Having real-time information becomes a key advantage for optimizing processes, anticipating problems, and reducing costs. But how can this be achieved without skyrocketing energy consumption or relying on unreliable networks? The answer lies in low-power sensors: IoT devices designed to operate for years on standard batteries or solar power, providing continuous data without large investments or constant maintenance.
- Sensor Challenges
- Limited energy consumption, which makes it difficult to electrify new facilities.
- High maintenance costs, especially if there is geographic dispersion.
- Unstable or nonexistent connectivity in many areas.
These conditions require solutions that combine autonomy, low consumption, and long-range communications, without relying on expensive infrastructure or wired networks.
- What are low-power sensors?
Low-power sensors are devices capable of efficiently collecting data such as temperature, humidity, CO₂, vibrations, or pressure and sending this information periodically through low-power, long-range (LPWAN) networks such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox, or NB-IoT.
Key advantages:
- Up to 10 years of battery life with standard batteries.
- Simple installation, with no wiring or external power supply required.
- Connectivity even in remote areas, thanks to LPWAN networks.
- Very low operating costs and minimal maintenance.
- Specific benefits for industrial SMEs
- Digitalize processes without large investments: Low-power sensors allow continuous monitoring thanks to their autonomous operation, facilitating the digitalization of industrial processes without the need for expensive infrastructure or complex systems.
- Reduce maintenance costs: By incorporating early warnings for abnormal conditions such as vibrations, temperature, or humidity, these sensors help detect problems before they become serious failures, thus reducing the costs associated with corrective maintenance.
- Increase traceability: Automatic data collection directly from the field or plant improves the traceability of processes and materials, enabling more accurate monitoring and better decision-making based on real-time information.
- Extend asset lifespan: By monitoring and preventing failures caused by environmental degradation, low-power sensors help extend the lifespan of machinery and equipment, maximizing the investment made by the SME.
- Practical use case ideas:
- Sheep farm: Remote monitoring of conditions in sheds to avoid unnecessary travel.
- Fruit and vegetable cooperative: CO₂ and ethylene sensors in storage rooms to automate ventilation.
- Artisanal winery: Continuous monitoring of barrels without changing batteries or installing wiring.
- Chestnut dryer: Automatic control of temperature and humidity to optimize drying.
- How does DIGIS3 help you?
At DIGIS3, we support SMEs on their journey toward digitalization with tailored solutions:
- Personalized advice: We help you identify which technologies are best suited to your business.
- Training and education in technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and robotics, which are essential for driving innovation.
Next step: Tell us about your challenge, and we'll validate whether Low-Power sensors could be the right solution before making the investment. Write to us at info@digis3.eu or request your assessment using the online form.