SBIR-STTR Award

Novel Personal Thermal Comfort Models for Weather-Ready Decision-Making
Award last edited on: 9/22/2024

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOC : NOAA
Total Award Amount
$800,000
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
9.2
Principal Investigator
Brian V Smoliak

Company Information

Weathervane Labs LLC

400 S 4th Street Suite 401-444
Minneapolis, MN 55415
   (206) 696-4776
   N/A
   www.weathervane.io
Location: Single
Congr. District: 05
County: Hennepin

Phase I

Contract Number: NA22OAR0210586
Start Date: 9/1/2022    Completed: 2/28/2023
Phase I year
2022
Phase I Amount
$150,000
In this Phase I project, we will demonstrate proof-of-concept for Climatize™, a cloud-based software platform with the novel capability to determine and deliver user-specific thermal comfort information for weather-ready decision-making. People and organizations in a Weather-Ready Nation adapt to weather changes and environmental events with resilience. A challenge of building a Weather-Ready Nation is delivering messages that are consistent and meaningful based on users’ unique physiology, psychology, behavior, and location. For the first time, outdoor enthusiasts and workers will receive weather forecasts personalized through the lens of thermal comfort, the state of mind and sensation associated with the thermal environment. This shift in perspective surpasses hyperlocal forecasts by putting each consumer at the center of the weather universe. Climatize has the potential to unlock valuable benefits consistent with NOAA’s long-term goals, objectives, and science and technology focus areas, such as new opportunities for citizen science, reduced injury and loss of life, a more productive economy, and more resilient communities adaptive to their environment."

Phase II

Contract Number: NA23OAR0210335
Start Date: 8/1/2023    Completed: 7/31/2025
Phase II year
2023
Phase II Amount
$650,000
In this Phase II project, we will demonstrate a prototype in an operationally-relevant environment for Climatize®, a cloud-based software platform with the novel capability to determine and deliver user-specific thermal comfort information for weather-ready decision-making. People and organizations in a Weather-Ready Nation adapt to weather changes and environmental events with resilience. A challenge of building a Weather-Ready Nation is delivering actionable information that is meaningful based on users’ unique physiology, psychology, behavior, and location. For the first time, outdoor enthusiasts and workers will receive weather forecasts personalized through the lens of thermal comfort, the state of mind and physical sensation associated with the thermal environment. This shift in perspective surpasses hyperlocal forecasts by putting each consumer at the center of the weather universe. Climatize has the potential to unlock valuable benefits consistent with NOAA’s long-term goals, objectives, and science and technology focus areas, such as new opportunities for citizen science, reduced injury and loss of life, a more productive economy, and more resilient communities adaptive to their environment.