Machine Intelligence for the NEST Thermostat (MINT) 

Project Overview 

This research project aims to develop an autonomous HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system that adjusts the user’s desired indoor temperatures based on various factors. The objective is to create a system that can adapt to individual temperature preferences with minimal manual intervention by analyzing data such as outdoor temperature, humidity, and user activity patterns. The initial phase involves utilizing machine learning models trained on real user data to evaluate the potential of AI in achieving optimal temperature settings. Future goals include integrating a real-time temperature sensor data feedback loop through a graphical interface to enhance model accuracy. We aim to incorporate user preferences into the heat transfer equation into the predictive model, refining and training our algorithm further. Additionally, the research seeks to explore and understand the intricate relationships between numerous environmental and personal factors to improve the system’s efficiency and user satisfaction.

Objectives 

  1. Collect sufficient training data  
  2. Design an automated feedback loop and incremental learning of the predictive model  
  3. Find new quantifiable metrics used for determining personal preference of HVAC settings

Major Tasks 

The major tasks of the project are outlined below. These are nominal and are likely to change somewhat throughout the course of the year. These are meant to illustrate the general nature of the work that the position entails.

  1. Expand User Base and Duration of Data Collection
  2. Develop and Integrate an Automated Feedback System
  3. Implement and Test New Metrics
  4. User Experience Feedback and System Iteration
  5. Manage and Report

Open Positions 

Specific Role(s)

  • Thermal data collection researcher.
    • Duties associated with hardware and software development for data collection, data preprocessing, data validation hardware and procedures.

Preferred Skills and Interests 

  • Machine learning/AI
  • heat flow
  • residential HVAC
  • electrical design and assembly
  • arduino/PI coding
  • sensor deployment
  • data collection
  • data modeling
  • GUI Development

Preferred Academic Years 

  • Looking for First-year/Sophomore/Junior level students  

Preferred Majors

  • CMDA
  • Stats
  • ME
  • CpE
  • EE
  • CS
  • Stats
  • CEE
  • Phys
  • CEM

How to Apply 

Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Gray and by continuing researchers on the team.  After a review of the application, our team will contact candidates to schedule an interview (likely to be conducted via zoom).  Review for the positions will be conducted over the 2024 Summer break starting around 7/14/24. Please complete the MS Form, uploading the following documents:

  • A brief (~1 page) essay or cover letter explaining which of the projects you are interested in, and why you think you might be a good fit for that project (or those projects).  If you are applying for multiple projects, extend your essay a little and describe your interest and qualifications for each position.  Be sure to let us know your major and where you are in your academic career (sophomore, junior, etc.) 
  • A resume outlining your work experience and education 

Please reach out to Dr. Gray (dagray3@vt.edu) if you have any questions or concerns. 

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