Improvement of solutions based on user feedback
The comfort of the end-users is at the forefront of Develco Products’ mission. The responsibility of bringing a comprehensive high-quality IoT solution to our business partners directly translates to delivering well-functioning, interoperable devices to their consumers. The shortest path to successful innovation is to actively involve users in the innovation process.
With that intention in mind, Develco Products has entered various research projects, such as RESPOND, where families are providing feedback and the devices can be tested in real-life situations. In this way, practical aspects, such as installations, are tested and improved in order to provide high-quality devices and ensure solution providers do not have to spend time and money on testing the devices.
How IoT can benefit the environment
At the same time, Develco Products has an overarching focus on the environmental benefit we can bring. With the rapid technological development in recent years comes an increased emphasis on the sustainable application of innovations. With our range of white label smart energy devices, Develco Products is able to provide IoT devices that can aid demand response strategies (DR), level peak loads, and reduce the strain on power grids. In this sense, Develco Products’ devices can be implemented in the processes of energy automation, control, and motoring.
Find out more how smart devices can improve energy management.
Long-term on-site testing with active user engagement
Throughout the 3 years of the project, Develco Products has deployed various combinations of smart home devices in more than 30 homes. In accordance with the DR goals, each dwelling has been equipped with an External Meter Interface and a Kamstrup Meter Interface to verify the DR outcomes by means of electrical and thermal consumption. Additionally, Prosumer Meters have been used to confirm the photovoltaic power generation and the panels’ energy consumption.
Smart Plugs were installed for activation and deactivation of dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers. Smart Cables were used for more powerful appliances directly connected to the power grid, like for instance heat pumps or electrical meters. Smart Humidity Sensors and Entry Sensors were mounted in various rooms of the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, basement, etc., to detect and verify any need for DR action related to the comfort conditions of the houses.
Most importantly, Squid.link gateways were deployed in order to ensure the connectivity between all devices. The gateways are configurable, and therefore an extremely flexible opportunity for linking networks based on different technologies. They support various communication protocols, such as Zigbee and Z-Wave, and provide a reliable connection to sensors and smart meters.
Read more about the Squid.link gateways here.
High quality and environmentally friendly
Including such a wide variety of devices allows Develco Products to test their interoperability through the Squid.link gateway in a real-life situation. Based on these experiences, we are able to continuously improve and give solution providers high-quality white label devices.
From a sustainability perspective, it has become clear that introducing smart home solutions within DR strategies helps to level peak loads and lessen the strain on grids. Moreover, the implementation creates an incentive for change on both an industrial and an individual level.
One of the most valuable insights from the RESPOND project so far has been the benefits from combining the Squid.link gateways with the electricity meters and smart plugs and cables in terms of monitoring and reduction of energy consumption. On the one hand, the electricity management industry can use the data from the meters to optimize the power supply chain, especially in terms of electricity generation and storage. On the other hand, the metrics provide valuable information for the individual consumer, who can easily track their usage and change their intake accordingly. Making alterations to their regular consumption patterns cause improvements not only to their monthly electricity bill but also to the excessive need for electricity generation, especially during peak demand periods.
