METHODS FOR ENCOURAGING ENERGY-EFFICIENT BEHAVIORS BASED ON A NETWORK CONNECTED THERMOSTAT-CENTRIC ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLATFORM

摘要

A home energy efficiency platform is described having as its fundamental component a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat that leverages a visually pleasing interactive display associated therewith to encourage energy-saving behavior by a competitive gamesmanship modality, either in terms of self-competition in which a user's energy-saving performance is measured against themselves over time, or in terms of community competition in which a user's energy-saving behavior is measured against a relevant community.

主权项

1. A method for encouraging a user to adopt energy-efficient settings on a network-connected thermostat installed in an enclosure, the method comprising:
calculating a current value for a stand alone performance metric measuring energy efficiency associated with the enclosure, the metric being based on information gathered from the thermostat; comparing the calculated current value with a historical value for the stand alone performance metric, the historical value being based on information gathered corresponding to previous thermostat settings; and awarding an incentive reward to the user if the calculated current value is better than the historical value.