Our home is monitored by a controls system algorithm and a myriad of sensors which examine and adjust the temperature, lighting, humidity, etc. of the building to maximize energy efficiency in relation to outdoor weather conditions.

The Ripple Home is monitored by an integrated controls system which "talks to nature" by sensing indoor and outdoor conditions in order to optimize energy-efficiency and ease of living. Approximately thirty sensors collect data on ambient indoor and outdoor light, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, etc and compiles this information in a data logger. This data logger then communicates with what is called a control point where the information is analyzed and transmitted into a graphic based computer program.

Vital information about weather conditions and energy-efficiency is translated into what we have dubbed "scenes." Scenes are pre-set ranges of environmental conditions which optimize system usage for energy-efficiency and user comfort. For example, when the outdoor temperature and light fall within a certain range, the program will calculate at what temperature the heating/ventilation/air-conditioning system should be set and how much the lights should dim. Sunny day? Less light generated inside. Cold and blustery? Heat turns up. The controls system can adjust the following systems:

1) heating/ventilation/air-conditioning
2) electric lighting levels
3) electro-chromatic window film (opacity of window glass)
4) almost all appliances

Maintaining User Control

However, since nobody wants a house that is too smart, the system seamlessly integrates with a full manual override that ensures the user has the last say in home operation. Additionally, the scenes allow for user-input, meaning you can create a "dinner party scene" for when guests are over, in which air-conditioning and light levels are programmed to operate at a higher level than normal. The most exciting feature is that the controls system displays in a user-friendly graphic interface accessible from a home computer, portable laptop or even the Internet. This program can be accessed anywhere in the world that receives an Internet connection, no matter the distance. Forget to turn the heater off before you left for vacation? Simply pull out your cell phone and turn any system on or off.

click to watch a flash animation explaining the controls system (alternate flash-free image)