Pilot readiness & proposal evidence
FlexCasa prototype mapping to COSMIC OC2 Challenge 21 (Energy Literacy Online Game). Source: Technical Guidelines pp. 14–15.
Proposal evidence summary
- Current TRL
- 3–4
- Target TRL (month 10)
- 6–7
Evidence available today:
- Vercel-ready working prototype (all routes functional)
- Pre/post knowledge quiz with normalized learning gain
- Analytics dashboard with A/B framing comparison
- AI recommendation accept / modify / reject tracking
- System mirror with labelled simplified estimates
- Reviewer demo mode — instant 7-day instrumented session
Path to TRL 6–7:
Pilot dissemination with COSMIC partners, structured user testing (n≥200 closed beta), multilingual content (PT/EN + 2 languages), behavioural validation (TPB instrument, CSF co-design), PVGIS/ERSE-calibrated simulation, and predefined reach target with impact reporting in the COSMIC evaluation framework.
Data realism — prototype vs funded pilot
TRL 3–4 prototype: Uses deterministic synthetic profiles for weather, solar generation level, electricity price level, and grid stress. Each of the 7 campaign days is scripted with fixed condition enums (sunny/cloudy/rainy/cold; solar none/low/medium/high; etc.). Scoring applies simplified but directionally correct logic (solar hours reduce cost/CO₂; evening peak penalises grid support; cold days penalise delayed heating).
TRL 6–7 funded pilot: Will replace and calibrate these profiles with PVGIS hourly solar data for representative EU locations, weather inputs (e.g. Open-Meteo) for outdoor temperature and COP behaviour, ERSE-published tariff structures for time-of-use pricing, and partner-reviewed heat-pump assumptions validated with the Daikin pilot. System mirror scaling will be documented against published grid patterns, not score-derived linear extrapolation alone.
We do not claim the prototype uses live external APIs. All system-level numbers are labelled as simplified estimates in the UI.
CH21 fit
- Free, open-access web-based game — deployed on Vercel, no install.
- Teaches energy flexibility, renewable production, system resilience, AI-enabled optimisation (AI assistant mechanic).
- Trade-offs between comfort, cost, emissions, grid stability — four live meters.
- Embedded assessments (pre/post quiz), engagement telemetry, A/B mechanic variants.
- Multilingual-ready (EN + PT labels); full i18n in funded build.
- Aligned with Daikin heat-pump pilot via heat pump as core flexible load.
Behavioural measurement design
| Layer | Framework | Prototype |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | COM-B | Pre/post knowledge quiz (8 items, 2 per module) |
| Motivation | TPB + BCT feedback | A/B framing (money / climate / comfort) |
| Opportunity | COM-B | Timeline shows solar windows & peak stress |
| AI acceptance | Revealed preference | Accept / modify / reject tracking |
Scientific & energy assumptions
Defensible in prototype
- ToU peak/off-peak price structure
- Solar curve shape (midday peak, scaled by day profile)
- Heat pump preheat vs evening peak trade-off
- Evening grid-stress pattern (duck curve)
Synthetic (labelled in UI)
- Day profiles — not live PVGIS or weather API
- Flat CO₂ factor 0.25 kg/kWh
- System mirror linear scaling from game scores
- AI recommendation is rule-based, not ML
Path to TRL 6–7 (10 months)
- M1–2: Co-design with CSF + Daikin; PVGIS/ERSE integration; TPB instrument
- M3–5: Full art, daily-challenge mode, PT/EN/FR/NL
- M6: Closed beta n≥200; instrument validation
- M7: Public launch; dissemination (10k player target)
- M8–10: Impact analysis; COSMIC framework data handover
Validation metrics (TG p. 15)
Do not overclaim
- Prototype does not prove population-level behaviour change — only instrument design.
- Learning gain from demo sessions is illustrative until validated with real users.
- System mirror figures are not validated against ENTSO-E or DSO data.
- Reach and efficacy targets belong to the funded project, not this TRL 3–4 slice.