Wattbox Heating Control
Sep 2011
Wattbox is a new highly innovative house heating controller. We believe it is the world’s first occupancy based heating controller: it notices and learns household occupancy which removes the need for users to set time-clocks. Several optimisation routines are included that have been tested and perfected through testing. We have installed a dozen demonstrator units across the UK including several on retrofit houses as part of the Technology Strategy Board’s innovation competition “Retrofit for the Future” (RfF).
Today it is controlling:
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•Gas Boilers
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•Micro CHP Schemes
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•Solar Thermal
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•Condensing Boilers
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•Air Source Heat Pumps
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•Ground Source Heat Pumps
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•Energy Storage
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•Wood chip boilers
Sample test results are published: Wattbox 7 Day R4TF Report.pdf
Welcome
User instructions
Step 1: Ignore it
Step 2: Press up down buttons to modify temperature. Wattbox learns your behaviour preferences
Why the world needs a better heating controller:
The UK’s “Warm Front” programme found that 30% of householders do not cope well with existing heating controls. Quotes include:
"I don't understand it“
"I am not very technical“
"I never touch the controls“
Does this sound familiar?
Wattbox learns and controls
Wattbox is able to switch heating on and off after learning when people are in by monitoring their use of electricity and hot water.
So THERE IS NO TIME CLOCK TO SET making it VERY EASY to use!
After a hot, medium or cool profile is chosen during installation, the USER CAN COMPLETELY IGNORE THE CONTROLLER. However, further temperature changes can be made using up and down buttons. The controller remembers and learns from your selections.
Clever temperature routines are built in so that energy is minimised but ensures comfort is established. Users report improved comfort.
Simple Installation
Wattbox replaces the time-clock & thermostat but can use existing wiring .
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•For retrofit houses all additional components can be wireless and therefore simple to fit. For new build, components can be wired.
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•Wiring skill is as per existing controllers
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•Wattbox display can include a smart meter display (e.g. electricity and gas consumption)
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•Optional user display on home computers and mobile phones
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•Maintenance: 2 yearly battery replacement in wireless sensors
We like patents so much we just need this picture
News
September 2011: Wattbox appears in the Times in their article “Intelligent switches could slash bills”.
September 2011: Wattbox is acquired by AlertMe, the Smart Home Technology Company. View the full press release here.
February 2011: Wattbox is first to publish test results data from Retrofit for the Future houses - Wattbox 7 Day R4TF Report.pdf
February 2011: Wattbox bids for feasibility funding on next generation technologies to TSB feasibility studies.
January 2011: Wattbox wins through the final tender stage to the evaluation stages of AIMC4 (TSB supported: Code Level 4 houses with Barratt Homes, Crest Nicholson and Stuart Milne). This represents an opportunity to supply 30,000 units over the next two years
January 2011: Technology licensing discussions continue on several fronts
January 2011: Wattbox pursues its US IP strategy and files new divisional claims on its existing US patent.
December 2010: Wattbox continues to build and install controllers and data acquisition in Retrofit for the Future Retrofit houses
November 2010: Wattbox wins significant Building Performance Evaluation contract (TSB). 7 houses , 2 pre code and 5 code level 4 with Cawrey Ltd in Leicestershire and Oswald Consultancy
