Energy Efficiency and Technology for Buildings
Innovative Solutions for Monitoring Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Implementing Projects of All Scales
by Georgos Fakiridis, Director at SenseOne - Interview with Spyros Pistikos | Construction Mag. T.07-08/24
Having implemented significant automation and energy-saving projects in buildings for large companies in Greece and abroad through its platform that focuses on the Internet of Things and the analysis of the data generated, SenseOne is now "opening up" to smaller players who, realizing the benefits of energy efficiency, are beginning to show interest in such services.
As George Fakiridis, Director of SenseOne, stated in Construction magazine: "Usually large enterprises are the ones that lead the market since they have the financial capacity and the required resources. That's why it can be difficult for an SME, a hotel, a supermarket, or a clinic to go from zero to a hundred, but it can start from something with a low cost and more straightforward to manage and gradually expand. We also provide simpler solutions for smaller businesses to benefit from technology and achieve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and contribute to reducing their carbon footprint."
THE ICONIC PROJECT IN ABU DHABI
One of SenseOne's most emblematic projects is that of the digital twin of the headquarters of ADNOC, the national oil company of Abu Dhabi, which lasts three years and is in the delivery phase. It is a 65-story skyscraper with 25 different "smart" systems (lighting, BMS, SCADA, elevators, and more). SenseOne, which belongs to the Space Hellas group, has also implemented projects in Spain, Denmark, Iceland, and North Macedonia, among others, and has earned the trust of its partners with its high level of expertise. "We do not simply offer a tool; we advise the client on how, according to their needs, they can utilize the system, what data is worth getting, how to process it, and how to "serve" it to a third system," explained Mr. Fakiridis.
COLLABORATIONS IN GREECE
One particularly demanding project that SenseOne has implemented in collaboration with Space Hellas is at Athens International Airport (AIA). It has implemented an interconnection with more than 1,500 electricity meters, which manages and records their information. The collection and communication of these measurements is a critical process for the organization since, based on the measurements, the corresponding charges are made through electricity providers to end consumers, as well as the management of electricity infrastructure at the Airport.
"Our role in this project was catalytic; we could utilize the existing equipment through our platform. We migrated historical data since 2007, implemented multiple interfaces with different airport systems, and developed new automation functions, reducing reporting times by 80%. The organization provided its customers access to their energy data, and we developed a tool to forecast energy consumption based on various parameters."
The project for Piraeus Bank was also significant. Building Management Systems (BMS) were installed in 37 branches as part of their renovation, with the aim of connecting them to the platform that had existed since 2016. Currently, 350 stores with sensors and another 700 Piraeus Bank stores and buildings are connected to the platform only through electricity billings or Medium Voltage.
One of the most recent projects implemented by SenseOne, SingularLogic, and their parent company, Space Hellas, was for EKO SA, a member of the HELLENiQ ENERGY Group. The project involved the supply and installation of metering systems and their integration into the platform of 158 EKO gas stations and 21 facilities to measure and monitor their energy efficiency in support of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System implemented by EKO.
SenseOne also collaborates with the Sani/Ikos Hotel Group, where all its hotels in Greece and abroad monitor their energy consumption with our solution. Carbon dioxide emissions are also calculated, taking into account data such as car and heating fuel, along with the electricity used for various purposes. In total, more than 1.200 measuring devices are connected.
THE PLATFORM FEATURES
Speaking about the platform's features, Mr. Fakiridis noted: "Our solutions are based on the SenseOne IoT Platform, which does not require the installation of local equipment, as it is in the Cloud. The platform has excellent capabilities in data collection, processing, and visualization. Data is filtered and grouped, allowing complex calculations to be performed in real time and based on historical data without user intervention. It is connected to any measuring equipment, ensuring accurate and timely data collection. It shows all measurements in real time through a central dashboard, facilitating an immediate understanding of data analysis. In addition, it provides notifications for essential findings for the immediate attention of those responsible. The platform produces comprehensible reports and energy performance indicators (EnPIs), helping to make targeted decisions to reduce consumption and increase energy efficiency."
Moreover, by leveraging the AI ToolBox, the platform employs artificial intelligence models to predict energy consumption and detect unusual consumption patterns. This capability enables organizations to achieve sustainable and efficient energy management strategies.
Each client has unique requirements and objectives, making our specialists' customization of our solutions essential for the successful execution of each project. Rising energy costs present a significant challenge for all enterprises, particularly those with substantial energy demands. For small businesses that need to monitor daily energy consumption, as well, we offer the EnergySense Starter solution. The innovative SenseOne IoT platform enhances energy efficiency and reduces operational costs, contributing to a more sustainable future.
