The ZigBee wireless connectivity is enabled by MeshNetics ZigBit RF modules.
The Link2Web system was installed in an industrial building with a total heated area of 3,600 square meters that utilizes one oil-fired boiler and nine air handling units with air heaters and recycling air control. Leveraging in-depth, real-time temperature and energy usage data, the ZigBee wireless sensor network-based system optimized energy management, achieving a substantial improvement in energy efficiency that translated to significant bottom-line gains. For a total installation cost of $45,000, the Link2Web energy management system returned annual energy savings in the amount of $34,974 - nearly paying for itself in that first year of operation.
The Link2Web energy management system features multiple wireless sensor and control devices that are connected into a self-healing multi-hop mesh network, capable of rerouting a signal if line-of-sight is blocked. The ZigBee wireless connectivity is enabled by MeshNetics ZigBit RF modules. Every 10 minutes, all data collected by the ZigBit modules are sent to the Web server, which in turn channels the values over the Internet to a SQL database. Operators connect to the database to read and change values, allowing efficient management of the facility’s energy usage. Each time the Web server connects to the database, changed values are read and sent back to the local ZigBit-based controllers. In this application, the wireless modules use this information to precisely control the facility’s temperature.
“Energy management wireless sensor networks such as the ZigBit module-based solution we implemented reflect the tremendous value these networks offer in terms of energy conservation and bottom-line benefits for building owners across any and all industries,” said Richard Hänsel, CEO of BFM AB. “Working with MeshNetics allowed us to stay focused on our core competency while reaping all the benefits of ZigBee wireless technology. We look forward to continuing to use MeshNetics’ industry-leading RF modules in our future solutions.”
Vasiliy Suvorov, CEO of MeshNetics, said, “As energy costs continue to skyrocket and environmental concerns move to the fore, running an energy-efficient business becomes a mission-critical practice. ZigBee, a global standard for wireless sensor networking, is ideally suited for meeting this challenge. Industry innovators like BFM AB understand this trend. The fact that BFM AB selected our ZigBit modules proves the viability of our ‘one stop shop’ concept. MeshNetics is the only ZigBee module vendor that provides all three components of the wireless solution - hardware, software, and engineering services - that together enable the quickest time to market while minimizing development costs.”
BFM AB preferred ZigBee modules as a platform for the system design. Unlike chipsets, ZigBee modules already contain all the RF design with all required circuitry and antenna added, eliminating the need for in-house RF expertise and saving development time and costs. Based on their RF performance, power consumption, and form factor, BFM AB selected the MeshNetics ZigBit module solution.
The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to provide wireless network control products based on an open global standard. Additional information can be found at www.zigbee.org. For more information on MeshNetics, visit www.meshnetics.com.
Publication date:09/01/2008
