WO2019084601A1 - Prefabricated building module - Google Patents

Abstract

A prefabricated building module (1), comprising a roof (3), a floor (5) and at least one wall section (7) to define a room there. At least one solar panel (9) is associated with the roof (3) to generate electricity. An electricity generation meter (11) indicates energy generation at the at least one solar panel (9). At least one energy load meter (13) indicates energy load at an electricity outlet (14) and/or energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module (1). At least one indoor environmental quality sensor (15) measures at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room. A digital monitoring system (17) receives data in relation to: energy generation; energy load; and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data. A communications module (19) sends the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device (21).

Description

"Prefabricated building module"

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application 2017904398 filed on 30 October 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a prefabricated building module and a method for monitoring a building module.

Background

[0003] It may be desirable to reconfigure partitions and walls in some buildings. To accommodate such requirements a building may be "fitted" for its occupants. This may include removing or inserting walls, partitions, electricity, lighting, heating ventilation and air conditioning. This may also include wiring the building for communications (such as telephone and data networks). This may involve substantial costs including labour costs of having specialist technicians (such as electricians) laying out electrical cabling.

[0004] It may be further desirable to monitor the comfort of the occupants of some buildings.

[0005] Indoor environments may be subject to variation from a number of factors. For example, the indoor temperature may be affected by the temperature external to the building and/or the settings of the heating ventilation and air conditioning system.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. [0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary

[0008] Some embodiments relate to a prefabricated building module comprising: a roof, a floor, and at least one wall section to define a room therein; at least one solar panel associated with the roof to generate electricity; an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel; at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building module' at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room; a digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to: energy generation; energy load; and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter; wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data; and a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device.

[0009] It is an advantage that the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of an indoor location (such as the room defined by the prefabricated building module) may be considered for the comfort and cognitive performance of the occupants. That is, the conditions inside of the room such as air quality, lighting, thermal conditions and acoustics may be determined and monitored.

[0010] The prefabricated building module may further comprise a rigid internal frame to support the roof, floor, and at least one wall section, wherein the internal frame is a substantially rectangular prism.

[0011] In the prefabricated building module the at least one solar panel may include a photovoltaic panel. The prefabricated building module may further comprise an electrical inverter to convert an input of direct current from the photovoltaic panel to an output of alternating current to the electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device. [0012] The prefabricated building module may further comprise an energy storage system to store energy from electricity from the at least one solar panel and to supply electricity to the electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device. In the prefabricated building module, the one or more of the solar panel, energy storage system, electrical inverter, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device may be electrically connected to an external electricity grid.

[0013] The prefabricated building module may further comprise an electrical junction box to control electricity flow between one or more of a solar panel, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, and external electricity grid.

[0014] The prefabricated building module may further comprise an interface to connect the prefabricated building module to a further prefabricated building module, wherein the interface includes: an electrical connection to pass electricity between the prefabricated building module and the further building module; and a data connection for the digital monitoring system of the prefabricated building module to receive data in relation to one or more of energy generation, energy load, and at least one indoor environmental quality parameter of the further prefabricated building module.

[0015] In the prefabricated building module the room may be further defined by at least one of a further roof, a further floor and/or a further wall section of the further building module.

[0016] In the prefabricated building module the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor may include one or more of: a temperature sensor to provide temperature data; a light sensor to provide luminance data; an acoustics sensor to provide acoustics data; and an air quality sensor to provide air quality data. The air quality sensor may include a carbon dioxide sensor.

[0017] In the prefabricated building module the communications module, or a further communications module, may provide a communications link between a communications network and a communications node associated with the room. The communications module, or further communications module, may comprise a mobile communications module to communicate via a mobile communications network. [0018] The prefabricated building module may further comprise one or more heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system associated with the room. In the

prefabricated building module the energy consumption device may include a light system to provide light to the room.

[0019] The prefabricated building module may further comprise one or more windows and/or shades operable by a first actuator, wherein operation of the one or more windows and/or shades affect one or more indoor environmental quality parameters associated with the room.

[0020] In the prefabricated building module, the digital monitoring system may further comprise: a data store to store data in relation to energy generation, energy load, at the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. The data store may be further configured to store one or more settings and configurations of the prefabricated building module.

[0021] The prefabricated building module may further comprise a control module to provide control signals to operate one or more of the solar panel, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, electrical junction box, HVAC system, light system, or first actuator associated with a window or shade. The control module may provide control signals based on one or more commands, or control parameters, received via the communications module.

[0022] The commands, or control parameters, may be received from the remote monitoring device via the communications module. The commands, or control parameters, may be received from a building monitoring server.

[0023] The control module may provide control signals based on data in relation to one or more of energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter.

[0024] In the prefabricated building module, the electricity generation meter, energy load meter, at least one indoor environmental quality sensor, digital monitoring system, and communications modules may be integrated into the floor, roof and/or wall of the

prefabricated building module. [0025] The prefabricated building module may further comprise a water supply inlet at an exterior of the prefabricated building module that is fluidly connected to a faucet in the room. The prefabricated building module may further comprise a gas supply inlet at an exterior of the prefabricated building module that is fluidly connected to a gas heater or gas outlet in the room.

[0026] The prefabricated building module may further comprise a motion sensor, window sensor, or door sensor associated with the room; wherein in an alert mode the digital monitoring system is configured to send an alert notification, via the communication module, to the remote monitoring device upon determination of motion in the room or opening of a window or door.

[0027] Some embodiments relate to a computer-implemented method for monitoring a building module, the method comprising: receiving, from an electricity generation meter, energy generation data associated with the building module; receiving, from an energy load meter, energy load data at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building module; receiving, from at least one indoor environmental quality sensor, at least one indoor environment quality parameter data associated with a room of the building module; determining one or more aggregated data based on the received energy generation data, energy load data, and indoor environment quality parameter data; and sending, via a communications module, the aggregated data to a monitoring device.

[0028] The computer-implemented method may further comprise receiving, via the communications module, one or more commands or control parameters; determining control signals to operate one or more of a solar panel, electricity outlet, energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, electrical junction box, HVAC system, light system, or actuators associated with a window or shade; sending one or more control signals to one or more devices associated with the building module.

[0029] Some embodiments relate to a building system comprising one or more prefabricated building modules as described above, a server configured to: receive, over the

communications network, the aggregated data from the communications module of the prefabricated building module; store, in a data store, at least part of the aggregated data; send monitoring data, based on at least part of the aggregated data; and a remote monitoring device associated with the one or more prefabricated building modules configured to: receive the monitoring data; and display a representation of the monitoring data on a user interface associated with the remote monitoring device.

[0030] In the building system the server may be further configured to: determine at least one alert threshold for each of the energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter; monitor for an alert condition, based on the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold; and wherein based on an occurrence of an alert condition, the server is further configured to: send an alert to the remote monitoring device or the communications module of the prefabricated building module.

[0031] In the building system the remote monitoring device may be further configured to: determine at least one alert threshold for each of the energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter; monitor for an alert condition, based on the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold; and wherein based on an occurrence of an alert condition, the remote monitoring device is further configured to: display a representation of an alert on the user interface associated with the remote monitoring device.

[0032] In the building system the remote monitoring device may be further configured to: receive one or more settings and configurations from a user; and send the one or more settings and configurations to the communications module of the prefabricated building module.

