How does LightFi reduce energy consumption in buildings?
By knowing how many people are using a particular space right now, LightFi can make sure that the building is using only the resources that it needs. Not more, and not less. For example:
– The heating/cooling can be turned off when the majority have left at the end of the day, instead of waiting for the set-time.
– Instead of keeping a constant 100% from 7am to 7pm, the ventilation rate can be varied according to the actual occupancy. This reduces the energy consumed by the fans (on the AHUs and FCUs), and reduces the heating/cooling needed due to lower air-cycling rates.
How does LightFi improve indoor air quality?
LightFi pro-actively keeps the indoor CO2 levels low, by controlling the ventilation based on actual occupancy. In open-plan spaces CO2 sensors often lag behind what is actually going due to diffusion. In dynamic environments (e.g. lecture theatres, co-working spaces, airport gates) this delay can lead to poor indoor conditions with high CO2 levels. High CO2 levels have a very real and negative effect on our health and on our ability to think and make decisions. LightFi can detect occupancy in real-time, and pro-actively tell the building to provide the right ventilation exactly at the time it is actually needed.
How does LightFi detect occupancy numbers?
Using WiFi and Bluetooth radio, as well as machine learning, LightFi detect the number of portable devices in the vicinity and use this as a proxy for the number of people.
Does LightFi access my WiFi network?
No. LightFi sensors do not and cannot read or decipher any communication that occurs on any secure or unsecured WiFi and Bluetooth networks.
Is LightFi GDPR compliant?
Yes. All metadata that LightFi measures is completely anonymous.
What buildings can LightFi integrate with?
Currently LightFi can integrate with any building that has a Building Management System (BMS). We are working on integrating LightFi with leading manufacturers of indoor/outdoor stand alone HVAC units – please tell us which brand you have?
Can LightFi integrate with my BMS?
Yes. LightFi can integrate with the BMS via:
– BACnet over IP
– API via the cloud
– 4-20mA analog
Why use BACnet over IP?
BACnet over IP is a global protocol and compatible with most BMS providers, old and new. LightFi sensors will send data to the BMS immediately as the environment changes, with out any delay. To connect LightFi devices to the BMS, you will need an Ethernet cable form LightFi’s sensors to the nearest BMS input. If there is Power over Ethernet (POE) will be powered and send data over one cable. You could utilise existing Ethernet cables, or might have to run new ones. Generally speaking a direct physical connection is more reliable than a wireless connection, and is not affected by 3G network outages for example.
Why use cloud API?
Running cables might be prohibitively expensive, so LightFi has developed a 3G enabled sensor that can connect to your BMS via the cloud. Currently, data is sent via 3G, in 10 minute intervals, to LightFi’s online AWS server. The BMS can then be set up to securely query our server to receive the data. While this removes the need for cabling, the data stream from LightFi’s sensors is susceptible to 3G signal strength variations, black spots, and network outages.
Who owns data and how it’s going to be used?
All data is owned by you, the client. It can be deleted if needed and is only shared with entities to improve the service.
Where is the data stored?
Data is stored on secure cloud services in UK. We are GDPR & CyberEssentials compliant
Can you track who specifically is in the room?
No, the data is completely anonymous. We look at occupancy levels only
Where can I find out more about the platform architecture?
Technical information about the LightFi platform architecture can be found here, or a technical sheet can be provided upon request
If you have a laptop and phone does it read these as two people?
No, we measure occupancy levels percentages not individual people.
Can I restrict logins for users/areas?
Yes, you can restrict your users to any of your own locations (buildings, floors etc).