Baumann partnered with Indoor Reality, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and The University of California, Berkeley in a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E).
The goal was to develop a rapid modeling device (RAPMOD) that can be worn as a backpack and improve the speed and quality of energy audits, deep retrofits, and retro-commissioning projects. RAPMOD collects data for an energy model, which can then be altered to simulate energy efficiency measures and predict savings.
RAPMOD enables engineers, auditors, and consultants to:
- Create a virtual model in 15% of the time it takes to do standard manual data collection and energy model creation
- Conduct more accurate and cost reductive energy audits
- Create building drawings (i.e. floor plans)
In partnership with Indoor Reality, Baumann can provide scanning services with the handheld device and create a web-based “virtual walkthrough” that:
- Allows remote engineers to virtually visit a building, reducing the time on site
- Provides a thermal image overlay
- Identifies missing insulation or leaky windows
- Allows energy auditors to collect data such as equipment, lighting, add notes, and take pictures