[0033] In the building system the server may be further configured to: receive one or more settings and configurations from a user; and send the one or more settings and configurations to the communications module of the prefabricated building module.

[0034] Some embodiments relate to a system of a plurality of prefabricated building modules, wherein the plurality of prefabricated building modules comprises: at least one roof, at least one floor and at least one wall section to define a room therein; at least one solar panel associated with the roof to generate electricity; an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel; at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the plurality of prefabricated building modules; at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room; and at least one digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to: energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data; and a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device.

[0035] Some embodiments relate to a kit suitable for fitting to a room of a building, wherein the kit comprises: at least one solar panel associated with a roof of the building to generate electricity; an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel; at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building; at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room; a digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to: energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data; and a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0036] Examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prefabricated building module;

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic of an internal frame for the prefabricated building module;

[0039] Fig. 3 is a cross- sectional view of a further example of a prefabricated building module;

[0040] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a further example of a prefabricated building module;

[0041] Fig. 5 is a schematic of a prefabricated building module;

[0042] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of prefabricated building modules

[0043] Fig. 7 is a flow chart for monitoring a building module; [0044] Fig. 8 is an example of a representation of monitoring data that may be presented on a device associated with a prefabricated building module;

[0045] Fig. 9 is an example of a graph of energy production of a prefabricated building module;

[0046] Fig. 10 is an example of a graph of energy consumption of a prefabricated building module;

[0047] Fig. 11 is an example of a graph of electricity consumption and generation of a prefabricated building module;

[0048] Fig. 12 is an example of a dashboard that may be presented on a device associated with a prefabricated building module;

[0049] Fig. 13 is an example of a graph of trends associated with an air conditioning system of a prefabricated building module;

[0050] Fig. 14 is a schematic of an example processing device;

[0051] Fig. 15a is an example configuration of a prefabricated building module and battery;

[0052] Fig. 15b is an example configuration of prefabricated building modules and an external electricity grid;

[0053] Figs. 16a and 16b are further examples of a dashboard that may be presented on a device associated with a prefabricated building module; and

[0054] Fig. 17 is an example of a digital monitoring system. Description of Embodiments

Overview of the prefabricated building module 1

[0055] A prefabricated building module 1 comprising a roof 3, floor 5 and at least one wall section 7 to define a room therein is illustrated in Fig. 1. The prefabricated building module 1 includes at least one solar panel 9 associated with the roof 7 to generate electricity. The at least one solar panel 9 may include a photovoltaic panel. In one example the electricity generated by the solar panel 9 may be used to provide power to occupants of the room. The prefabricated building module further includes an electricity generation meter 11 to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel 9. There is also at least one energy load meter 13 to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet 14.

[0056] The energy load meter 13 may also indicate the energy load at an energy

consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module 1. In one example the energy consumption device may include a light system (such as light 12) to provide light to the room. In a further example the energy consumption device may be associated with an occupant of the room, such as a personal computer. There is also provided at least one indoor environment quality sensor 15 to measure at least one indoor environment quality parameter associated with the room. The indoor environment quality sensor 15 may be a temperature sensor, light sensor, acoustic sensor or an air quality sensor.

[0057] The prefabricated building module 1 further includes a digital monitoring system 17 to receive data in relation to: energy generation; energy load; and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. In one example the digital monitoring system 17 may comprise a processing device. The digital monitoring system 17 may also comprise a data store to store data in relation to energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. The data received by the digital monitoring system 17 is aggregated to form aggregated data.

[0058] The prefabricated building module 1 further includes a communications module 19 to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device 21. In one example the communications module 19 may provide a communications link between a

communications network 26 and a communications node associated with the room. There may also be a further communications module associated with the prefabricated building module.

[0059] The system of prefabricated building modules 1 may achieve multiple functions. Firstly as a wall panel to partition or segment a space, such as a room or rooms for a school, office or home. Secondly, to provide an electrical circuit, or network of electrical circuits. Such electrical circuits may be advantageous for ease of use and simplicity as assembling the system of prefabricated building modules 1 may provide structure as well as power and communications. That is, this system may be installed without having an specialist technician (such as an electrician) installing and running wiring as a separate step, or connecting wires with wire taps separately.

[0060] Thirdly, the prefabricated building modules 1 provide an efficient and useful way to monitor the indoor environmental air quality.

[0061] In some examples, this may allow an operator to reconfigure a room or office space without having to engage the services of multiple specialist technicians, such as a builder, electrician and/or a communications technician.

[0062] Details of an exemplary prefabricated building module 1 will now be described in detail.

The room defined by the roof 3, floor 5 and at least one wall section 7

[0063] As described above the prefabricated building module 1 comprises a roof 3, floor 5 and at least one wall section 7 to define a room. In some examples the prefabricated building module 1 may further comprise a rigid internal frame 4 to support the roof 3, floor 5 and at least one wall section 7. The internal frame 4 may be comprised of steel, aluminium, fibre reinforced plastics, wooden materials or other suitable rigid material for building construction. In some examples the internal frame 4 may comprise separate components welded, riveted, bonded or otherwise joined together to form the internal frame.

[0064] In one example the internal frame 4 may be a substantially rectangular prism as illustrated in Fig. 2. [0065] The internal frame 4 may also include at least one connector 6 for connecting the prefabricated building module 1 to another module, such as a further prefabricated building module. The connector 6 may comprise a mechanical connector such as a bolt or screw. The connector 6 may further comprise means to facilitate electrical connection between modules. In a further example the connectors 6 may connect conduits in the building modules that house electrical wiring.

[0066] In further examples the room defined by the prefabricated building module 1 may include insulation such as acoustic insulation and/or thermal insulation. Examples of insulation include glass wool, wool, cellulose fibre, polyester and polystyrene. The insulation may be positioned within a grid of the internal frame. The insulation may further be positioned within ceilings and floors of the prefabricated building module 1.

[0067] In some examples the prefabricated building module 1 may comprise a water supply inlet at an exterior of the prefabricated building module 1 that is fluidly connected to a faucet in the room. The prefabricated building module may further comprise a gas supply inlet at an exterior of the prefabricated building module 1 that is fluidly connected to a gas heater or gas outlet in the room. In some examples the water supply inlet and/or gas supply inlet have corresponding connectors 6 at the internal frame 4.

[0068] Fig. 3 illustrates a further example 300 of a prefabricated building module. In this example the prefabricated building module 300 comprises a roof 301, floor 303 and wall sections 305 to define a room. Fig. 4 illustrates a plan view 400 of the exemplary

prefabricated building module 300 of Fig. 3.

[0069] In some examples there may be one or more further prefabricated building modules 101, 103 associated with the prefabricated building module 1 as illustrated in Fig. 6. In this way, the room may be further defined by at least one of a further roof, a further floor and/or a further wall section of the further prefabricated building modules 101, 103.

[0070] In some examples, the one or more prefabricated building modules 1, 101, 103 may form a system of a plurality of prefabricated building modules. In this way, the plurality of prefabricated building modules 1, 101, 103 may comprise the at least one solar panel 9, electricity generation meter 11, energy load meter 13, at least one indoor environmental quality sensor 15, at least one digital monitoring system 17 and the communications module 19.

