ELECTRONIC SENSORS
and respond swiftly to deviations from safe conditions, such as a drop in temperature below safe levels at sentinel points in the building. This way, Legionella risk can be more effectively managed, not to mention the reporting capabilities that help produce an HSE compliant report.
Within this IoT set up, Sigfox connectivity plays a pivotal role in the IoT-driven transformation that supports and automates Legionella risk management. Sigfox’s Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology enables the efficient transmission of data in real time, through the use of sensory devices connected directly to water systems. This network connectivity and capability is crucial for the rapid detection and response required in Legionella prevention.
Ultimately, this new approach to Legionella detection, involving IoT, sensors and the Sigfox network connectivity involves fitting sensors directly to sentinel points in the building. This is helping to change and enhance the current Legionella risk management business process, as well as enabling subsequent related labour and transport costs to be reduced. For instance, unlike traditional methods that require contractors to physically travel to locations for readings, IoT solutions offer remote monitoring, meaning that staff can be deployed to other operationally important tasks within businesses. This operational
intensive networks. Typically, these devices have a lifespan of 3-5 years, providing reliable, long-term Legionella monitoring. In comparison, cellular-based solutions, while generally available, are relatively more costly and potentially unsuitable for this application due to the location of sentinel points in buildings and lack of connectivity. Sigfox’s LPWAN connectivity is a cost-effective and reliable alternative approach that aligns perfectly with the requirements of Legionella monitoring, enabling effective transmission of data in hard-to-reach locations, such as basements, where these pipes are often found.
Conclusion
efficiency not only saves time and money but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals by saving a significant amount of water from being wasted from each manual reading too.
The Importance of IoT Device Design and Connectivity
Typical IoT devices used in this scenario are designed with practicality in mind. They are compact and easy to install onto existing pipework, making them suitable for a wide range of water systems. Importantly, these devices are optimised for LPWAN connectivity, ensuring that they don’t drain battery power quickly when compared with more power
The reinvention of Legionella risk management through IoT and automation is not only solving a pressing problem, but also setting the stage for more efficient and responsive monitoring in various scenarios. Sigfox’s role in providing IoT device connectivity is enabling this transformation. Beyond Legionella and the water management industry, the Sigfox network can be applied to a wide range of scenarios too, ushering in a new era of connectivity, efficiency, and safety. As technology continues to evolve, the IoT-driven approach to Legionella management will likely become more standardised, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities worldwide.
Focus on problems in your control
How PEI-Genesis’ three pillars gave it the operational certainty to navigate stormy market waters
L
ike everyone, manufacturers internationally face challenges caused by global issues such as coronavirus, Brexit and the war in Ukraine. However, despite the troubling times, manufacturers can protect themselves and provide certainty for customers by focussing on the things that are in their control, instead of worrying about geopolitical issues beyond their control. Here, Jonathan Parry, Senior Vice President & MD Europe for electrical connector specialist PEI-Genesis, discusses three steps businesses can take to give customers stability in uncertain times.
The war in Ukraine caused fuel prices 42
to surge, forcing an increase in freight costs for all modes of transportation. It has also disrupted the rail transport route connecting China and Europe, which had already become competitive due to the rise in consumer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, the global shipping landscape is marked by significant changes. According to Freightos, freight costs between Asia and the US have risen sharply, with Asia-US West Coast prices increasing by 60 per cent to $2,713 per FEU, and Asia-US East Coast prices up by 58 per cent to $3,980 per FEU. These increases are attributed to geopolitical
FEBRUARY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
tensions and shipping route diversions, notably in the Red Sea, leading to longer journeys and higher fuel costs. These are issues businesses have no control over. However, there are steps and strategies that can help to mitigate these and build a secure operational platform to provide stability for customers.
Localisation
Over the past two years, mismatching lockdowns worldwide have caused many containers to become stranded at ports. Similarly, competition to fill the gap caused by issues in the China–Europe route has
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 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
