HUMIDITY CONTROL


London Gatwick enhances building management with wireless sensing solution


London Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport, has successfully implemented Sontay’s cutting-edge SORA wireless sensing solution to revolutionise its Building Management System (BMS). The project is an example of how innovation, sustainability, and efficiency can align in high-traffic, mission-critical environments


Need humidity control?


Condair offers the UK’s widest range of both humidifiers and dehumidifiers, provided with expert application knowledge and system design.


F


aced with the challenge of modernising its BEMS infrastructure while maintaining full operational functionality, London Gatwick sought a reliable and non-intrusive solution to monitor key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and CO2


levels. With


stringent requirements around zero operational downtime, minimal cabling, and quick installation, the airport selected Sontay’s SORA


LoRaWAN wireless range—proven technology that delivers both performance and ease of deployment.


The initial phase focused on the check-in zones and duty-free areas, where maintaining optimal ambient conditions is crucial for both passengers and staff. The deployment included:


• Four SORA LoRaWAN hubs to manage the sensor network • 45 wireless temperature, humidity, and CO2


sensors


• Six wireless clamp-on temperature sensors • Two aerial extensions


The SORA solution stood out for its robust wireless capabilities, with LoRaWAN offering an extended range of over 10km in plain sight. The solution enabled a rapid and cable-free installation, allowing operations to continue without any disruption or additional costs. London Gatwick’s facilities team, already familiar with the brand, were impressed by the system’s intuitive design and minimal maintenance requirements. In a scheduled evaluation six months post-installation, battery levels on the wireless sensors remained at 100%, confirming the solution’s reliability and long-lasting performance. “Our SORA sensors are not only improving passenger comfort and staff conditions but also supporting energy efficiency,” said Stacey Lucas, commercial & marketing director at Sontay. “By providing live readings to the BMS, the system enables plant equipment to operate only when needed, saving energy and cost.” Following the success of the initial rollout, the airport is expanding its SORA deployment. New clamp-on sensors are being used to monitor chilled water flow in legacy air handling units (AHUs) – a retrofit made simple through SORA’s wireless design. Plans are also underway to install hubs in seven plant rooms in the South Terminal and five in the North Terminal, ensuring site-wide coverage and smarter control across the facility. London Gatwick is also involving its apprentices in the installation process, providing valuable hands-on experience in all aspects of BMS technologies and championing diversity within the building controls industry. During site visits, Sontay representatives were given a tour of the airport’s STEM centre, which welcomes school children to explore airport operations in a fun and educational environment. All with the aim of encouraging young people to see STEM occupations as a career of choice and ensure the industry has the skills needed for the future. Looking to the future, Gatwick has set ambitious goals to upscale all system infrastructure


around the facility and incorporate latest technologies. Enhancing the BMS with wireless solutions is a pivotal part of that journey, ensuring efficiency at every step.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk Condair hp BSEE Jan25.indd 1 11/12/24 16:24 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2025 17 Humidifiers Dehumidifiers


Design • Manufacture • Supply • Install Commissioning • Service • Spares


Contact us for free expert advice Tel: +44 (0)1903 850 200 Email: uk.sales@condair.com Web: www.condair.co.uk


Humidification, Dehumidification and Evaporative Cooling


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42