[0071] The at least one solar panel 9, electricity generation meter 11, energy load meter 13, at least one indoor environmental quality sensor 15, at least one digital monitoring system 17 and the communications module 19 may be associated with each of the prefabricated building modules from the plurality of the prefabricated building modules. In a further example the at least one solar panel 9, electricity generation meter 11, energy load meter 13, at least one indoor environmental quality sensor 15, at least one digital monitoring system 17 and the communications module 19 may be distributed amongst the prefabricated building modules, that is, associated with one or more of the prefabricated building modules from the plurality of prefabricated building modules.

The solar panel 9

[0072] As described above the prefabricated building module 1 comprises at least one solar panel 9 associated with the roof 3 to generate electricity. In one example, the at least one solar panel 9 is integrated into the surface of the roof 3. In other examples the at least one solar panel 9 may be added to the roof 3 after manufacture of the roof 3.

[0073] In one example the at least one solar panel 9 includes one or more photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panels may be connected in series via conducting strips. The conducting wires may comprise silver or copper. In some examples the photovoltaic panels may be comprised of crystalline silicon. In further examples the solar panel 9 may be covered with a protective film such as glass.

[0074] In this way, photons that are present in sunlight may be received by the photovoltaic panels and converted to electricity. In some examples the sunlight received by the

photovoltaic panels are converted to electricity via an electrical inverter that is associated with the prefabricated building module 1. That is, the electrical inverter may convert a direct current (DC) of electricity that is produced by the photovoltaic panels to an alternating current of electricity (AC). The alternating current of electricity may then be provided to the electricity outlet 14 and/or energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module 1. [0075] In some examples, alternating current that is generated by the electrical inverter may comprise a voltage between 230 V to 240 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. In another example the alternating current may comprise a voltage of 120 V and a frequency of 60 Hz. In further examples the alternating current may comprise a voltage of between 100 V to 120 V and a frequency of 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

Energy storage system

[0076] The energy from the electricity generated by the at least one solar panel 9 of the prefabricated building module 1 may be stored in an energy storage system. In this way, the energy from the electricity generated by the at least one solar panel 9 may be stored in the energy storage system for later use. In one example the energy storage system is located within the prefabricated building module 1. In a further example the energy storage system is located external to the prefabricated building module 1. In yet a further example there may be a plurality of energy storage systems located internal and/or external to the prefabricated building module 1. The energy storage system may further supply electricity to the electricity outlet 14 and/or energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0077] In further examples the energy storage system may supply electricity to electricity outlets and/or energy consumption devices not otherwise associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0078] The energy storage system may comprise a battery, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery, nickel cadmium battery or a lead acid battery. In a further example the battery may comprise a nickel-metal hydride battery, sodium- sulphur battery, vanadium redox battery etc. In a further example the energy storage system may comprise an additional battery such as a solar battery or fuel cell. The energy storage system may also comprise a thermal control system, DC/DC converter, AC/DC converter, inverters, rectifiers, charge controllers, a battery or fuel cell management system. In some examples the energy storage system receives direct current (DC) for charging, and discharges direct current (DC). The energy storage system may change or regulate the voltage, current and power flow to and from the energy storage system. [0079] In one example, the energy storage system may comprise a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges using solar power from the at least one solar panel 9. The battery may charge using solar power from solar panels from other prefabricated building modules in addition to module 1. In this way, the rechargeable lithium- ion battery may be configured to store solar energy for later use.

[0080] The rechargeable lithium-ion battery may further be configured to be a reserve energy supply for the prefabricated building module 1. The rechargeable lithium- ion battery may also be a reserve energy supply for other prefabricated building modules or other energy consumption devices.

[0081] The battery may charge and discharge by way of the electrical inverter. In one example the battery charges and discharges using an inverter such as those sold under the trade names "SolarEdge inverter" or "SMA inverter".

[0082] Fig. 15a illustrates an example configuration of the prefabricated building module 1 with the rechargeable lithium- ion battery 1601. This illustrates the battery 1601 of the energy storage system located internal to the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the battery 1603 may be located external to the prefabricated building module 1 as also illustrated in Fig. 15a.

[0083] In other examples there may be an external electricity grid 1605 associated with the prefabricated building module 1. This is illustrated in Fig. 15b. For instance, one or more of the solar panel 9, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device, electrical inverter and energy storage system may be electrically connected to the external electricity grid 1605. In this way, electricity that is generated from the at least one solar panel 9 may be sent to the external electricity grid 1605.

[0084] In some examples, the electricity that is generated from the at least one solar panel 9 may be sufficient to provide electricity to the prefabricated building module 1 without the requirement for other sources of electricity. In this way, the prefabricated building module 1 is able to rely on the at least one solar panel 9 as the source of electricity. In a further example, the electricity that is generated from the at least one solar panel 9 may be more than is required by the prefabricated building module 1. That is, the solar panel 9 may generate excess electricity.

[0085] The excess electricity /energy that is generated from the at least one solar panel 9 may be sent to the external electricity grid 1605 for consumption by other devices or further prefabricated building modules 101, 103, 105.

[0086] As described above the battery 1601, 1603 may charge using energy generated by the at least one solar panel 9. The battery 1601, 1603 may also charge from other sources such as the external electricity grid 1605.

[0087] The battery 1601, 1603 may be charged to full (or optimal) capacity. In this way, since the battery is at full (or optimal) capacity, energy that is generated from the solar panel 9 may be used to provide energy directly to the prefabricated building modules 1, 101, 103, 105. Excess energy from the at least one solar panel 9 may also be exported to the external electricity grid 1605.

[0088] The battery 1601, 1603 may also be used to provide energy to the prefabricated building module 1, or other modules 101, 103, 105. This may be in combination with the solar panel 9. Alternatively the battery 1601, 1603 may exclusively provide energy to the modules 1, 101, 103, 105. This may be advantageous in circumstances where the solar panel 9 is not able to generate energy, for example due to a malfunction. This is also advantageous in situations where there is insufficient sunlight for the solar panel 9 to generate energy. This may also be advantageous in circumstances where the connection to the external electricity grid 1605 is compromised or damaged.

[0089] The prefabricated building module 1 may comprise an electrical junction box to control electricity flow between the one or more of the solar panel 9, electricity outlet 14 and/or consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system and external electricity grid. In some examples the electrical junction box may be hidden within the at least one wall section 7 such that it is not visible to an occupant of the room. The electrical junction box may be comprised of metal or plastic. The electricity generation meter 11

[0090] As described above the prefabricated building module 1 comprises an electricity generation meter 11 to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel 9. In one example the electricity generation meter 11 may be an electromechanical meter. In another example the electricity generation meter 11 may be an electronic meter. The electronic meter may have a display (such as an LCD or LED display) associated with it.

[0091] In some examples the electricity generation meter 11 is a smart meter. This means the electricity generation meter 11 may have additional functionality such as power outage notification. For example, the electricity generation meter 11 may exhibit an alert in response to a deficit or outage of power. In other examples, the electricity generation meter 11 may send a notification to a device associated with the electricity generation meter 11.

[0092] The electricity generation meter 11 may indicate energy generation by another source of electricity. In one example, the electricity generation meter 11 indicates energy generation by an external source of electricity such as the external electricity grid. In a further example there may be a source of wind power associated with the prefabricated building module 1 such as wind turbines. In a further example there may be a source of hydro power associated with the prefabricated building module 1 such as a watermill. In this way, the electricity generation meter 11 may indicate energy generation by a plurality of sources.

