🇧🇪 Brussel, Belgium
Smart Energy Solution Enhances Indoor
Climate Control at a University in Belgium
Our client
Building type: University Building
Client Name: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Â
Location: Brussel, Belgium
Building parameters: 1 building, 6 floors
Product(s) implemented:
423 Vicki LoRaWAN® Smart Radiator Thermostat
Third Party Devices:
200 Air Quality Sensors
MCS IIoT Protocol Gateway integrated with the existing BACnet BMS
In collaboration with carefully selected partners, MCS designs and delivers Managed IoT solutions and secure private networks that ensure seamless access to innovative IoT technologies for everyone. Since its founding in 1997, MCS has been committed to making daily work and life easier, safer, and more sustainable.
Leveraging years of expertise, MCS combines its knowledge with that of its partners across diverse industries. In addition, MCS provides all the essential hardware and software components for communication networks, including the design and production of antennas and wireless communication accessories, all made in the Netherlands.
Allorado builds a next-generation LoRa gateway that seamlessly integrates LoRa devices into existing building and industrial automation systems. It converts raw LoRa data into standardized formats such as KNX, BACnet, and Modbus, enabling effortless connectivity and interoperability.
Designed for simplicity and speed, Allorado eliminates the complexity of LoRa integration. With a plug-and-play approach and no coding required, Allorado makes adopting LoRa technology faster and more intuitive than ever.
Challenges
For over ten years, sustainable development has been a cornerstone of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)’s values. In line with this commitment, the university has developed a climate strategy aimed at significantly reducing its CO₂ emissions and lowering energy consumption across its campuses. To meet these goals, accurate monitoring of the indoor climate—including temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels—was essential. They wanted to make the old radiators smart and use the collected room data to control the heating process more efficiently. To implement this solution, the university turned to MCS for expertise and support.
Solution
Before implementation, Allorado and MCS conducted a thorough analysis of the building to understand its needs. They established a private LoRa network, which was integrated into the existing Building Management System (BMS) that uses BACnet protocol. They optimally placed 1 MCS IIoT Protocol Gateway and 8 forwarders across 6 floors and enabled the BMS to recognize LoRaWAN devices as fully integrated BACnet objects. By installing 423 Vicki LoRaWAN® Smart Radiator Thermostats and 200 third-party air quality sensors in the second half of 2024, and integrating them into the BMS, the university gained access to the necessary real-time and historical data on temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels and achieved 31,5% savings. The MClimate Vicki devices provided precise, room-by-room temperature control, schedule creation, and open-window detection, enabling more efficient use of the radiators. The Vicki thermostats, utilizing the LoRaWAN® protocol, also offer firmware updates over the air (FUOTA) and replaceable batteries with a 10-year lifespan, ensuring long-term, sustainable use—aligning with VUB’s goals.
Results
Temperature & Humidity
Monitoring and Control
31,5% Â
energy savings
99% compatibility
with standard radiators
Supports FUOTA
Firmware Upgrade Over The Air
Products in this case study
Vicki LoRaWAN® Smart Radiator Thermostat
Recommended products
MClimate CO2 Sensor & Notifier LoRaWAN®
MClimate CO2 Display lite LoRaWAN®
MClimate Vicki Anti-vandal protective case
MClimate Wireless Thermostat LoRaWAN®
MClimate Open/Close Sensor LoRaWAN®
MClimate HT Sensor LoRaWAN®
Proudly based
in Europe 🇪🇺
We’re based in Europe at Sofia, Bulgaria:
Sofia Tech Park, Labs Building, 111J Tsarigradsko Shose.
Let’s get in
touch đź‘‹
If you are interested in projects with our devices leave your email below so our team can contact you as soon as possible.