2Embedcom as representative in Spain for 4-Noks provides Zigbee wireless sensor technology to Indra and support in the configuration of equipment and set up of the installation.

Indra has successfully participated in the 3ehouses project in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Barcelona-Spain) with the support of the European Union for energy saving and environmental protection.

Combined with a network of gas, water and electricity meters, 4-Noks ZB-Connection's family ZigBee sensors have been installed to collect information of various physical parameters. Sensor information is remotely gathered and provided to the user on a tablet to help he/she understand his/her energy consumption and, moreover, remotely manage it and improve it. At the same time, information is sent to a data center and used as verification of the billing process of utilities. Finally, information is also used to forecast consumer trends, historical data and improve energy efficiency.

Topology

2Embedcom has provided a total of more than 300 devices from electricity consumption meters, temperature and humidity sensors, repeaters, sensors and general purpose counters, temperature, humidity and light sensors, smart power sockets and Zigbee-Ethernet gateways.

Most of the sensors for the project were installed in the metering room, some in common areas or outdoors and part of them within the user's home. From this point of view, it was required to study and create a network topology that could be supported by several gateways and repeaters, segmenting the 3 buildings in different areas controlled by different gateways. In this way, regardless of a previous study of possible interference or dark areas, the diagnostic tools that allowed to find suitable installation points in each case, assured a fast and proper location.

Technology

Worth to remember, general speaking, Zigbee technology allows the creation of mesh-networks (interconnected networks) in which signals travel one end to another independently of the path. By using this technology not only significant installation costs are saved, but also usage of low power electronic and radio systems, and highly efficient sleep/active transitions improve overall consumption. On the other side, distance range and, most important, elements signal attenuation need to be taken into account. That is, planning of installation points accordingly is an important part of the final success.

Installation

Once the structure and installation points were defined, final task was to carry out the configuration of the units, assignment of repeaters and gateways and rationalization of the system. 2Embedcom's technical department participated with Indra's project leaders to undertake a deployment as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Òscar Roca
Sales Manager at 2Embedcom, s.l.

Installation pictures

More info:

• www.3ehouses.eu
• www.hogareficiente.com
• www.indracompany.com