IoT in Refrigeration: Trends in automation
For several decades now, the use of connected and intelligent devices has been impacting the development of various industry sectors. Firstly, the implementation of IoT in refrigeration processes and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) allows remote monitoring of environments, either to perform assisted operation or to ensure preventive maintenance.
Here are some of the main benefits: Reduce machine downtime in case of breakdowns, increase the life span of critical components, and reduce consumption by scheduling events or using artificial intelligence.
The main trends in this area involve saving electricity and performing preventive monitoring by tracking the performance of machines and installations on a permanent basis. Wireless communication technologies are allies in this trend, which in the future will make it possible to expand these systems and reduce deployment time and operating costs.
The possibility of visualizing the data in the cloud is also a point of no return because it allows managing these assets anywhere, even more in situations like the one we live in today, with restrictions on movement of people.
Contextualizing IoT in refrigeration
Those who are familiar with the refrigeration sector probably understand when it is said that this industry is not used to innovating when trying out new technologies. However, the Brazilian refrigeration and air-conditioning sector has been following some proven trends in more developed countries.
Because it operates in sectors involving air-conditioning and comfort, the HVAC industry is very sensitive to cost variations. On the other hand, increasing consumer demands and tougher HVAC regulations are forcing the industry to seek new solutions. Because of the ease and low cost, IoT technology for refrigeration has been very popular.
Is data security a problem?
Concerns about the security of the data and operation of a system that has remote access and is hosted in the cloud is a question routinely raised by stakeholders who have yet to embrace this type of automation. But during the IoT concept creation process, information security was one of the most important premises.
Data encryption and protocols designed for IoT in communication with cloud or computing equipment ensure security. Device manufacturers are responsible for properly implementing these protocols, ensuring the necessary security. Installers and end customers are responsible for configuring the encryption keys on the devices, as well as setting strong passwords for accessing data in the cloud.
NOVUS is a company established in different markets and that values the best practices and technologies to ensure the safety of the operations where it works. Acting in several segments, including the HVAC and commercial refrigeration market, the company brings efficiency and technology through solutions such as thermostats, controllers, data loggers, monitoring devices, and communication systems.
All these devices can interact with cloud systems, including NOVUS Cloud, the company’s IoT platform. NOVUS is always ahead in new trends and technologies, and always seeks to offer solutions that best meet its customers’ needs.
Sectors where IoT is already popular
Sectors such as sanitation, electric power transmission and distribution, gas distribution and commercial refrigeration are already well adapted and have systems integrated with IoT. As these are segments that require continuous monitoring (24/7) and deal with losses and scarce resources regarding energy consumption, remote monitoring solutions are very important to ensure an effective performance.
When it comes to the distribution of water, electricity and gas, the utilities market is being pressured by increasingly demanding government regulations in terms of cost reduction and losses, whether technical or commercial. Remote monitoring and remote access to data allow you to increase the control and agility of the process and ensure a more efficient operation.
In the case of commercial refrigeration, there is a trend and a worldwide requirement to gradually reduce energy consumption. This causes manufacturers to look for more effective savings solutions. The IoT concept fits these needs and is becoming increasingly relevant.
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