Based on weather conditions, this software learns the building's energy profile, combines temperature and occupancy rates, and creates a predictive model that optimizes the infrastructure's climate, reducing consumption (up to 30% less) and making machines work more efficiently, generating higher yields," explains Carlos Sastre, Transport Hubs Manager of Sacyr Concesiones.
Temperature, humidity, and pollutant sensors located in waiting areas help measure comfort parameters, and air renewals times are automatically established through this software to meet the specified quality indicators, Sastre further explains.
"Currently, the activation of air conditioning systems is done manually, based on prior knowledge. We turn on the chillers early in the morning, and they operate at full capacity for most of the day (the hub is open to the public from 6 am to midnight all year round), especially during high-demand periods, such as summer or winter, when temperatures are more extreme. What we aim for with this software implementation is to automate the operation of the equipment so that climate control aligns with the real needs of the infrastructure."
Not only will this software control air conditioning but also other elements like ventilation, with smoke extraction monitored by the same system.
The hub also seeks to control the flow of travelers with the goal of promoting the use of public transportation to foster Smart Cities. To this end, the Polytechnic University of Madrid has launched a research scholarship to identify the real number of users, analyzing users with an origin or destination to the metro who are not hub bus passengers, but use the infrastructure.
Javier Niño, Director of Transport Hub Operations at Sacyr Concesiones, explains, "The Polytechnic University has installed counting cameras over the hub escalators. These cameras use artificial intelligence to see how many travelers pass through that area but are not counted in the hub’s internal bus passenger counting system."
The Moncloa Transport Hub contract also includes a parking lot management project. On this facility, the Sacyr-owned company Infratec, has installed the LED lighting system IOHNIC. IOHNIC can adjust light intensity, creating a moonlight effect at minimum light levels, which maintains sufficient brightness in the parking lot so that when a user enters the facilities, they do not lose the feeling of security but still save energy when the parking lot is not in use.
This implementation has resulted in 50% savings. In another one of our transport hub projects, Plaza Elíptica, LED lights have been placed in the entrance hall's dome. These lights can also adjust their brightness according to streetlight levels, measured through external sensors, so that natural sunlight complements artificial interior lighting, reducing energy consumption."
