Energy management software and smart sensor technology in use

Highlights of the deZem Workshop in Berlin

How can the new ESG guidelines be met with the help of energy management software and the Harvy2 LoRaWAN current sensor? This central question was the focus of the deZem Workshop, held on September 25, 2024, in Berlin. We were able to enlist two recognized experts for this event: Stephan Berwanger and Hinrich Schmoch. Both use our software and hardware solutions daily in their companies, allowing them to provide a particularly practical perspective on the topic. The participants came from a wide variety of sectors, ranging from industrial companies, retail chains, universities, and hospitals to power grid operators. The cross-industry audience created a highly engaging exchange, enriched by the diverse perspectives on energy management.

"In just under 3 months, we installed a total of 600 sensors in our fitness studios"

Success Story: Harvy2 in use at the LifeFit Group

Stephan Berwanger, responsible for energy management at over 100 gyms of the LifeFit Group, shared an impressive account of the introduction of the Harvy2 LoRaWAN current sensor and other technologies. In just under three months, approx. 600 sensors, including 77 Harvy2 sensors and 80 gateways, were installed in the gyms - with minimal external effort. Because of its uncomplicated installation, the Harvy2 LoRaWAN Sensor was mostly installed without interfering with the existing electrical system. This allowed most of the installation work to be carried out by internal staff.The result: cost efficiency and extremely fast implementation.

An interesting detail: Originally intended solely for energy monitoring, the Harvy2 is now also used for building monitoring in the gyms. In the event of power outages, the deZem energy management software automatically triggers an alarm, informing the respective building manager about the facility failure - a function that has proven particularly useful in daily operations. The LifeFit Group currently uses the Harvy2 power sensor to monitor main electricity metres, sub-distributions boards, air conditioning and ventilation systems, pool equipment, and soon, photovoltaic systems.

deZemSheet: The future of energy data analysis

In his presentation on "energy data analysis," Hinrich Schmoch demonstrated how a large amount of measurement data can be efficiently evaluated. Schmoch, who has been managing energy management systems in energy-intensive industries since 2014, specialises in achieving the highest possible level of data automation. He relies on the new deZemSheet module, a powerful tool within the deZem DataSuite that functions as a real-time spreadsheet. The highlight: Real measurement data can be retrieved and calculated in deZemSheet at any time, whether as current or historical values.

Hinrich Schmoch emphasised five key questions that are critical to energy data analysis with energy management software:

  • How can energy efficiency be measured quantitatively?
  • How can data from numerous sources be fully automated into an energy report?
  • How can you keep track of everything while focusing only on the important details?
  • Are key pieces of information available with a single click?
  • Is targeted, event-driven communication possible?

The resulting requirements for energy management software were demonstrated at the workshop using concrete examples and visualised in an exemplary deZemSheet table. This allowed participants to see firsthand how useful such a tool is for generating ESG metrics.

"A very powerful tool within the deZem DataSuite."

ESG Reporting: Opportunities for Future-Oriented Companies

The theoretical framework of the workshop was provided by Sabine Daffner-Wenger from deZem in her presentation on ESG reporting. She gave an overview of the current state of legislation and explained which companies are affected by which ESG requirements, with a particular focus on current EU regulations (the "CSRD" and "ESRS") and the German Energy Efficiency Act. Despite the challenges for companies, she also highlighted the opportunities: Companies that thoroughly analyse their energy data can not only derive the required ESG metrics and demonstrate their carbon footprint for mandated sustainability reports, but also uncover unnecessary consumption and reduce costs - an added value for any business.

 

Hands-on: Practical Exercises and Networking

To conclude, participants had the opportunity to get hands-on. Some, under the guidance of our CEO Georg Riegel, installed a Harvy2 current sensor directly in the switch cabinet, while others tested the various diagram types of the deZem energy management software. In a relaxed atmosphere, intensive conversations took place between the guests and speakers, enriching the workshop with valuable insights.

Conclusion: The workshop was an all-around success, inspiring all participants and presenting new solutions. We were especially pleased with the positive feedback afterward. One participant wrote: “Rarely have I experienced such a well-qualified audience.” Another participant summed up: “[The workshop] gave me many insights, solutions, and inspiration and sharpened my focus on the real potential of monitoring.” With such success, the effort was more than worth it!

To be continued – more workshops are already in the planning stages !

"Companies that systematically analyse their energy data benefit from cost reductions and act more sustainably."