[0093] In a further example the energy generation meter 11 may be connected to the communications module 19 such that an external device connected to the communications module 19 (for example, the remote monitoring device 21) may access information from the electricity generation meter 11. In this way, a user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may view the energy generation indicated by the electricity generation meter 11 on the remote monitoring device 21. In other examples, the electricity generation meter 11 may be connected to a device not otherwise associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0094] The electricity generation meter 11 may indicate the energy generation at the solar panel 9 in real-time, or near real-time. In this way, a user 25 associated with the prefabricated building module 1 may monitor the energy generation in real-time. [0095] The energy generation meter 11 may be integrated into the roof 3, floor 5 and/or at least one wall section 7 of the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the electricity generation meter 11 may be a modular device that can change position at the prefabricated building module 1.

The energy load meter 13

[0096] As described above the prefabricated building module 1 further comprises an energy load meter 13 to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet 14 and/or energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module 1. In one example the electricity load meter 13 may be an electromechanical meter. In another example the electricity load meter 13 may be an electronic meter. The electricity load meter 13 may have a display (such as an LCD or LED display) associated with it.

[0097] The energy load meter 13 may be a smart meter and may have additional functionality such as determining the number of energy consumption devices that are using the energy load at the electricity outlet 14.

[0098] In some examples the energy load meter 13 and electricity generation meter 11 are components of a single bi-directional meter. In this way, the single bi-directional meter indicates energy generation by the at least one solar panel 9 (and any other sources of electricity) as well as energy load at an electricity outlet 14 and/or energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0099] The energy load meter 13 and/or bi-directional meter may be integrated into the roof 3, floor 5 and/or at least one wall section 7 of the prefabricated building module 1.

[0100] There may be one or more heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems associated with the room. In some examples, the energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module 1 may include the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system associated with the prefabricated building module 1. In another example the energy consumption device may include a light system to provide light to the room. In yet another example the energy consumption device may include a device that utilises energy. The indoor environmental quality sensor 15

[0101] The prefabricated building module 1 further includes at least one indoor

environmental quality sensor 15 to measure at least one indoor environment quality parameter associated with the room. The at least one indoor environmental quality sensor 15 may include one or more of a temperature sensor, light sensor, acoustics sensor and an air quality sensor to provide indoor environment quality parameters related to temperature, luminance, acoustics and air quality of the room. In turn, the at least one indoor environment quality parameter measured by the indoor environmental quality sensor 15 may then provide temperature data, luminance data, acoustics data, and air quality data.

[0102] The temperature sensor may be positioned inside the prefabricated building module 1. In this way, the temperature data is associated with the room defined within the prefabricated building module 1. In a further example the temperature sensor may be positioned at a location exterior to the prefabricated building module 1. In this way, the temperature data is associated with the environment exterior of the prefabricated building module 1.

[0103] The temperature sensor may comprise one or more of a thermostat, thermistor, resistive temperature detector (RTD) or thermocouple. In further examples the temperature sensor may include a humidity sensor. In this way the humidity of the room of the prefabricated building module 1, or the environment exterior to the prefabricated building module 1, may be determined.

[0104] The temperature sensor may be configured such that a user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may receive temperature data from the temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may comprise a processing device and/or a communications node that sends temperature data via the communications network 26 to the remote monitoring device 21. In a further example the temperature sensor may comprise a display interface that displays information associated with the temperature data. The temperature sensor may send the temperature data to the digital monitoring system 17 of the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the temperature sensor may send the temperature data to another device associated with the prefabricated building module 1. [0105] The light sensor may comprise an illuminance sensor to detect light and to output a signal indicative of the light levels within the room defined by the prefabricated building module 1. In another example the light sensor may be positioned exterior to the prefabricated building module 1 to detect light in the environment exterior to the prefabricated building module 1.

[0106] The light sensor may be configured such that a user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may receive luminance data from the light sensor. For example, the light sensor may comprise a processing device and/or a communications node that sends luminance data via the communications network 26 to the remote monitoring device 21. In a further example the light sensor may comprise a display interface that displays information associated with the luminance data. The light sensor may send the luminance data to the digital monitoring system 17 of the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the light sensor may send the luminance data to another device associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0107] The acoustics sensor may be positioned inside the prefabricated building module 1. In this way, the acoustics data is associated with the acoustics within the room defined by the prefabricated building module 1. In a further example the acoustics sensor may be positioned exterior to the prefabricated building module 1 to detect acoustics in the environment exterior to the prefabricated building module 1.

[0108] The acoustics sensor may comprise a microphone. A user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may receive acoustics data. The acoustics sensor may also be configured such that a user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may receive acoustics data from the acoustics sensor. For example, the acoustics sensor may comprise a processing device and/or a communications node that sends acoustics data via the

communications network 26 to the remote monitoring device 21. In a further example the acoustics sensor may comprise a display interface that displays information associated with the acoustics data. The acoustics sensor may send the acoustics data to the digital monitoring system 17 of the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the acoustics sensor may send the acoustics data to another device associated with the prefabricated building module 1. [0109] The air quality sensor may be positioned inside the room defined by the prefabricated building module 1. In this way the air quality data that is provided by the air quality sensor is associated with the air inside the room.

[0110] The air quality sensor may comprise an oxygen sensor to monitor the concentration of oxygen in the room. In further examples the air quality sensor may comprise a carbon dioxide sensor. In this way, the air quality sensor may monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide in the room of the prefabricated building module. In yet further examples the air quality sensor may comprise a carbon monoxide sensor to monitor the concentration of carbon monoxide in the room.

[0111] A user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may receive the air quality data. The air quality sensor may be configured such that a user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21 may receive air quality data from the air quality sensor. For example, the air quality sensor may comprise a processing device and/or a communications node that sends air quality data via the communications network 26 to the remote monitoring device 21. In a further example the air quality sensor may comprise a display interface that displays information associated with the air quality data. The air quality sensor may send the air quality data to the digital monitoring system 17 of the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the air quality sensor may send the air quality data to another device associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0112] The user 25 of the remote monitoring device 21 may use the received temperature data, luminance data, acoustics data and air quality data to monitor and adjust the conditions in the prefabricated building module 1. For instance, based on the received data, the user 25 may open or close a door or window associated with the room of the prefabricated building module 1 to alter the temperature, luminance, acoustics or air quality.

[0113] In one example, the user 25 may open a door or window if the carbon dioxide measured by the air quality sensor is above a threshold. The threshold may be defined by the user 25 or by a device associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0114] In some examples the temperature data, luminance data, acoustics data and air quality data are transmitted to the remote monitoring device 21 in real-time or near real-time. [0115] In the above the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor may be integrated into the roof 3, floor 5 and/or at least one wall section 7 of the prefabricated building module 1. In other examples the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor may be portable such that the position can be changed.

[0116] The prefabricated building module 1 may also comprise one or more windows and/or shades operable by a first actuator. The operation of the one or more windows and/or shades may affect one or more indoor environmental quality parameters associated with the room. For example, when the window is open the temperature and/or acoustics in the room may change. The carbon dioxide concentration and/or carbon monoxide concentration of the room may also change. In a further example when the shade of the window is open, the luminance of the room may change. Therefore, the one or more windows and/or shades in the prefabricated building module 1 may affect the one or more indoor environmental quality parameters associated with the room, and thus affect the temperature data, luminance data, acoustics data and/or air quality data that is transmitted to the remote monitoring device 21.

