@meshcities

Rain Or Shine Smart Energy Systems

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:13:00 GMT

Rain Or Shine Co. is a Toronto-based consulting and smart, clean energy supplier offering Canadians the latest in European green technologies. Affiliated with Italy's VentoSole, Rain Or Shine helps its large, medium, and small clients save time and money. "RainOrShine is dedicated to helping Ontario's resident and business see the advantages of renewable energy sources and provide superior service from consulting to implementation of green energy projects. With three specialized practice areas we are able to provide uniquely customizable and innovative green energy solutions for any project scale. From the initial Energy Audit to installation, RainOrShine takes a complete approach to our projects."

Depoluting City: Prosolve370e Until We No Longer Use Carbon . . .

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:25:00 GMT

German engineering firm Elegant Embellishments offers this engineered solution to cities plagued by smog--Prosolve370e. 3D Architectural Tiles prosolve370e is a decorative architectural tile that can effectively reduce air pollution in cities when installed near traffic ways or on building facades. The tiles are coated with a superfine titanium dioxide (TiO2), a pollution-fighting technology that is activated by ambient daylight. Employing a unique configuration of this technology, the tiles neutralize air pollutants when sited near traffic or densely polluted conditions. As a modification to existing architectural surfaces, prosolve370e essentially “tunes buildings” to respond better to their immediate environments.

Smart Building Bioreactive Facade Creates Energy

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:03:00 GMT

The bioreactor façade at the BIQ house is in position and will be showcased for the first time on 23 March at the opening of the International Building Exhibition in Hamburg. After that, the integrated algae-based system will be put into full operational mode at an inauguration event for the media on 25 April. The BIQ house will become the world’s first pilot project to showcase a bioreactive façade at the International Building Exhibition (IBA) in Hamburg on 23 March. With 200m² of integrated photo-bioreactors, this passive-energy house generates biomass and heat as renewable energy resources. At the same time, the system integrates additional functionality such as dynamic shading, thermal insulation and noise abatement, highlighting the full potential of this technology. The microalgae used in the façades are cultivated in flat panel glass bioreactors measuring 2.5m x 0.7m. In total, 129 bioreactors have been installed on the south west and south east faces of the four-storey residential building. The heart of the system is the fully automated energy management centre where solar thermal heat and algae are harvested in a closed loop to be stored and used to generate hot water. The innovative façade system is the result of three years of research and development by Colt International based on a bio-reactor concept developed by SSC Ltd and design work led by Arup. Funding support came from the German Government’s "ZukunftBau" research initiative.

LUX Monitor Controls Street Lighting Wirelessly

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:53:00 GMT

Control your energy consumption by installing Lux Monitor on new or existing lighting networks. The Lux Monitor system provides complete control of street lighting with ON/OFF and dimming control, outage detection, scenario programming, as well as the possibility of adding pollution, motion and brightness sensors. A system based on 3 key elements: LuxNode: The Plug and Play nodes are mounted directly into the lamps. The configuration is automatic, each node looking for the closest available one. The nodes both transmit and receive messages from the system gateway «LuxGate», and from each other. They control light turn on/off, dimming, as well as alarms and sensors. In case of outage, each node acts autonomously and ensures operational continuity of the system. LuxGate: The gateway between the LuxNodes and LuxSoftware. LuxGate is installed near a power source and Internet connection (Wifi, Ethernet or GPRS). The gateway enables data communication from LuxSoftware to the nodes. The information retrieved from the nodes by LuxGate can be displayed on any computer connected to the Internet which has LuxSoftware installed. LuxSoftware: the monitoring software LuxSoftware monitors and controls the lighting network. It is accessible from any computer connected to the Internet.

Connecthings

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:33:00 GMT

Connecthings provides NFC mobile services to major cities in Europe and in Brazil. Thousands of NFC tags deployed around the cities deliver useful and engaging content on transport, events, shopping and tourism. Connecthings also provides fully integrated offers like touristic and shopping passes, implementing NFC-enabled ticketing and couponing systems. With a simple “check’in” or “like” on a NFC tag at the cash desk, easily enroll new customers and encourage loyal customers to revisit. Guide them to your shop and deliver time, location and profile-based services about your products inside the shop. Instantly create a dedicated mobile website for your coupon campaign. Connecthings’ platform manages several networks of NFC tags displayed on bus stops all over the world. Based on our experience, we offer a robust and scalable solution to transport companies. We manage tag deployment, delivery of “one touch” information at bus stops, integration with real time information systems, supply of NFC & QR codes and stickers for outdoor, analytics and reporting.

