Texas A&M Smart and Connected Homes Testbed (TAM-SCHT)

The Texas A&M Smart and Connected Homes Testbed (TAM-SCHT) is located on the RELLIS campus in Bryan, Texas, United States. This testbed is used by the Building Energy and HVAC&R research group at Texas A&M University for smart home technology and smart grid applications research.

Constructed with an aim to create a closely monitored environment that replicates how normal homes operate, the Texas A&M Smart and Connected Homes Testbed (TAM-SCH) offer a unique testbed in the U.S. South to test emerging residential technologies in a simulated “existing home” environment. The testbed site currently includes two identical test homes, i.e., the Baseline Home and the Experimental Home. These 1,203 sq. foot homes are all-electric and sit adjacent to each other on the TAMU’s RELLIS campus in Bryan, TX. The side-by-side nature of the homes removes any error associated with varying weather conditions or water supply temperatures (as seen in most field testing). Both homes contain full end-use metering, a suite of environmental sensors, and remote data collection.

The homes were designed and decorated to mimic real single family (SF) residential homes, so that building physics and occupant behaviors could be well observed and captured. Each home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a utility room designed to accommodate laundry equipment and data monitoring systems, and an open-concept kitchen and living area without physical partitions. Homes are equipped with removable interior walls which allow research to alter the floorplan and Daikin air-source heat pump systems to provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

A dedicated solar photovoltaic (PV) system and home battery energy storage system were installed to support the homes. The solar panels are mounted outdoors, and the system is designed to generate renewable electricity for residential use. The installation includes solar panels, inverter equipment, and battery storage components that work together to provide on-site energy generation and storage capabilities.

Texas A&M Smart and Connected Homes Testbed website