Internet of things (IoT)

This laboratory and its facilities are affiliated with the Network of Laboratories and Infrastructures of the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CAM), under registration number 429.

Sustainable Research Laboratory Using ICT-Based Tools. Devices for monitoring energy consumption and for controlling loads and usage are designed, manufactured, and deployed, all as part of a system called BatNet.

These interventions aim to optimize energy consumption and improve energy efficiency through the installation of monitoring devices (measuring temperature, humidity, luminosity, noise, and energy consumption) and control systems (lighting, HVAC, presence-based control), all managed via middleware and a set of applications that allow users to view and interact with all monitored parameters.

Most of the infrastructures, equipment, and techniques in this laboratory revolve around BatNet. BatNet is CeDInt’s in-house development for wireless sensor networks.

The lowest layer (the IoT end devices) is based on open standards such as IEEE 802.15.4 and 6LoWPAN, with ad-hoc hardware designed for different purposes: energy measurement, environmental parameter measurement, lighting control, smart streetlights, etc. Technologies such as Sigfox, LoRaWAN, and LTE are also used.

The upper layers consist of servers and databases for data analysis, configuration, and support for external applications (such as integration with Amazon Alexa or Spatia). Communications are encrypted across all layers, with the lowest layer being the only one where encryption is optional.

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  • IoT Deployment
  • Green Labs Pilot
  • Smart Lighting Pilot
  • Smart Building Pilot
  • Smart Home Pilot
IoT Deployment

There are three projects implemented on the Montegancedo campus (see image): Green Labs, Street Lighting, and Smart Building. These projects comprise a total of five wireless sensor networks connecting 222 nodes, including sensors and actuators. Additionally, CeDInt‑UPM has deployed a pilot in 20 private homes for energy consumption monitoring.

BatLink: Gateway / central network platform that provides network connectivity, centralized control, and includes the middleware that manages applications and user access.

Sensors:

  1. BatMeter Single-phase: Single-phase meter for electrical panel connection, capable of measuring disaggregated consumption (kWh and power) for up to six lines, with 6LoWPAN output (over IPv6).
  2. BatMeter Three-phase: Measures electrical consumption in panels with up to six three-phase lines. Provides real-time measurements of voltage and current, effective voltage and current values, instantaneous real and apparent power, and accumulated real and apparent energy.
  3. BatSense: Multi-sensor capable of capturing various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, presence, and noise. Communicates via 6LoWPAN.
  4. BatWater

Actuators:

  1. BatDimmer: LED lighting controller that adjusts brightness from 0% (off) to 100% (maximum LED output).
  2. BatStreetLighting: Device specifically designed for public lighting. Includes light and presence sensors and a BatDimmer. Improves lighting quality while reducing light pollution and energy consumption.
  3. BatPlug: Smart plug with consumption meter and load control capability.
  4. BatLamp: LED luminaire with remote control capability through 6LoWPAN communication.
Green Labs Pilot

The goal of this pilot is to monitor the power and energy consumption of the greenhouses at the CBGP (Plant Biotechnology and Genomics Center) on the Montegancedo Campus of UPM. Sensors and actuators have also been installed in a greenhouse module to assess improvements in energy efficiency through the use of these devices.

This pilot includes:

  • 2 BatLinks.
  • 70 single-phase BatMeters to monitor energy consumption across 420 independent circuits.
  • 10 BatSenses, which measure temperature, humidity, and luminosity within the greenhouse module.
  • 25 BatDimmers actuators that control the luminosity emitted by each LED.
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To facilitate monitoring, a web application has been developed (see image), which displays not only the consumption of each individual circuit but also the parameters measured by the BatSenses. Additionally, the application allows control of the BatDimmers to regulate the light received by the plants grown in the CBGP greenhouses.


Smart Lighting Pilot

This pilot aims to improve the outdoor lighting installations at the CEI of Montegancedo by equipping them with an intelligent lighting system capable of measuring the light level reflected under each luminaire and detecting pedestrian presence. By regulating the luminaires, the system maintains light levels at the minimum required by current regulations. When a presence is detected by a luminaire, its output level increases, along with that of neighboring luminaires, providing an efficient yet comfortable user experience.

The pilot is designed to demonstrate energy savings through the use of the sensors and actuators developed.

The devices deployed in this pilot include:

  • 2 BatLinks.
  • 9 BatStreetLighting sensors, one installed on each lamppost.
  • 2 BatPlugs to control the lighting systems of two buildings.
  • 2 BatMeters.
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Smart Building Pilot

The Smart Building pilot aims to provide an in-depth study of building performance from the perspective of energy efficiency. The CeDInt-UPM building has been equipped with:

  • 1 BatLink.
  • 40 BatSenses, measuring temperature, humidity, luminosity, noise, and power.
  • 30 three-phase BatMeters, monitoring the energy consumption of 540 independent circuits.
  • 1 BatWater, a device including volumetric flow and heat sensors.
  • 1 BatLamp, controlling the wavelength emitted by a generic LED.
  • 1 Weather station.
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This pilot has also been deployed across several buildings on the Moncloa Campus, with 16 three-phase BatMeters and 17 BatLinks installed.

Smart Home Pilot

This pilot focuses on the energy efficiency of 20 households. The users were selected for their technical knowledge, allowing the first tests of this technology to be conducted in their homes.

The pilot has been equipped with a total of:

  • 20 BatLinks.
  • 20 BatMeters.
  • 60 BatPlugs.

Additionally, this pilot includes a web application that allows users to register the various appliances and electronic devices to be monitored, enabling detailed consumption measurements through these devices.