PE.AMI Solid Waste Integrated Network Gathering System (SWINGS)

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:19:00 GMT

PE.AMI’s flexibility and Paradox Engineering’s full control on technologies and solutions (own technology and IP) allow the implementation of one or more of PE.AMI components as an OEM solution . This is the case of PE. AMI Solid Waste Integrated Network Gathering System , which helps building a ‘dustbin network’ and provides detailed information about its usage, enabling improved waste management services thanks to

real time remote readings
advanced statistics (per type, per area, over time windows)
higher efficiency, sharper reaction times
tailored accounting and billing, innovative tariffs

AMI SWINGS is composed by

a main head , installed in the dustbins, managing the dustbin’s mechanical locking system, the radio communication and the power supply though an internal battery. The PE. AMI SWINGS Node is engineered into the main head;

a solar pane l, installed on the dustbin’s coverage, recharging the internal battery during sunlight—it is cabled to the main head;

a personal authentication ke y, that allows the unlocking and the opening of the dustbin. Once it is entered into the main head socket, the embedded electronic board stores access related data (date, time) in the main head;

the PE. AMI Gateway , located either close to the ecological area or onboard the dust trucks, communicating with the main heads installed into the dustbins and getting information whether the dustbin is full. It also provides the communication among the PE. AMI SWINGS infrastructure and the server, where the software architecture and the database are hosted.

Automatic Meter Reading System

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 06:53:00 GMT

Control Data Systems is providing open standards based wireless communication technology to enable Automatic Meter Reading applications for residential consumers. The standards used ar 802.15.4, 802.15.4g, 802.15.4g, 6LowPan and ROLL and the frequencies are 868MHz and 2.4GHz. The same wireless infrastructure can be used for monitoring and control of other systems such as water and gas metering, streeet lighting and parking.

PlaceSpeak

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 02:55:00 GMT

PlaceSpeak advances public consultation to a whole new level by enabling evidence-based decision-making by allowing citizens to influence the process in an open, safe, secure and transparent manner. Developed by New City Ventures Inc., PlaceSpeak is revolutionizing the online public consultation business. Public consultation is required broadly as part of the democratic process. Governments at all levels directly or indirectly require consultation on a range of issues, most of which are geographically defined. PlaceSpeak taps into that need to consult and adds value by generating verifiable data to support public policy development and local decision-making. PlaceSpeak takes the guesswork out of online consultation.

Marbles - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:13:00 GMT

MARBLES are large glowing shapes which interact with people via sound, light and color. Each MARBLE contains LEDs and smart sensors that instinctively respond to human touch, changing their mood from 'bored' to 'excited'. MARBLES are also able to multiply these interactions between themselves, communicating with each other. MARBLES transforms the landscape into an interactive meeting place of light. Specifications: 2012. Large, strong molded shapes in waterproof casing including LEDs, sensor technology, and sound speakers. Uses only 15 Watt. Client: Permanent artwork commissioned by Ymere at C. van Eesterenplein in Almere, NL.

Crystal - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:09:00 GMT

CRYSTAL are thousand and one wireless light rocks which interact with people. CRYSTAL functions as a ‘digital campfire’ where people share stories of light. Each Crystal contains LEDs that are wirelessly charged via a powermat. Once visitors start adding, moving or sharing Crystals, the basic breathing of the Crystals changes. The lighting behavior of crystals moves from ‘excited’ to ‘bored’, keeping visitors curious. People can either share or steal them. CRYSTAL creates a sensual relation between people, technology and light. Specifications: 2012-2013. Hundreds of wireless LED rocks (variable sizes) on a power mat. Special Crystal box available on request. Client: Self commissioned by Studio Roosegaarde. Premiere at PICNIC, EYE Museum Amsterdam.

