The Internet of Things, more commonly known as the IoT, describes the network of physical terminals that integrates sensors and connectivity equipment to collect and share information. Today, it is estimated that there are 30 billion connected objects in the world according to Statista, with a constant growth of 20% each year. As for smart energy, it corresponds to the process of using these IoT solutions for energy efficiency. The Smart Energy focuses on renewable energy sources that promote environmental friendliness and energy efficiency while saving energy. This so-called intelligent energy is becoming increasingly important in all sectors. Indeed, companies have realized that investing in smart energy systems has many benefits for consumers, the environment and energy providers in general.
What is remote meter reading and what role does the Internet of Things play in it?
Remote meter reading refers to all the technical devices that allow meters to be read remotely. The communication device that enables remote reading is done by integrating the IoT system into the various equipment to make them communicating meters.
The IoT will therefore enable data to be collected via a web platform and analysed in order to optimise and control energy consumption. This eliminates the need for a technician to collect data manually.
These remote reading solutions work for both water and electricity meters. Thanks to the implementation of this system, it is now possible to visualize the temperature of a room and thus to optimize the lighting of another one according to its rate of occupation.
Remote meter reading is considered to be the real smart energy tool of the smart city, in particular thanks to the system’s control, which is based on three action levers: measurement, analysis and action.
1. Measuring energy consumption
It is thanks to measurement systems placed on the equipment of use, also called smart plugs, that it will be possible to have knowledge of its electrical consumption for example.
2. Analyze consumption
The analysis allows us to identify the energy savings on which it is possible to act. It is done on a comparative basis with similar parameters or on the basis of previous consumption.
3. Acting on consumption
By visualizing the analysis of this data on the web platform, it allows to act directly on energy losses and to optimize costs.
Some examples of IoT use cases for smart energy
There are many IoT use cases for smart energy. Here are some examples:
- Remote meter reading
The integration of the IoT system in remote reading solutions makes it possible to make meters communicative. It is then possible to remotely read electricity, water or gas meters. An effective way to optimize the costs of its various consumptions such as electricity consumption.
- Soil moisture monitoring
The IoT makes it possible to remotely track soil moisture levels in real time and monitor water consumption.
- Optimization of watering of green spaces
Connected objects will make it possible to detect potential leaks, optimize water consumption for green spaces, control watering systems remotely and automatically trigger watering according to several criteria (temperature, humidity, rainfall, etc.)
- Remote monitoring of water levels
The integration of IoT solutions makes it possible to monitor water consumption (flow rate, pressure, etc.), measure water levels, detect leaks or malfunctions, or manage water supplies according to needs.
- Public lighting management
IoT will help reduce the cost of electricity consumption related to public lighting, optimize the duration of lighting, maintain user comfort and anticipate equipment breakdowns by improving predictive maintenance.
TheInternet of Things therefore has an important role to play in all sectors. Whether it is to optimize electricity consumption, the integration of renewable energies or the well-being of users, the advantages of this system are numerous in terms of energy efficiency and benefit all the players in the system. energy management system There are many advantages to energy efficiency and all the players in the system benefit from it.
