Using Sensor Data of Widespread Smart Home Devices to Save Energy in Private Homes

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach for using sensor data of smart home devices to optimize energy consumption in private homes. For many years, radiator thermostats have been used to keep room temperatures at given desired levels. Smart home thermostats allow the temperature to be controlled by home automation software, advanced models are connected to sensors indicating open windows or sun shining into the room. In contrast to these advances, basic optimizations of the heating system like performing hydraulic balancing or minimizing flow temperature are rarely performed by the plumbers, because the optimization process is time consuming and requires data that are not available at installation time. In this paper, we describe how data delivered by smart home devices can be used to optimize the heating system. Using our approach, hydraulic balancing and minimizing flow temperature can be easily performed by the house owner without the help of a plumber, resulting in substantial energy savings.