Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA2_INFU0344 | |
| Title | Accessible CO alarm (Phase 1) | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics) 20%; Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas) 20%; Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Other Supporting Data) 60%; |
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| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 60%; Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Technology acceptance) 40%; |
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| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact SGN |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 January 2025 | |
| End Date | 30 November 2025 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £359,650 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , SGN |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , SGN - Scotland |
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| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA2_INFU0344 |
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| Objectives | Measurement Quality Statement:We will ensure measurement quality by employing rigorous data collection methods, utilising validated tools and techniques for analysis, and adhering to established standards and protocols. Regular data validation checks and peer reviews will be conducted to verify the accuracy and reliability of the measurements, ensuring that the findings/research are robust and actionable.Data Quality Statement:Our data quality standards will focus on ensuring completeness, accuracy, and consistency of the data collected from various sources, including stakeholder surveys, interviews, and literature reviews. Data validation procedures will be implemented to identify and address any discrepancies or errors, ensuring that the data used for analysis and decision-making is of high quality and reliability. Phase 2 of the project focuses on the development of a functional prototype of an accessible CO alarm with integrated IoT capabilities, designed to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those with disabilities such as visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments. This phase builds upon the findings of Phase 1 and aims to deliver a user-centric, scalable, and affordable safety solution. The project includes key activities such as prototype design, IoT integration, user testing, iterative refinement, and manufacturing cost analysis to ensure the final product is both practical and accessible.The project will also incorporate a Policy Connect-led roundtable discussion to engage stakeholders from government, industry, and advocacy groups, including the Housing Select Committee. This roundtable will help raise awareness of fire and CO safety issues faced by disabled individuals, align the project outcomes with updated fire safety regulations, and influence best practices across the sector.The anticipated benefits for consumers include increased safety, affordability, and accessibility. By providing clear, actionable alerts and IoT-enabled remote monitoring, the alarm will reduce risks associated with CO exposure, improve health and safety outcomes, and help prevent incidents that could result in significant financial and emotional costs for vulnerable households. The product will be designed to minimise financial barriers, ensuring it is accessible to low-income households and those most in need.Additionally, it supports the industrys regulatory obligations and aligns with national goals to promote inclusivity and innovation. The insights generated from this project could pave the way for cross-network adoption, creating broader societal and economic benefits while reinforcing the industrys reputation for innovation and social responsibility. The primary objective of Phase 2 is to develop a fully functional prototype of an accessible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm with integrated IoT capabilities. The alarm is intended to address the safety needs of vulnerable populations, including those with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, by delivering clear, actionable alerts and enhanced usability. This phase builds upon the findings of Phase 1, with a focus on refining the design to ensure the product is user-centric, accessible, and scalable.A key objective is to ensure the products affordability, making it accessible to vulnerable and low-income households. A detailed manufacturing cost analysis will be conducted to evaluate the financial viability of large-scale production while maintaining affordability. Anothercrucial goal is to integrate IoT features into the alarm, enabling remote monitoring and notification functionality, which will further enhance its safety and usability for both users and carers.The project will also include extensive user testing with representatives from vulnerable groups to validate the design and functionality of the prototype. Feedback from these sessions will inform iterative improvements to refine the alarms usability and effectiveness. Additionally, the project aims to host a Policy Connect roundtable, engaging stakeholders to raise awareness, influence fire safety regulations, and promote best practices for supporting disabled individuals.Overall, the objectives of Phase 2 are to deliver a tested and validated accessible CO alarm prototype, provide a clear manufacturing pathway, and generate insights to support broader adoption and alignment with industry standards and safety regulations. These outcomes will directly improve safety for vulnerable consumers, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and establish a foundation for long-term innovation and inclusivity in safety technology. | |
| Abstract | This paper proposes the development of a functional prototype of an accessible CO alarm with integrated IoT features, tailored to the needs of vulnerable and disabled individuals. The driver for this paper is the identified gap in accessible CO safety technology for disabled communities, as highlighted in Phase 1.With increased government and industry focus on inclusivity, now is an opportune moment to advance this project. The expected outcomes are a fully developed and tested prototype, stakeholder engagement to support future phases, and a potential innovation fund for ongoing development. This is an innovation project focused on safety and inclusivity, with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) currently at TRL 3 (proof of concept). | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 09/04/25 | |
