An End-To-End Ventilation Solution For An EaaS Model

The Background

Our client, a world-leading energy-as-a-service (EaaS) provider and innovator was looking for ways to decrease HVAC consumption in business facilities. Smart thermostats, being the most prominent solution for HVAC application efficiency, are inherently prone to data breaches. The EaaS provider was well aware of that issue. That’s why they were seeking a comprehensive system that could guarantee optimal ventilation while maintaining industry-standard security measures and top-tier data management.

What We Did

Building the hardware from the ground up

To kickstart the process, a team of hardware experts at CME created a blueprint for a new smart thermostat. The PCB design and population phase followed shortly after at CME’s hardware labs.

Once the thermostat moved from concept to prototype, a slew of tests were run to ensure compliance with international standards. First, an extensive safety-reliability-durability stress test was conducted in-house and passed successfully. Soon after, the thermostat went under rigorous testing in an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) accredited laboratory to measure the emitted levels of radio frequency. It also passed the test and is now FCC-certified.

During production, expert Quality Assurance (QA) teams meticulously oversee each phase, and Quality Control (QC) teams thoroughly evaluate every batch before it reaches the client.

Developing a highly secure firmware

On the software side, to circumvent susceptibility and vulnerability to cyber-attacks, robust security measures are implemented within the in-house developed firmware. All data is encrypted, and the thermostat receives regular security updates to prevent the compromise of sensitive information and potential disruptions to operations.

Optimizing efficiency

The HVAC consumption was also addressed, as were COP (Coefficient of performance) levels. Since systems with a higher COP use less energy, they result in reduced operational costs and savings on utility bills.

The new smart thermostats communicate through the BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) communication protocol with the HVAC system to achieve ideal COP levels. BACnet is more resourceful as opposed to conventional methods. It gathers information from generated data to reduce facility expenses. It’s important to note that expanding thermostat data improves visibility and power usage performance, which provides better control and allows for more informed decision-making.

Managing and analyzing data

When it comes to data, the new smart thermostat collects meaningful insights to automate systems according to ambient conditions such as air quality and insulation. Insights are also used to detect anomalies in energy usage like unexpected spikes or drops. In that case, facility managers are alerted to take corrective action to prevent waste.

Through a compact companion handheld device, IoT-powered sensors capture data that is sent to the server for processing, analysis, and review, enabling precise decision-making and increased savings.

The Results

On a small scale, the thermostat helps businesses achieve sustainability through data-driven insights and IoT devices. On a larger scale, it enables businesses to participate in collective demand response programs, help stabilize the grid, and lower overall greenhouse gas emissions.

When asked about how CME managed this project successfully, Ali Olleik, Hardware lead at CME, commented,

Our success in assisting clients is the result of our innovative methodology. We use agile approaches, performing multiple iterations and providing various options while continuously gathering feedback to arrive at the best result possible.

In the end, the new smart thermostat has achieved success on three different fronts: our client has gained an effective way of promoting efficient HVAC systems, their customers are able to significantly cut down on utility bills, and we have once again contributed to a safer, more sustainable future for all.