iComfort® – Intelligent Retrofit Shower Energy & Water Reduction System

WVIP Ltd is developing iComfort®, an intelligent retrofit domestic shower-control technology that is the subject of a pending PCT international patent application. It is designed primarily for standalone electric showers, with adaptation for digital and mixer-shower systems.

iComfort is intended to create a new class of domestic shower technology: reducing electricity, hot-water and mains-water demand while maintaining the feel and comfort of a normal shower throughout use. Rather than simply restricting flow or asking consumers to shower for less time, the technology intelligently manages energy, temperature and water delivery so that savings can be achieved with minimal perceived change by the user.

A major commercial and regulatory objective is to establish iComfort as a recognised energy-saving shower-control technology within UK domestic energy-assessment methodology. SAP 10.2 already accounts for shower flow rate when calculating domestic hot-water demand, meaning shower performance can influence a dwelling's calculated energy rating. The project will generate the independent evidence required to pursue appropriate recognition within SAP/HEM and future UK energy-performance methodologies.

The technology is approximately TRL 5–6, with working prototypes and practical demonstrations completed. EUROGIA development would include prototype refinement, intelligent controls, sensors, domestic field trials, independent validation, certification and manufacturing readiness.

A further opportunity is integration with wastewater heat recovery systems (WWHRS), combining intelligent demand reduction with recovery of heat otherwise lost down the drain.

WVIP is seeking international partners in WWHRS, shower manufacture, smart-home technology, sensors, testing and manufacturing to develop a scalable retrofit solution for UK and European homes.