Semtech’s LoRa devices optimise building management systems in US

Global pressure on energy prices, an increased focus on air quality and efforts to reduce carbon emissions are three factors prompting real estate owners to seek innovative IoT solutions to help manage their properties with building management systems. The US Department of Energy estimates commercial buildings account for 35% of electricity consumed in the US and generate 16% of the country’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“Incorporating LoRa devices and connecting our solutions with LoRaWAN has proven extremely successful in achieving 15-30% energy savings for our customers since launching our European OY1210 HVAC optimisation solution in 2019,” said Stefan Lindgren, CTO of Nordic Propeye. “We are excited to have adapted our solution to meet US regulations and look forward to playing a key role making America’s real estate sector more efficient and sustainable.”

The US version, OY1211, leverages LoRa to autonomously manage a facility’s control of HVAC systems using data from wireless sensor devices that continuously monitor CO2 levels, temperature, humidity, and real-time room occupancy. The adaptive reporting functionality of the solution can detect rapid changes in CO2 levels within less than a minute and the solution sends a trigger to the HVAC system every 15 minutes.

The solution also leverages weather forecasting data and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to continuously learn and predict the temperatures of HVAC zones. The predictive maintenance feature alerts building operators when system anomalies arise to prevent equipment failures.

“LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard are digitally transforming property management with simplified, smart solutions around the globe,” said Marc Pégulu Vice President and General Manager for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Nordic Propeye’s unique solution, incorporating AI technology, allows existing properties to be easily converted to smart, sustainable buildings and delivers cost savings to customers and increased safety for occupants.”