[0117] Similarly, the indoor environmental quality parameters associated with the room may be affected by the operation of a door of the prefabricated building module 1. For instance, when the door is open the temperature, acoustics, carbon dioxide/carbon monoxide/oxygen concentration and luminance may change. This in turn affects the one or more indoor environmental quality parameters of the room.

[0118] In further examples the window may be associated with the solar panel 9 that is used to generate electricity. In this way, the windows may act as photovoltaic panels.

[0119] The prefabricated building module 1 may further comprise a motion sensor, window sensor or door sensor associated with the room. In this way, the motion sensor may determine motion in the room, the window sensor may determine opening of a window and the door sensor may determine opening of a door. The digital monitoring system 17

[0120] As described above the prefabricated building module 1 further comprises a digital monitoring system 17. The digital monitoring system 17 receives data in relation to energy generation, energy load, and the at least one environmental quality parameter. That is, the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to receive data from the energy generation meter 11, energy load meter 13 and the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor 15. In a further example the digital monitoring system 17 may receive data from another source such as a data store or database (such as a cloud storage associated with the communications network 26) not otherwise described.

[0121] The digital monitoring system 17 may comprise a server 27 that is associated with the prefabricated building module 1. In one example, the server 27 may be in communication with the communications network 26.

[0122] The data received by the digital monitoring system 17 is then aggregated to form aggregated data. In one example, a first processing device 18 of the digital monitoring system 17 may perform the aggregation of the data. This may involve the first processing device 18 compiling the data to form a new data set comprising summary statistics related to the received data. In this way, the aggregated data provides a compact representation of the data in relation to energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter.

[0123] The server 27 may receive, over the communications network 26, the aggregated data from the communications module 19 of the prefabricated building module 1. In some examples the server 27 may perform the aggregation of the data.

[0124] The digital monitoring system 17 may further comprise a data store to store data in relation to energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. In some examples the data store is associated with the server 27. The data store may further be a cloud storage associated with the communications network 26. The server 27 may be configured store at least part of, or all of, the aggregated data in the data store. In one example, the data store may be further configured to store one or more settings and configurations of the prefabricated building module 1. [0125] The server 27 may further be configured to send monitoring data, based on at least part of the aggregated data. The monitoring data may be determined by the server 27 or may be received by the server 27 from a processing device or other server associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0126] The server 27 may further be configured to determine monitoring data, based on at least part of the aggregated data. The monitoring data may then be sent from the digital monitoring system 17 or server 27 to the remote monitoring device 21. The remote monitoring device 21 may then display a representation of the monitoring data on a user interface 29 associated with the remote monitoring device 21.

[0127] Figs. 9 to 14 and 17 illustrate some examples of the representation of monitoring data that may be displayed on the user interface 29 of the remote monitoring device 21. In some examples the representation of monitoring data as illustrated may be displayed on user interfaces of other devices associated with the prefabricated building module 1 or

communications network 26.

[0128] For instance, Fig. 8 shows a representation of monitoring data 901 that may be displayed on a user interface of a device. The representation 901 may include icons 903, 905, 907, and 909 that relate to the energy generation, energy usage, energy storage and electrical junction/inverter respectively. The icons 903, 905, 909, 909 may in turn be associated with the energy generation by the at least one solar panel 9 (as indicated by the electricity generation meter 11), the energy usage as indicated by the energy load meter 13, the energy storage in the energy storage system and the electrical junction box and/or electrical inverter associated with the prefabricated building module as described above.

[0129] Further representations of monitoring data are illustrated in Figs. 10 to 14 and 17. Fig. 9 shows a graph 1001 of energy production over a day. Fig. 10 shows a graph 1101 of energy consumption over a day. Fig. 11 shows a graph 1201 of electricity consumption and generation at various intervals for each day in a week. Fig. 12 shows an example 1301 of a dashboard that may be presented to a user of a device associated with the remote monitoring device 21 or other device. Fig. 13 shows a graph 1401 of trends associated with an air conditioning system (such as a HVAC system) associated with the prefabricated building module 101 for a few days. [0130] Fig. 16a shows a further representation 1701 of a dashboard that may be presented to a user of a device associated with the remote monitoring device 21 or other device. The representation 1701 may be presented on the interface 29. The representation 1701 may include icons 1703, 1705 that relate to the temperature inside the prefabricated building module 1 or outside the prefabricated building module 1 respectively. The representation 1701 may also include icons or graphs 1707, 1709 associated with energy generation and consumption of the prefabricated building module 1 or other modules.

[0131] Fig. 16b shows yet a further representation 1711 of a dashboard that may be presented to a user of a device associated with the remote monitoring device 21. The representation 1711 may be presented on the interface 29. The representation 1711 may include icons 1713, 1715 that relate to the temperature inside the prefabricated building module or the modules that are being powered by the energy storage system respectively. The representation 1711 may also include icons or graphs 1717 associated with electricity use. The representation 1711 may further include icons or graphs 1719 associated with the relationship between temperature and energy use of the prefabricated building module 1 or other modules.

[0132] As described above the prefabricated building module 1 may further comprise a motion sensor, window sensor or door sensor associated with the room. In some examples, the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to have an alert mode. In this way, when the digital monitoring system 17 is in the alert mode the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to send an alert notification, via the communications module 19, to the remote monitoring device 21 upon determination of motion in the room or opening of a window or door. The alert notification may be sent to other devices.

[0133] In one example the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to be in the alert mode continuously. In another example the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured manually to be in the alert mode by a user 25 associated with the remote monitoring device 21. In a further example the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured manually to be in the alert mode by another user not otherwise associated with the remote monitoring device 21. In yet another example the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to be in the alert mode during certain hours and days. For instance, the digital monitoring system 17 may be in the alert mode between sunset and sunrise. [0134] When in the alert mode, the digital monitoring system 17 may send the alert notification via the communication module 19 to the remote monitoring device 21. In one example the alert notification may be in a text, audio and/or visual format. In a further example the alert notification may also include a mechanical notification such as a vibration of the remote monitoring device 21.

[0135] In some examples the alert mode may be associated with data in relation to the indoor environmental quality parameters. In this way, the alert may be based on measured data. For example, if the measured carbon dioxide exceeds a threshold, the digital monitoring system 17 may send the alert notification to the remote monitoring device 21 (or other device).

[0136] In some examples the server 27 of the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to determine at least one alert threshold for each of the energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. In other examples, the server 27 may receive at least one alert threshold from a processing device or server. In this way, the server 27 may monitor for an alert condition, based on the received aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold. This may comprise the server 27 comparing the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold. In other examples the server 27 may compare the data and the at least one alert threshold.

[0137] Based on the occurrence of an alert condition, the server 27 may be further configured to send an alert to the remote monitoring device 21 or the communications module 19 of the prefabricated module 1. In one example the alert may be in a text, audio and/or visual format. In a further example the alert may also include a mechanical notification such as a vibration of the remote monitoring device 21 or communications module 19. The alert may also be sent to another device associated with the communications module 19 of the prefabricated building module 1.

[0138] The digital monitoring system 17 may be integrated into the roof 3, floor 5 or at least one wall section 7 of the prefabricated building module 1.

