MCS & Allorado: Vrije Universiteit Brussel uses LoRaWAN to reduce CO2 footprint

With climate goals in sight, smart energy is becoming increasingly important. Free University of Brussels (VUB) saw the need for this. They want to reduce their CO2 reduce their footprint and lower their heating costs.

That is why the university called in the help of MCS and Allorado to retrofit their university buildings via IoT.  

The aim is to make the old radiators smart and use the collected data to control the heating process more efficiently. After extensive measurements and fine-tuning, a Private LoRaWAN network was installed for the VUB. For this purpose, the MCS IIoT Protocol Gateway in combination with
LoRaWAN sensors and LoRaWAN actuators used. 

What exactly is LoRaWAN?

A LoRaWAN network is suitable for locations where it is difficult and expensive to install wired infrastructure. An example of this is the retrofitting of old buildings and/or monumental buildings.

On such a wireless LoRa network, a very large number of LoRaWAN sensors and actuators can communicate. By collecting data from sensors, the VUB gains more insight into its systems, processes and the indoor climate. This leads to more efficient control of the existing radiators (the LoRa actuators).

Features of LoRa

LoRaWAN is characterized by 3 important properties:

• Long Range: LoRa radio technology has a very high link budget. Thanks to the high link budget technology, LoRa signals can easily bridge kilometers and has a high penetration rate in buildings.
• Low Power: the power consumption is extremely low, so that battery powered sensors can be used. This means easy, fast and cheap installation.
• Low Data: only small packets of data can be sent. This makes LoRa very suitable for applications with sensors and actuators.

Customised LoRaWAN network: 400 radiators and 200 measuring points connected

To upgrade the existing university buildings and make them more sustainable, LoRaWAN sensors were installed MClimate (Vicki) and Elsys (ERS) deployed. The MClimate Vicki sensor is a thermostatic valve that adjusts the radiator with a battery. In total, 423 manual thermostatic radiator valves were replaced by smart Vicki LoRaWAN valves.

In addition, 200 Elsys ERS Lite and ERS CO2 Lite battery-enhanced sensors have been installed. This gives the VUB real-time insight into (room) temperature, humidity, light and CO₂-levels in the buildings.

An exceptionally high amount of traffic is sent over the wireless LoRaWAN network. From the sensors to the MCS IIoT Protocol Gateway, 120,000 data packets are sent per day, including temperature information. From the gateway, 60,000 messages are sent back to the Vicky radiator valves.

Extensive analysis for best location LoRa gateways & integration with BMS

Prior to the rollout, Allorado and MCS conducted an extensive analysis. This determined the best location for the 9 required gateways in the 6-storey building. In addition, the LoRa network server was optimised. This made it possible to control all 423 radiator valves simultaneously.

Finally, the Private LoRa network was seamlessly integrated with the existing building management system (BMS) of the VUB. This uses the BACnet protocol. The MCS IIoT Protocol Gateway was provided with additional functionality. As a result, the BMS sees the LoRaWAN sensors as full-fledged BACnet objects. The added functionality ensures the perfect combination between LoRa and the BACnet BMS.

Thanks to the intensive collaboration between Allorado and MCS, the VUB has a single point of contact for its total IoT solution.

About MCS & Allorado

MCS and Allorado have been working intensively together for 2 years in the field of protocol conversion and integration of LoRawan solutions into existing building management systems.

About Allorado

Allorado builds a next-generation LoRa gateway that seamlessly integrates LoRa devices into existing building and industrial automation systems. It converts raw LoRa data into standardized formats such as KNX, BACnet and Modbus, enabling effortless connectivity and interoperability.

Designed for simplicity and speed, Allorado eliminates the complexity of LoRa integration. With a plug-and-play approach and no coding required, Allorado makes adopting LoRa technology faster and more intuitive than ever.

About MCS

Together with our carefully chosen partners, we create successful Managed IoT solutions and secure private networks. This way, everyone can use innovative IoT solutions without any worries. And since our founding in 1997, we have been making people's daily work and lives easier, safer and more sustainable.

Our years of professional knowledge are combined with the knowledge of our partners in many different sectors. We also offer the necessary hardware and software components for communication networks and we produce antennas and all accessories for wireless communication in the Netherlands.