AeffE

AeffE is a framework and methodology designed to support the assessment and enhancement of energy efficiency across both digital devices and physical infrastructures. The name stands for Adaptive Efficiency Evaluation Framework, and the term is used to refer to a family of interoperable tools and practices that enable consistent measurement, modeling, and optimization of energy use in heterogeneous systems. Core to AeffE is a modular architecture that separates data collection, energy modeling, optimization algorithms, and reporting. The framework emphasizes adaptability to different hardware, software stacks, and operating conditions and relies on open data models and standardized interfaces to facilitate integration with existing building management systems, IoT platforms, and industrial control systems.

AeffE emerged from a cooperative effort among researchers and industry practitioners in the mid-2010s, with early publications outlining its principles and a reference implementation released subsequently. Over time, it evolved through community-driven development and formalized a set of technical specifications and test suites. The reference architecture typically includes an energy data layer, a modeling layer that supports both deterministic and probabilistic approaches, an optimization layer to propose or control energy-saving actions, and a reporting layer for visibility and auditing.

Applications include smart buildings, consumer electronics energy benchmarking, and industrial facilities seeking scalable energy optimization, as well as compatibility with grid-edge operations. Governance is provided by the AeffE Consortium, which maintains the core specifications, reference implementations, and certification processes. Critics note that successful adoption depends on data governance and privacy safeguards and on transparent governance. See also energy efficiency, open standards, digital twin.