[0139] In some examples, the remote monitoring device 21 may be also be configured to determine at least one alert threshold for each of the energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. The remote monitoring device 21 may also receive the at least one alert threshold from a processing device or server. The remote monitoring device 21 may also be configured to monitor for an alert condition, based on the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold. This may comprise the remote monitoring device 21 comparing the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold. In other examples the remote monitoring device may compare values of the data and the at least one alert threshold. Based on the occurrence of an alert condition, the remote monitoring device 21 may be further configured to display a representation of an alert on the user interface 29 associated with the remote monitoring device 21. As indicated above, the alert may be in a text, audio, visual and/or mechanical format. The remote monitoring device 21 may further be configured to send the alert to another device associated with the prefabricated building module 1.

[0140] In some examples the remote monitoring device 21 may be further configured to receive one or more settings and configurations from a user 25. The one or more settings and configurations may be sent to the communications module 19 of the prefabricated building module 1.

[0141] In other examples the server 27 may be configured to receive one or more settings and configurations from a user 25. In other examples the server 27 may be configured to send the one or more settings and configurations to the communications module 19 of the prefabricated building module 1.

Further example of digital monitoring system 17

[0142] A further example of the digital monitoring system 17, 1801 in use with the prefabricated building module 1 is illustrated in Fig. 17. The digital monitoring system 1801 may comprise a database 1803. In one example database 1803 may be a cloud storage associated with the communications network 26. The database 1803 may receive data in relation to the energy generation, energy load, and the at least one environmental quality parameter. That is, the database 1803 may be configured to receive data from one or more of the solar panel 9, electricity generation meter 11, energy load meter 13 and the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor 15. In other examples, the database 1803 may receive data from another source such as a data store or database. This includes a cloud storage associated with the communications network 26.

[0143] As described above the database 1803 may be a cloud storage associated with the communications network 26. In one example the database 1803 may be a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, such as a Microsoft Azure Cloud SQL Database. In this way the database 1803 may be an SQL server in a cloud storage associated with the communications network 26. In other examples database 1803 may be an Azure SQL Data Warehouse.

[0144] Other examples of the database 1803 may comprise Google Cloud SQL, IBM Cloud database, Amazon Web Services Cloud Storage products, Xeround Cloud Database,

Enterprise DB, etc.

[0145] The digital monitoring system 1801 may further comprise an identity management module. The identity management module may be configured to monitor and manage users of the digital monitoring system 1801 and prefabricated building module 1. The identity management module may also be configured to monitor and manage users of devices associated with the prefabricated building module, such as the remote monitoring device 21. In other examples the identity management module may be configured to monitor and manage users of other devices not otherwise associated with the module 1, such as guests. The identity management module may also control and amend access of users to the digital monitoring system 1803, prefabricated building module 1 or devices 21. The identity management module may comprise a server in a cloud storage associated with the

communications network 26.

[0146] The identity management module may be configured to integrate with other third- party identity management modules, such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter and Apple.

[0147] In one example the identity management module may be a Microsoft Azure Active Directory. In this way, each user registered with the Microsoft Azure Active Directory may be assigned log in details/credentials.

[0148] In one example the user login credentials may be used to access data visualisation software associated with the database 1803 and identity management module. Examples of data visualisation software include IBM Cognos Analytics, Sisense, Looker, SAP Business Intelligence, Tableau, QlikView.

[0149] In one example, the data visualisation software may be Microsoft Power BI. In this way, Power BI licences may be assigned to the log in credentials of each user registered with the Microsoft Azure Active Directory.

[0150] The digital monitoring system 1801 may further comprise a server 1805. The server 1805 may be a server or cloud storage associated with the communications network 26.

Server 1805 may be configured to receive data from database 1803. In some examples the server 1805 imports data from the database 1803. The server 1805 may import data at predetermined or scheduled time intervals, for example at intervals of 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc. In other examples the server 1805 may import data at smaller time intervals, for example at intervals of 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds or 30 seconds. The server 1805 may also import data at larger time intervals such as hourly or daily.

[0151] In further examples the server 1805 may be configured to refresh the data stored in the server 1805 by manually requesting an update from the database 1803. The request for update may be initiated by a user of the digital monitoring system 1801. In this way the user may receive updated data in real-time. In other examples the request for update may be scheduled in advance.

[0152] In one example, the server 1805 is a Microsoft Azure Analysis Services instance. In this way, the server 1805 may be configured to connect to the database 1803 (which, in this example, may be a Microsoft Azure Cloud SQL Database or Data Warehouse) to receive data. This connection may be a live connection such as DirectQuery. In this way, the data stored in the server 1805 may be current and up to date.

[0153] As illustrated in Fig. 17 the remote monitoring devices 21 are configured to connect to the server 1805 of the digital monitoring system 1801. The user interfaces 29 of devices 21 may be configured to display data associated with the data visualisation software. As described above, examples of data visualisation software include IBM Cognos Analytics, Sisense, Looker, SAP Business Intelligence, Tableau, QlikView, or Power BI. [0154] In one example, the user interfaces 29 are configured to embed the data visualisation software in the computer software program of the device 21. For example the user interface 29 may display embedded Power BI content. In this way, interfaces 29 may display the Power BI reports and dashboard features. In a further example, the user of the device 21 (or a user associated with the digital monitoring system 1801) may be required to authenticate the log in credentials to enable the display of the embedded Power BI content.

[0155] As described above a live connection such as the DirectQuery may be used between the server 1805 and database 1803. In this way, when the data visualisation software such as Power BI is accessed on the device 21, the data will be current and up to date. This means that reports and dashboard features generated on the interfaces 29 will be up to date. In the event that a report or dashboard features are already displayed on the user interface 29, the report/dashboard features may be refreshed and reloaded to display the most current and up to date data. In other examples the report/dashboard features at interfaces 29 may be refreshed and reloaded at regular intervals.

[0156] An example of the output of the data visualisation software is shown in Figs. 9 to 14 and 17.

[0157] As described above the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to have an alert mode. In the alert mode, the digital monitoring system 17 may be configured to send an alert notification, via the communications module 19, to a remote monitoring device 21 or other devices. The digital monitoring system 1801 described herein may also be configured to send an alert notification, via the communications module 19, to the remote monitoring device 21 or other devices (such as a computer display, a wearable electronic device, etc). For example the digital monitoring system 1801 may be configured to send an alert based on the output of the data visualisation software, as displayed on the interfaces 29.

The communications module 19

[0158] As described above the prefabricated building module 19 further includes a communications module 19 to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device 21. [0159] The communications module 19 may provide a communications link between the communications network 26 and a communications node associated with the room. The communications node may be a device or remote monitoring device associated with the room. In another example the communications node may be another remote monitoring device or digital monitoring system associated with a room of another prefabricated building module.

[0160] The prefabricated building module 19 may comprise a further communications module. In this way, the further communications module may provide a communications link between the communications network and the communications node as described above.

[0161] The communications module 19, or further communications module, may comprise a mobile communications module to communicate via a mobile communications network. For example, the communications module 19 may be a wireless communications module. In this way, the wireless communication for the communications module 19 may be based on the IEEE 802 standard, such as the 802.11 standard. In another example the communications module 19, or further communications module, may be a cellular communications module. In this way, the communication for the communications module 19 may utilise a cellular network.

