Multi-Sensory 3D Imaging System for Domestic Properties (SISD)

Completed

Energy Efficiency(Residential and commercial)

Basic and strategic applied research

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Economics and Econometrics)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Business and Management Studies)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)

Not Cross-cutting
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Other sociological economical and environmental impact of energy)

Project Contact
Sustainable Home Survey Company

Smart - Proof of Market

Innovate UK

01 July 2015

31 December 2015

6 months

£24,500

London

Competition Call: 1503_SmartRnd1_PoM - Smart Proof of Market. Activity Proof of Market Rd1

Project Contact, Sustainable Home Survey Company

The Sustainable Home Survey Company (SHS) is a leading community-focused energy assessment company and social incubator, with insight into the condition of UK homes having delivered 10,000+ domestic assessments to date. SHS has developed a prototype design for a multi-sensory 3D imaging system for domestic properties (SISD) that integrates spatial analysis, thermal sensors, and ultrasound to detect characteristics of underfloor spaces. The potential UK market for retrofit underfloor insulation is ~8.3m (DECC, Ofgem 2014) of 23.4m homes although long payback periods are currently limiting market uptake. At the moment, insulators physically remove floorboards to inspect underfloor voids. This is time consuming and costly: for every potential insulation work, disruption occurs. Yet ~10% of the time, voids are found unsuitable for insulation. Secondly, joist and space maps are necessary to plan insulation approaches. SISD can streamline works, increase cost efficiency, and minimise disruption. SISD consists of (1) a multi-sensory monitor to be rolled above flooring, (2) software to analyse raw data, and (3) a user interface presenting output data and 3D images. SISD takes advantage of maturing sensor technology (spatial rendering, thermal, ultrasound) to map cavities without ripping-up floorboards, and provide data on joist position, material density, moisture, leakage, and more. Once only suitable for large-scale application, cost and size reductions in sensor technologies present an opportunity for domestic use. This makes underfloor insulation a more efficient and cost-effective intervention, improving margins, spurring uptake and helping to meet UK CO2 emission targets. Successful deployment requires coordination among many stakeholders and detailed market research. This study s objective is to prove our value proposition, qualify existing alternatives, and produce a technology development plan prior to securing Proof-of-Concept funding.

08/01/18