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Markus Lanthaler, profile picture
Uploaded byMarkus Lanthaler
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A Web of Things to Reduce Energy Wastage

Markus Lanthaler presents a project aimed at reducing energy wastage in mining work camps, which face high energy costs and CO2 emissions. By implementing automation and intelligent energy monitoring, a proof of concept trial demonstrated approximately 50% reduction in energy consumption, saving around $500,000 per year. The project emphasizes reusing existing infrastructure while minimizing interference with resident activities.

Technology◦
Related topics:
Distributed System•Home Automation Insights• Energy Efficiency Tech•Web Services Overview•
A Web of Things to Reduce Energy Wastage Markus Lanthaler Graz University of Technology
Mining Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Fly-In, Fly-Out Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Mining Work Camps Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Problem • Supply of important basic amenities is costly • Provision of energy particularly expensive (diesel generators) • Mining camp of 1,500 housing units: > $1.7 million/year just for energy • Emissions: > 10,000 metric tons of CO2 Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Problem • Residents don’t pay themselves: lot of wastage • Keep rooms cooled at 18°C for whole day just to make sure it’s cold on return (outside > 40°C) • TVs are not turned off Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Reduce Wastage by Automation Monitor energy Intelligently control consumption and appliances to reduce environment wastage Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Requirements • Reuse existing infrastructure (brownfield project) • Keep installation simple (and thus cheap) • Remote control and maintenance • Do not interfere with the resident’s interests Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Architecture Logging and control server RESTful services Internet (or local network) housing sensor smart controller unit actuator meter Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Proof of Concept Arduino Mega-based platform Sensor & actuators Ethernet shield Arduino Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Sensors and Actuators Passive Infrared RFID reader Sensor (Motion) IR emitter Relay (door lock) Temperature and Reed switches humidity sensor Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Field Trial Evaluation • Deployed in a remote housing site in Karratha, Western Australia • Run from April 2011 till November 2011 • Used simple heuristics – resident at work: set A/C to 30°C – cool room down before resident comes back Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Power Consumption Breakdown Air Conditi oning 77,8% Hot Wat e r Other (T V, fridge,etc.) System 10,9% 11,4 % Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Power Consumption 16 kWh 32 °C 14 28 12 24 10 20 8 16 6 12 4 8 2 4 0 0 04/2011 06/2011 08/2011 10/2011 manage d unmanage d Te mper atur e Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Savings 100% 32 °C 90% 28 80% 24 70% 20 60% 16 50% 12 40% 8 4 0% 0 04/ 2011 06/ 2011 08/ 2011 10/ 2011 Power savings Te mpe r atur e Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Conclusions • Achieved substantial savings • Reduced consumption by roughly 50% – $500,000/year – 1,000-3,000 metric tons CO2 Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Outlook Markus Lanthaler – Graz University of Technology
Thank You! Markus Lanthaler Questions? Markus.Lanthaler@student.TUGraz.at @MarkusLanthaler