[0162] In other examples the communications module 19 or further communications module may facilitate communication via alternative types of communications networks. For example, the communications module 19 may comprise modules to enable communication via telephone lines, copper wire, fiber optic, Tl, DSL, ADSL, Ethernet or a cable modem... In other examples the communications module 19 may comprise a module for satellite communications .

[0163] The communications module 19 may facilitate communication from the digital monitoring system 17 to other nodes, such as another device or prefabricated building module. The communications module 19 may be integrated into the roof 3, floor 5 and/or at least one wall section 7 of the prefabricated building module 1. Control module 20

[0164] The prefabricated building module 1 may further comprise a control module 20 to provide control signals to operate one or more of the solar panel 9, electricity outlet 14 and/or energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, electrical junction box, HVAC system, light system, or first actuator associated with a window or shade.

[0165] The control module 20 may provide control signals based on one or more commands, or control parameters, received via the communications module 19. For example, the commands or control parameters may be received from the remote monitoring device or another device. The commands or control parameters may be user controlled or automatic.

[0166] The commands, or control parameters, may be received from the remote monitoring device 21 via the communications module 19. The commands, or control parameters, may be received from a building monitoring server.

[0167] The control module 20 may provide control signals based on data received in relation to one or more of energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter. In other examples, the control module 20 may provide control signals based on other received data.

[0168] In some examples the control module 20 may be integrated into the roof 3, floor 5 and/or at least one wall section 7 of the prefabricated building module 1. The control module 20 may further be a component of the digital monitoring system 17.

Further prefabricated building module

[0169] The prefabricated building module 1 may further comprise an interface to connect the prefabricated building module 1 to a further prefabricated building module 101. For example, a plurality of prefabricated building modules may be connected to define a plurality of rooms (such as for a school). This is illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0170] The interface may include an electrical connection to pass electricity between the prefabricated building module 1 and the further prefabricated building module 101. This may include utilising the electricity outlet 14 of the prefabricated building module 1 or a further electricity outlet. It is to be appreciated that a plurality of prefabricated building modules 1, 101 may share other resources such as the electricity generation meter 11, energy load meter 13, at least one indoor environmental quality sensors 15, communications module 19, aggregated data, solar panel 9, energy storage system, electrical junction box, and/or HVAC system. Further examples of resources that may be shared by the plurality of prefabricated building modules 1, 101 include the light system, windows/doors, data store, and/or control module 20.

[0171] The interface may further include a data connection for the digital monitoring system 17 of the prefabricated building module 1 to receive data in relation to one or more of energy generation, energy load, and at least one indoor environmental quality parameter of the further prefabricated building module 101. In some examples the data connection may be associated with the communications module 19.

Method for monitoring a building module

[0172] A computer-implemented method 100 as illustrated in Fig. 7 for monitoring a building module, the method comprising receiving, from an electricity generation meter, energy generation data associated with the building module. The building module may be a prefabricated building module 1 as described above. In other examples the building module may be another building module not otherwise described herein. The electricity generation meter may be the electricity generation meter 11 as described above.

[0173] The method further comprises receiving, from an energy load meter, energy load data at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building module. The energy load meter may be the energy load meter 13 as described above. The energy load meter may be integrated into the roof, floor and/or wall of the building module.

[0174] The method further comprises receiving, from at least one indoor environmental quality sensor, at least one indoor environment quality parameter data associated with a room of the building module. In some examples the at least one indoor environment quality parameter sensor may include one or more of a temperature sensor, light sensor, acoustics sensor and an air quality sensor to provide indoor environment quality parameters related to temperature, luminance, acoustics and air quality of the room. In turn, the at least one indoor environment quality parameter measured by the indoor environmental quality sensor may then provide temperature data, luminance data, acoustics data, and air quality data.

[0175] The method further comprises determining one or more aggregated data based on the received energy generation data, energy load data, and indoor environment quality parameter data. In some examples a processing device or server associated with the building module may aggregate the data. In other examples a processing device or server associated with the building module may receive the aggregated data from another processing device or server.

[0176] The method further comprises sending, via a communications module, the aggregated data to a monitoring device. The aggregated data may be sent to a remote monitoring device of a user associated with the building module.

[0177] The method may further comprise receiving, via the communications module, one or more commands or control parameters. The commands or control parameters may be received from the communications module of the building module. In other examples the commands or control parameters may be received from another device associated with the building module, such as a processing device or server.

[0178] The method may further comprise determining control signals to operate one or more of a solar panel, electricity outlet, energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, electrical junction box, HVAC system, light system, or actuators associated with a window or shade.

[0179] The method may further comprise sending one or more control signals to one or more devices associated with the building module, such as a remote monitoring device. For example, if the carbon dioxide measured by the air quality sensor is above a threshold defined by a user 25 or a device associated with the building module, a control signal may be sent to a door or window associated with the room of the building module. In another example if the light sensor determines a change in the luminance data a control signal may be sent to an actuator associated with a window of the building module to operate a shade. In a further example one or more control signals may be sent to a communications module associated with the HVAC system to change the temperature of the room of the building module. [0180] In this way, the one or more control signals that are sent to one or more devices associated with the building module may be automated based on the data received by the indoor environmental quality sensors. In this way the conditions inside of the room such as air quality, lighting, temperature and acoustics may be monitored.

Kit suitable for fitting to a room of a building

[0181] There is also provided a kit suitable for fitting to a room of a building. In some examples the building may be a house or office building. In other examples the kit may be suitable for fitting to a building module. The kit may comprise at least one solar panel associated with a roof of the building or a roof 3 of the prefabricated building module 1. In some examples the solar panel may be the solar panel 9 as described above. In other examples there may be an existing solar panel associated with the building.

[0182] The kit may further comprise an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel. The electricity generation meter may be the electricity generation meter 11 as described above. The kit may further comprise at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the prefabricated building module. In some examples the energy load meter may be the energy load meter 13 as described above.

[0183] The kit may further comprise at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room. In some examples the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor may include one or more of a temperature sensor, light sensor, acoustics sensor and an air quality sensor to provide indoor environment quality parameters related to temperature, luminance, acoustics and air quality of the room. In turn, the at least one indoor environment quality parameter measured by the indoor environmental quality sensor may then provide temperature data, luminance data, acoustics data and air quality data.

[0184] In the kit there may also be provided a digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data. In some examples, as described above, a processing device or server associated with the building may aggregate the data. In other examples a processing device or server associated with the building may receive the aggregated data from another processing device or server.

[0185] The kit further comprises a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device. The remote monitoring device may be associated with a user of, or person associated with, the building.

[0186] It is an advantage that the kit may be retrofitted to a room of a building. For example, it may be desirable to monitor the conditions of an existing kitchen in a house. In this way, the house may be retrofitted with at least one solar panel. The kitchen may then be retrofitted with the components of the kit including the electricity generation meter, at least one energy load meter, at least one indoor environmental quality sensor, digital monitoring system and communications module.

Processing device

[0187] As described above, the digital monitoring system 17 and the remote monitoring device 21 may comprise a processing device. Fig. 14 illustrates an example of a processing device 1300. The processing device may be in the form of a computer. The processing device includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320 and an interface device 1340 that communicate with each other via a bus 1330. The memory 1320 stores a computer software program comprising machine-readable instructions 1324 and data 1322 for implementing the methods described above, and the processor 1310 performs the instructions from the memory 1320 to implement the methods described above. The interface device may include a communications module that facilitates communication with the communications network 26, and in some examples, with the user interface 1340 and peripherals such as data store 132. It should be noted that although the processing device may be an independent network element, the processing device may also be part of another network element. Further, some functions performed by the processing device may be distributed between multiple network elements.

