Canadian company BrainBox AI announced the launch of a new technology combining deep learning, cloud-based computing and algorithms to support a 24/7 self-operating building.
BrainBox AI claimed to be the first artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed specifically for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC) in commercial buildings.
BrainBox AI’s solution leverages AI to predict a building’s thermal load and enables the HVAC system to operate autonomously, in real-time, leading to significant energy and cost savings.
“AI-powered autonomous buildings are the next disruptive innovation that will enable significant energy savings in the real estate space,” said the company’s CEO and Co-Founder Sean Neely. “BrainBox AI adds an extra layer of intelligence to the existing HVAC control system and enables buildings to move from being reactive to pre-emptive in the way these HVAC systems are managed. We are very excited to be developing our AI technology in collaboration with many partners including the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, IVADO, and Montreal-based universities such as École de technologie supérieure.”
In its pre-commercialization installations, the firm said that this new technology has demonstrated that it enables a 25-35% reduction a building’s total energy costs in less than three months, and requires low to no up-front capex from property owners.
BrainBox says its AI system simultaneously delivers predictive HVAC maintenance capabilities including a diagnostics dashboard that informs building managers ahead of time if a service issue is imminent.
“Our technology uses AI to study a building’s behavior, sending more efficient operating instructions to the HVAC system and modulating the building in real-time to resolve issues related to energy consumption, efficiency and occupant comfort. BrainBox AI brings significant innovation to the built environment, meaningfully reducing the energy impact of buildings on our environment,” said CTO and Co-Founder Jean-Simon Venne.
Headquartered in Montreal, BrainBox AI has a workforce of 20 employees and supports real estate clients in 5 key sectors: office buildings, airports, hotels, grocery stores and large commercial retail.