The IDEAS methodology was initially researched by Counsell and Murphy as part of BRE’s Centre of Excellence in Energy Utilisation in 2011. The method uses dynamic equation computer simulation and an advanced equation solver to enable high speed simulation of complex domestic heating technologies, building physics, energy tariffs and optimising heating controls aiming to minimise heating carbon emissions and running costs.
Professor Counsell was previously the BRE Chair in Energy Utilisation at the University of Strathclyde and was the inventor of the world’s first automatic Demand Side Response system CELECT for electric heating at EA Technology in 1996. Since that time CELECT is used as standard for DSR control of heating in Part L of the building regulations. More recently he co-invented the IDEAS+ methodology in 2015 and founded the Computer Science & Electronic & Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Chester where he continues his Digital Energy Systems and Controls (DECS) research.