Using a RTL System Based on RFID Technology for Monitoring Occupants Domestic Energy Use and Behaviour

Abstract

Over the last decade people have become more aware of environmental issues due to the fact that these have been brought to their attention by media, politicians and researchers. Even though the public is more aware of the energy issue, this will not necessarily result in changes in the way people use energy. Therefore it is important to understand individual occupant behaviour and find solutions to influence their behaviour at a national level in order to reduce carbon emissions from existing buildings. The motivation of this study is to gain an understanding of how occupancy sensors can be used for tracking occupants’ patterns and to determine their activities within domestic buildings.Occupancy patterns in a test house are analysed using a real time location (RTL) system based on ultra wideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF) to track location and spatial relationship. Occupants’ activities were deducted from their profiles and energy consumption and it was found that the energy consumption profiles are related to the occupants.