[0188] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. [0189] It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies.

[0190] The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A prefabricated building module comprising:

- a roof, a floor, and at least one wall section to define a room therein;

- at least one solar panel associated with the roof to generate electricity;

- an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel;

- at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building module;

- at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room;

- a digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to: energy generation; energy load; and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data; and

- a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device.

2. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a rigid internal frame to support the roof, floor, and at least one wall section, wherein the internal frame is a substantially rectangular prism.

3. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one solar panel includes a photovoltaic panel and the prefabricated building module further comprises an electrical inverter to convert an input of direct current from the photovoltaic panel to an output of alternating current to the electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device.

4. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- an energy storage system to store energy from electricity from the at least one solar panel and to supply electricity to the electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device.

5. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the solar panel, energy storage system, electrical inverter, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device is electrically connected to an external electricity grid.

6. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- an electrical junction box to control electricity flow between one or more of a solar panel, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, and external electricity grid.

7. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an interface to connect the prefabricated building module to a further prefabricated building module, wherein the interface includes:

- an electrical connection to pass electricity between the prefabricated building module and the further building module; and

- a data connection for the digital monitoring system of the prefabricated building module to receive data in relation to one or more of energy generation, energy load, and at least one indoor environmental quality parameter of the further prefabricated building module.

8. A prefabricated building module according to claim 7 wherein the room is further defined by at least one of a further roof, a further floor and/or a further wall section of the further prefabricated building module.

9. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one indoor environmental quality sensor includes one or more of:

- a temperature sensor to provide temperature data;

- a light sensor to provide luminance data;

- an acoustics sensor to provide acoustics data; and

- an air quality sensor to provide air quality data.

10. A prefabricated building module according to claim 9 wherein the air quality sensor includes a carbon dioxide sensor.

11. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the communications module, or a further communications module, provides a communications link between a communications network and a communications node associated with the room.

12. A prefabricated building module according to claim 11 wherein the communications module, or further communications module, comprises a mobile communications module to communicate via a mobile communications network.

13. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- one or more heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system associated with the room.

14. A prefabricated building module wherein the energy consumption device includes a light system to provide light to the room.

15. A prefabricated building module further comprising one or more windows and/or shades operable by a first actuator, wherein operation of the one or more windows and/or shades affect one or more indoor environmental quality parameters associated with the room.

16. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the digital monitoring system further comprises:

- a data store to store data in relation to energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter.

17. A prefabricated building module according to claim 16 wherein the data store is further configured to store one or more settings and configurations of the prefabricated building module.

18. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a control module to provide control signals to operate one or more of the solar panel, electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, electrical junction box, HVAC system, light system, or first actuator associated with a window or shade.

19. A prefabricated building module according to claim 18 wherein the control module provides control signals based on one or more commands, or control parameters, received via the communications module.

20. A prefabricated building module according to claim 19 wherein the commands, or control parameters, are received from the remote monitoring device via the communications module.

21. A prefabricated building module according to either claim 19 or 20 wherein the commands, or control parameters, are received from a building monitoring server.

22. A prefabricated building module according to either claim 20 or 21 wherein the control module provides control signals based on data in relation to one or more of energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter.

23. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electricity generation meter, energy load meter, at least one indoor environmental quality sensor, digital monitoring system, and communications modules are integrated into the floor, roof and/or wall of the prefabricated building module.

24. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a water supply inlet at an exterior of the prefabricated building module that is fluidly connected to a faucet in the room.

25. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a gas supply inlet at an exterior of the prefabricated building module that is fluidly connected to a gas heater or gas outlet in the room.

26. A prefabricated building module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

- a motion sensor, window sensor, or door sensor associated with the room;

- wherein in an alert mode the digital monitoring system is configured to send an alert notification, via the communication module, to the remote monitoring device upon determination of motion in the room or opening of a window or door.

27. A computer- implemented method for monitoring a building module, the method comprising:

- receiving, from an electricity generation meter, energy generation data associated with the building module;

- receiving, from an energy load meter, energy load data at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building module;

- receiving, from at least one indoor environmental quality sensor, at least one indoor environment quality parameter data associated with a room of the building module; - determining one or more aggregated data based on the received energy generation data, energy load data, and indoor environment quality parameter data; and

- sending, via a communications module, the aggregated data to a monitoring device.

28. A computer-implemented method according to claim 27 further comprising:

- receiving, via the communications module, one or more commands or control parameters;

- determining control signals to operate one or more of a solar panel, electricity outlet, energy consumption device, electrical inverter, energy storage system, electrical junction box, HVAC system, light system, or actuators associated with a window or shade;

- sending one or more control signals to one or more devices associated with the building module.

29. A building system comprising:

- one or more prefabricated building modules according to any one of claims 1 to 26;

- a server configured to: receive, over the communications network, the aggregated data from the communications module of the prefabricated building module; store, in a data store, at least part of the aggregated data; send monitoring data, based on at least part of the aggregated data; and

- a remote monitoring device associated with the one or more prefabricated building modules configured to: receive the monitoring data; and display a representation of the monitoring data on a user interface associated with the remote monitoring device.

30. A building system according to claim 29 wherein the server is further configured to:

- determine at least one alert threshold for each of the energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter;

- monitor for an alert condition, based on the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold; and wherein based on an occurrence of an alert condition, the server is further configured to:

- send an alert to the remote monitoring device or the communications module of the prefabricated building module.

31. A building system according to claim 29 or 30 wherein the remote monitoring device is further configured to:

- determine at least one alert threshold for each of the energy generation, energy load and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter;

- monitor for an alert condition, based on the aggregated data and the at least one alert threshold; and wherein based on an occurrence of an alert condition, the remote monitoring device is further configured to:

- display a representation of an alert on the user interface associated with the remote monitoring device.

32. A building system according to claim 29, 30 or 31 wherein the remote monitoring device is further configured to:

- receive one or more settings and configurations from a user; and - send the one or more settings and configurations to the communications module of the prefabricated building module.

33. A building system according to any one of claims 29 to 32 wherein the server is further configured to:

- receive one or more settings and configurations from a user; and

- send the one or more settings and configurations to the communications module of the prefabricated building module.

34. A system of a plurality of prefabricated building modules, wherein the plurality of prefabricated building modules comprises:

- at least one roof, at least one floor and at least one wall section to define a room therein;

- at least one solar panel associated with the roof to generate electricity;

- an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel;

- at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the plurality of prefabricated building modules;

- at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room;

- at least one digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to: energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data; and

- a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device.

35. A kit suitable for fitting to a room of a building, wherein the kit comprises:

- at least one solar panel associated with a roof of the building to generate electricity;

- an electricity generation meter to indicate energy generation at the at least one solar panel;

- at least one energy load meter to indicate energy load at an electricity outlet and/or energy consumption device associated with the building;

- at least one indoor environmental quality sensor to measure at least one indoor environmental quality parameter associated with the room;

- a digital monitoring system to receive data in relation to: energy generation, energy load, and the at least one indoor environmental quality parameter, wherein the data is aggregated to form aggregated data; and

- a communications module to send the aggregated data to be received by a remote monitoring device.