The Box – The Shortcut to a Smart Energy Centre

– The Box is a solution that makes it possible to extract data from technical installations that are currently disconnected. In this way we gain knowledge of how the installations are performing, which in turn provides a solid basis for any adjustments and upgrades, says Harald Aakre at Vestrheim.

The Box is a collaboration between Vestrheim and Energy Control. The box is equipped as needed with off-the-shelf components available from the major wholesalers. It is then connected online via wireless sensors, before all data is collected in Energy Control's own EC Dashboard.

– We could not find any existing solution that was well suited to this purpose. What might have worked was also far too expensive, which very often puts an effective stop to a great many building owners. The Box solves the problem for just 20 percent of the cost, says Aakre. He explains that the most obvious use case for the solution is to use it to extract data on energy use, temperature and pressure.

– The Box provides alerts if threshold values are exceeded and gives insight for managing the installation optimally. Over time you will see development and trends, so that you can make adjustments and see how they play out, says Aakre, adding that it is also possible to give simple control commands, so that the installation is to some extent remotely managed.

The Box has already been installed in a number of buildings, primarily in energy centres but also in grease separators in hotels. The experiences are very positive.

– The data means we are no longer fumbling in the dark, but can make fact-based decisions, which in turn helps ensure more efficient management of the installations, says Aakre.

The Box is therefore a solution that helps make dumb buildings smarter. Tommy Hagenes explains that 80 percent of all buildings are still managed without any data being collected from the technical systems.

– This means that neither the building owner nor the operational staff actually knows how the building is performing. For us, this is therefore about contributing to making existing buildings managed more intelligently, so that they have lower energy use and ultimately get a longer lifespan. That Harald and Vestrheim took the initiative to develop The Box is therefore an important part of the work of making the construction and property sector more sustainable, says Hagenes.