Abstract

Meteorological conditions affect human activities, in particular human comfort and productivity (temperature, humidity), health (temperature, air pollution), and energy and water use (solar radiation, temperature). UC San Diego`s proximity to the Pacific Ocean places it in a temperate, but variable microclimate, where the occurrence of sea-breezes can reduce building energy use, but marine layer clouds may impact renewable energy production. We lack scientific knowledge about the occurrence of these microclimatological conditions and their effect on campus facilities management. UCSD undergraduate students have established a dense wireless sensing network for environmental monitoring at UCSD facilities city-wide. The Decision-making using Real-time Observations for Environmental Sustainability (DEMROES) network is unprecedented in the United States for the density of long-term weather data collected. The stations measure ocean breezes that cool buildings, help identify the sunniest rooftops to expand solar photovoltaic system, and conserve irrigation water. DEMROES measurements are automatically fed into the energy management system for smart grid activities, such as building demand response, renewable energy battery storage operation, plug-in hybrid vehicle charging, and energy conservation. Real-time information including sky imagery is also available online. Finally, the network is used as a demo and integrative educational and research system for UCSD students and faculty.

YouTube Video

Learn More

Visit http://maeresearch.ucsd.edu/kleissl/demroes/

Email jkleissl@ucsd.edu