Katerra Energy System

Katerra Energy System (KES) combines leading-edge hardware with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data processors, providing an energy solution that is future-proof and completely replaces a typical electrical closet with a single enclosure appliance.

KES is designed to accommodate a range of configurations so owners can customize energy capabilities to their unique building and occupant requirements.

KES is fully controlled through a software interface, enabling unprecedented energy optimization and simplifying system maintenance.

My Role

Principal Architect of Product Design, Design Lead, Interaction Design Contributor

The Challenge

The Goal

Katerra had developed a revolutionary energy management system that required three different points of interaction, each with their own limitations, dependencies, and external regulations.

Create an optimal experience for each input device while maintaining consistency and ensuring all technical limitations are accounted for.

The Process

I was brought into the project after many hardware decisions had already been made, so I needed to quickly come up to speed. It was important to have a solid understanding of how the system would work along with awareness of the many regulations that any energy management system would need to adhere to. It was also very important to have a clear grasp of the limitations of the hardware platforms for user interaction.

KES required three distinct software experiences working together to provide the ultimate experience. These include a local HMI on the unit, a connected tablet for advanced configuration and maintenance, and a web platform for management and reporting. My team was responsible for the design all three.

The Design - Local HMI

The KES unit is a marvel of technology. It allows for an incredible plug an play approach for the addition of Solar, Wind, Battery, and Geothermal energy sources into a standalone energy management device. It is built to replace an entire electrical room and will last decades.

The local HMI provided immediate control for technicians. In contrast to the advanced power capabilities, the hardware only included a basic DPAD and low resolution HMI screen with very basic graphics capabilities. Despite these limitations, it needed to support a wide variety of interactive features, setting configuration, real-time reporting and security measures.

With a tight schedule and a significant set of constraints, I worked with the team to design a fully featured HMI that could satisfy all the requirements.

Working very closely with development teams, we were able to implement adaptive and informative graphics and animations that went well beyond what the extremely limited chipset would normally provide.

The Design - Connected Tablet

In addition to the local HMI, the KES could be directly connected via Wi-Fi to an authenticated iPad. This opened up many new possibilities and allowed us to expand the experience.

The KES's powerful AI manages the flow of power to minimize cost and maximize energy efficiency. Realtime reporting on energy usage from unit to campus provides the ability to quickly identify issues.

Designing for iOS allowed for a much richer user experience and provided us with a powerful display for real-time monitoring and control.

The Design - Web Interface

In addition to the two local control methods, Katerra also required a way to monitor and report on KES systems remotely.

I worked on adding KES support to the Katerra Cloud project I was working at concurrently. This included a full set of reporting tools along with handling of permission profiles and privacy restrictions.

The Result

Katerra showcased KES at a large Kick Off event in Las Vegas. Originally slated for a 2020 release, the project has been delayed due to COVID-19 construction impacts.