MCS and smart shopping through sustainable insight into energy consumption

The demand for making buildings smarter is growing. More and more organizations want to work more efficiently and get a grip on their energy consumption. Two of the largest shopping centers in Belgium are also taking this step.

Together with my colleague Geert Bruwier (Account Manager IoT) we carried out a site survey to Private LoRaWAN network to set up.

Monitor sustainable electricity and gas consumption

In large shopping centres, energy billing is often done via a single central connection. As a result, shopkeepers have no insight into their own individual electricity and gas consumption.

By focusing on sub-metering, that changes. At these two large shopping centers, 200 smart electricity meters are read via a P1 ITalks 1608 LoRaWAN Device. The gas meters are also read via LoRaWAN pulse counting.

Sub-metering for insight into individual consumption

This way, shopkeepers can see exactly how much energy they use. Shopping centres are given the opportunity to set up monthly invoicing according to sub-metering. This means that every shopkeeper pays for his own actual consumption. This way, shopkeepers are stimulated to be more economical with their electricity and gas consumption.

Furthermore, our solution goes a step further here. While standard smart meters only transmit data once a day, our LoRaWAN sensors send real-time data multiple times a day. This gives facility managers and retailers immediate insight and allows them to easily make adjustments if necessary.

Combining knowledge through collaboration

At MCS we believe in the power of collaboration. By combining our expertise with skilled partners, we create innovative solutions that have a direct impact on the end user.

For this solution we installed LoRaWAN gateways, An 4G router and a SmartCluster VNP Remote Access platformThe devices were pre-configured for the system integrator, so he could install the components directly and easily on site.

Measuring is knowing: the site survey

In order to set up an optimally functioning LoRaWAN network, we performed extensive measurements together with our partner in about 4 hours. In both public spaces and in shops. This allowed us to determine the number of gateways required for optimal network coverage.

Our own developed LoRa Site Survey Tool helped us visualize the reception values such as RSSI values and spreading factors (SF7-12). Then the facility services provide the power supply to the gateways. With that the system is ready for use.

Knowing more

Are you curious about how we can help your organization with smart IoT solutions? Contact us via sales@mcs-nl.comWe are happy to tell you what benefits Private LoRa networks can offer you.