Where and how can valuable energy resources be saved with the Internet of Things? We have compiled ten applications from various industries.
Digital solutions for reducing energy consumption in companies have one thing in common: they bring transparency to processes and enable appropriate savings measures to be taken based on the data obtained. Part 2 of our series of articles on energy saving through IoT with ten practical examples.
IoT-enabled building automation systems monitor and control energy consumers such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). They help to optimise energy consumption by adapting the systems to the requirements of building users. The goal: to avoid energy losses due to inefficient heating or cooling processes. IoT sensors can also monitor the utilisation of building space such as offices and conference rooms. Resources such as heating, cooling and lighting can thus be automatically adjusted to actual usage, the time of day and the presence of people. IoT-based weather forecasts help to optimally adjust the systems.
Our customer ISS, a leading international provider of facility services, is digitising its building management with sensor technology and IoT, for example, thereby bringing transparency to the condition and utilisation of rooms.
IoT solutions help to make traffic in cities more efficient. This includes traffic light systems that adapt to traffic volumes and smart networking of car parks to reduce fuel consumption caused by searching for parking spaces.
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Artificial light can be monitored and controlled not only in buildings: outdoors, too, IoT-supported lighting systems use sensors to automatically adjust the light from street lamps or advertising hoardings to the lighting conditions and time of day or the presence of passers-by, making lighting more efficient and thus reducing energy consumption. The lighting experts at LichtWART, for example, use IoT to ensure that illuminated advertising always shines at the right intensity. The Portuguese start-up Omniflow, on the other hand, has developed smart IoT lanterns with 5G support that consume up to 90 per cent less electricity thanks to solar modules and built-in energy storage devices.
IoT sensors can also be used to monitor temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions in warehouses. They enable precise control of cooling, lighting and other energy systems to increase energy efficiency.
Companies use an IoT platform to monitor the energy consumption of their systems in real time and identify inefficient devices or processes. Data analysis can then be used to develop and implement energy-saving measures. IoT data helps to identify bottlenecks or waste. Systems and equipment can be monitored and controlled remotely via IoT. Sensors log the performance and condition of machines in order to detect potential failures or inefficiencies at an early stage. This enables companies to better plan maintenance work and minimise energy losses. If technical teams need to be called out less often, the operator also saves fuel for service trips. Petko, a manufacturer of compressed air systems, uses the Internet of Things for remote maintenance and predictive maintenance. The family-owned company Ziehl-Abegg also relies on IoT for predictive maintenance of its air and air conditioning technology.
IoT sensors and drones collect detailed information about soil conditions, plant growth and weather conditions. This allows for precise control of irrigation, fertilisation and pesticide use, saving energy and resources.
IoT technologies enable better integration of renewable energies and intelligent load management, which allows for better monitoring and control of energy generation, distribution and consumption in real time. This enables operators to minimise grid losses. By collecting large amounts of data, electricity grid operators can use analytics and AI tools to identify patterns and respond better to changes in the grid to improve efficiency and stability. And smart meters enable consumers to monitor and optimise their energy consumption in real time. Providers, in turn, can read smart electricity or water meters remotely, eliminating the need for CO2-intensive service trips for manual meter reading.
IoT solutions also help companies monitor vehicles and driving behaviour in order to optimise the fuel consumption of their fleets. They can also better integrate electric vehicles into their fleets to reduce CO2 emissions. AVANT Gebäudedienste, based in Thuringia, uses a digital IoT solution for fleet management to optimise its employees' service routes, saving fuel and time. The parcel service J.R. Company has digitalised its fleet in the same way.
IoT-based systems optimise waste collection by monitoring the fill level of waste containers and adjusting routes accordingly. This reduces energy consumption and the environmental impact of transport. Sister companies REMONDIS and Rhenus use a fill level sensor developed in collaboration with Telekom in containers for work clothing and glass, as well as in data protection bins.
IoT sensors enable businesses to monitor water consumption in real time and identify leaks or inefficient use. Targeted management of water resources can save energy in pumps and sewage treatment plants.
The right IoT connectivity coordinates IoT connections across platforms, integrates devices and data via APIs, and enables global control in line with the highest security standards. You can manage your IoT projects flexibly, efficiently and independently of specific manufacturers.
Christian has been working in various marketing positions at Deutsche Telekom for several years. Both professionally and privately, he describes himself as a digitalization enthusiast and is convinced that anything that can be connected, will be connected in the future.He is passionate about the IoT (Internet of Things) and writes on our blog about a wide variety of applications in the areas of energy management, sustainability, smart connected products, and much more.
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