Connected etoilet Infrastructure

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:39:00 GMT

Globally, there are a large number discussions pertaining to designing and building smart and intelligent cities of tomorrow, we often tend to ignore one of the most vital infrastructure which make them beautiful, healthy and sustainable to live viz. the public toilets. Most of the cities of India are now reeling under large migrations from the rural areas and inadequate sanitation causes more harm to the environment and ecosystem of these upcoming cities. Kerala, the southernmost state of India, has the highest population density is known as one of the most progressive states, high physical quality of life index, but paradoxically it is home to a number of diseases caused due to polluted water bodies, inadequate sanitation facilities. Incidentally Kerala is the first state in India to install electronic public toilets. This patent pending product e-toilet have automated from entry to sewage treatment, and operates on sensor based technology. These technologies make the e-toilets conserve power and water, keep them clean and hygienic all the time and provide the performance status of the units on web based interface. This unique feature of the e-toilets provide more transparency and accountability towards the public infrastructure developed by the local Government bodies under the three tier system of Governance, which empower people democracy at the grassroots. The convergence of electronics, web and mobile technologies make the toilets a next generation public sanitation infrastructure. Now, these e-toilets are connected over a GPRS network and is called as Connected e-toilet Infrastructure (CeTI). These network of e-toilets would empower the decision makers of the emerging cities in India to manage and monitor the performance of their public sanitation infrastructure. First CeTI in India is operational in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, with 26 e-toilets connected over a GPRS network. A traveller can access the e-toilet map over a web interface and can view the locations of e-toilets in his itinerary and plan on her halts, ahead of her journey. This is one element of MESH Cities which we envisage to build and would make the lives of its citizens and tourists much more better.

Crystal - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:39:00 GMT

Marbles - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:36:00 GMT

Smart Highway - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:32:00 GMT

Smart Highway are interactive and sustainable roads of today. Designer Daan Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure are developing new designs and technologies for this Route 66 of the future. New designs include the ‘Glow-in-the-Dark Road’, ‘Dynamic Paint’, ‘Interactive Light’, ‘Induction Priority Lane’ and ‘Wind Light’. The goal is to make roads which are more sustainable and interactive by using light, energy and road signs that automatically adapt to the traffic situation. Awarded with a Best Future Concept by the Dutch Design Awards 2012 the first meters Smart Highway will be realized mid 2013 in the Netherlands. The collaboration between Roosegaarde and Heijmans is a true example of innovative industries. The design and interactivity from Studio Roosegaarde and the craftsmanship of Heijmans are fused into one common goal: innovation of the Dutch landscape. Specifications: 2012-2015. Smart paints, energy harvesting, sensors and other media. Concept and Design at Studio Roosegaarde with the engineers from Heijmans. Client: Co-production with Heijmans N.V.

Dune 4.2 - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:23:00 GMT

DUNE is the public interactive landscape that interacts with human behavior. This hybrid of nature and technology is composed of large amounts of fibers that brighten according to the sounds and motion of passing visitors. The 60 meter permanent DUNE 4.2, situated alongside the Maas River in Rotterdam (NL), utilizes fewer than 60 watts of energy. Within this setting, Rotterdam citizens enjoy their daily “walk of light”. Filled with hundreds interactive lights and sounds DUNE investigates nature in a futuristic relation with urban space. Specifications: 2006-2012. Modular system of length 100 cm, width 50 cm, variable heights. Hundreds of fibers, LEDs, sensors, speakers, interactive software and electronics; variable up to 400 meters. Clients: Commissioned by Netherlands Media Art Institute Amsterdam, Rotterdam 2007 City of Architecture, CBK Rotterdam. Rotterdam City of Architecture.

Lotus Dome - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:16:00 GMT

LOTUS DOME is a living dome made out of hundreds of smart flowers which fold open in response to human behavior. Deep inside the 17th-century Sainte Marie Madeleine Church in Lille LOTUS DOME creates an interactive play of light and shadow. As a futuristic vision on the Renaissance LOTUS DOME merges elements of architecture and nature into an interactive environment. The project was awarded with the Media Architecture Award 2012 in the category of Future Trends. Client: Commissioned by the City of Lille for Lille3000 FANTASTIC exhibition curated by Caroline David.

Sensor Valley - Studio Roosegaarde

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:15:00 GMT

SENSOR VALLEY is Europe’s largest interactive sensor artwork of pillars that breath light and sound in response to people. The local citizens in Assen (NL) call them 'knuffelpilaren' (hugging pillars) as they interact with human motion and touch. The city of Assen has a longstanding history with sensor technology scanning the universe. Studio Roosegaarde's innovative LED and social design was selected from 125 other candidates as entrance of the new Cultural Center. Embraced as their new cultural icon, SENSOR VALLEY enhances local social interactions; creating a tactile landscape of people, city and light. Specifications: Pillars of 2.5 meters with LEDs, motion & touch sensor technology, wireless communication, and sound speakers. Client: City of Assen, NL.

Dune 4.2

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:11:00 GMT

Lotus Dome

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:06:00 GMT

Lotus Dome

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:06:00 GMT