. SMS will use the innovative energy data platform from n3rgy, a SMS plc subsidiary, to capture consumer consent to record the data. Independent energy supplier Green Energy UK completes the consortium of partners.
The project is part of DESNZ’s new Smart Meter-based Internet of Things Applications Programme, which aims to support innovation to determine the feasibility of, and trial, the use of IoT sensor devices within the smart meter system.
Collaborating on this BEIS project presents a great opportunity to showcase how existing smart home technology can be used as a platform for true innovation. Chameleon is the market leader for in-home displays, and is proud to be playing such an integral part of this initiative.
The use-case identified for this project builds opportunities for low-cost, mass-market opportunities through existing technology to assess the amount of heat loss from a property. It is anticipated that positive outcomes will be proposed to homeowners, such as the potential impact a heat pump could have in their home, as well as suggesting more practical domestic energy efficiency measures and guidance.
About the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
The project forms part of the Government’s up to £65 million Flexibility Innovation Programme which seeks to enable large-scale widespread electricity system flexibility through smart, flexible, secure, and accessible technologies and markets. The Flexibility Innovation Programme will fund innovation across a range of key smart energy applications, and sits within the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP).
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will provide dedicated leadership focused on delivering security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning markets, greater energy efficiency and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries. The Department is focused on the energy portfolio from the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This includes managing the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio which provides funding for low-carbon technologies and systems and aims to decrease the costs of decarbonisation helping enable the UK to end its contribution to climate change.
