In 2021, the Internet of Things (IoT) market is expected to hit a staggering $6 trillion, prompting companies to adopt advanced sensors that monitor heating and cooling systems in buildings. These smart devices allow for automatic adjustments to optimize comfort while significantly cutting energy costs. By integrating PARC sensors, buildings can connect via radio frequency (RF) signals to track indoor energy efficiency in real time.
PARC sensors are designed to monitor energy usage across various devices within buildings, offering a more precise way to manage consumption. The Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), formerly known as Xerox’s research division, has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop adhesive sensors capable of monitoring IoT devices—ranging from smart homes to entire smart cities.
According to VentureBeat and Business Insider Intelligence, the IoT market is projected to reach $6 trillion by 2021, driving companies to implement sensors that improve building performance. These sensors not only enhance comfort through automated temperature control but also reduce operational costs. Once installed, they can be linked via RF signals to provide detailed insights into energy efficiency.
Users can easily monitor other devices wirelessly by peeling off the sensor's label and placing it anywhere. This design offers flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for both residential and commercial use. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office has allocated $19 million to boost energy efficiency in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and retail spaces.
David Schwartz, Program Director at PARC, emphasized that measuring temperature variations throughout a building allows for more efficient energy management. The agency has developed hybrid electronic products with versatile designs, and has partnered with manufacturers to scale production of these sensors.
One of the key challenges in distributed sensing is power supply. However, PARC’s low-cost sensors eliminate the need for batteries by using RF power instead. Their tear-off design makes installation simple, allowing users to move or replace them easily for more accurate environmental data. These sensors also automatically locate themselves, initiate verification, and activate features like automatic wall mapping.
The IoT ecosystem relies on countless innovations to help users understand their surroundings. Printing technology stands out as a cost-effective method for mass-producing custom sensor systems. Due to their affordability, flexibility, and ease of installation, these sensors are well-suited for applications such as building efficiency, air quality monitoring, smart cities, industrial security, residential safety, and wearable tech.
Additionally, the Department of Energy currently supports 18 construction-related programs, including sensors, HVAC systems, windows, building envelopes, and energy simulation tools. In 2015, PARC also introduced a methane detection sensor made from polymer-based printed arrays. This system uses modified carbon nanotubes to create low-cost, scalable sensors for detecting and quantifying methane emissions.
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