ThermoEXA , DifferenceMakers

Ariel Pena-Martinez, computer engineering graduate student, and Grissel Cervantes-Jaramillo from the ThermoEXA team holding an award pose with Brian Rist and Holly Lalos of Difference Makers against a blue UMass Lowell backdrop.

ThermoEXA reduces energy costs and is aiding the environment.

2022 Commitment to a Sustainable Environment

The ThermoEXA team, Ariel Pena-Martinez, computer engineering graduate student, and Grissel Cervantes-Jaramillo, noticed that the smart thermostats on the market were not as efficient and precise as they should be at reducing energy costs. As a result of the pandemic, more people worked remotely which created an increase in utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions. Even after the pandemic, the amount of people who continue to work from home is much higher than before. With this, there is a need for a solution to the problems that arise with this increase in energy consumption.

That is why Grissel and Ariel decided to create ThermoEXA, a smart thermostat that improves energy efficiency and creates lower utility bills. This is done through personalized temperature control through unique biometrics recognition. During the 2022 10th Annual DifferenceMaker $50k Idea Challenge ThermoEXA was awarded the Commitment to a Sustainable Environment award. With the $4,000 in funding, they plan to create a proof-of-concept prototype and eventually conduct a pilot study.