Mobile Application for Monitoring and Control of Energy Consumption in Academic Buildings

Abstract

Energy consumption in educational buildings is a growing concern due to environmental and economic implications. Many academic institutions lack effective tools for monitoring and controlling energy use, hindering data-driven decision-making for sustainability. This paper presents a mobile application that enables monitoring and analysis of electrical consumption in the FCMF-UG building, addressing the need for accessible real-time data and historical insights. The system was developed using the Scrum framework, with requirements gathered through surveys and stakeholder interviews. Key features of the app include CSV uploads of sensor readings, interactive visualization of consumption statistics, anomaly-detection alerts, and a user-friendly interface for non-technical staff. A modular architecture was implemented using a cross-platform mobile framework and a Python-based backend, ensuring scalability and offline functionality. The application was validated through functional testing and user evaluations, which indicated improved accessibility to energy data and better interpretation of consumption patterns. Results show that users can identify usage anomalies and compare trends over time, facilitating more informed energy management. The proposed solution demonstrates significant potential to optimize energy usage in academic buildings and foster sustainable practices. Its adaptable design can be extended to similar institutional contexts.