A new air conditioner designed by Mitsubishi will try to take the guess-work out of home energy efficiency.  It uses an array of sensors to identify weather and room conditions, and then suggest some ideas for trimming energy use.

The unit can measure indoor and outdoor temperature and room humidity to suggest control changes.  For instance, if the outdoor temperature is low, perhaps it will suggest opening a window.  Indoor humidity sensors could then tell you to close the window if the moisture content in the room gets too high.

The most intriguing feature of the device is an infra-red sensor that divides the room into 750 “zones” and can monitor the actual temperature of room surfaces.  If it detects a hot-spot on the wall, it may suggest that you close the curtains to block the sun’s warming rays.

They emphasize “suggestion” over automated control, recognizing that while automation can ensure compliance and consistency, it can also be annoying to the homeowner.

I’d love to see some integration into a “smart-home” application, including a wider sensor array including motion detection and integration with other household devices like ceiling fans.  Instead of just an AC unit, it could be part of a home comfort system.

Maybe in the winter it can knit blankets in its spare time.

Can't get enough? Try these related posts:

1. Size Matters, and Bigger Isn’t Better
2. Four Factors of Comfort
3. Psychrometrics for the Rest of Us
4. Occupancy Switch for CFLs
5. Beware the Heat Pump Thermostat