Our first activities included the initial technical and physical design of our sensors–where we focused on scalability and durability–and the production of a test batch. Together with some test clients, we installed several sensors, harvested data and gained experience in pains and gains for both customers as well as for ourselves.
The test period led to a redesigning of our products to implement the best communication module, fitting our services while maintaining a focus on global reach going forward. We also defined relevant integration types. Other significant activities during the first part of the project period include 1) NPA analysis securing our intellectual properties through a) freedom to operate and b) patent application filing, 2) website development, and 3) stakeholder and narrowing of initial scale-up markets.
While our initial focus was to look at both the residential as well as commercial real estate market, as a result of market mapping, and technical functionality together with our pricing strategy we have shifted our focus to the commercial real estate market as of now. This is due to 1) almost all non-residential buildings having a ventilation system which is not the case for residential buildings in Europe 2) the building size allows for a better cost/benefit ratio for the customer and thus a lower bar for purchasing our service.
Next, we proceeded to in-house testing at three locations. This allowed us to develop a robust solution that minimizes this risk, developing the hardware, software and integrations whilst tightly testing at in-house test locations. We made several design adjustments to the technology to achieve TRL9, based on data from the large-scale piloting, which have allowed us to obtain real-life data on performance and requirements. Modifications were performed in cellular communication, plastic cover, packaging and firmware, allowing us to reach a commercial-ready product. Finally, we have developed product sheets and user manuals for installation.
To handle and analyse data from each specific building, we have developed a data model that creates a digital twin of the building we are monitoring. This helps us analyse the sensor data and provide insight to the end user, as well as control signals to the building ventilation system to optimize for different goals including energy efficiency, expelling air contaminants, reducing draft and minimizing condensation in the walls. We also made results available in a self-service dashboard.
We have established a supply chain for the product enabling us to source and manufacture our products, as well as securing two large downstream partners for distribution and installation. We have also built the pricing model, mapped out standards and regulations and made a plan for engaging stakeholders.
In the latest phase of this work, we have been doing large-scale piloting in real-life environments. This gives our models a great insight into how to best control differential pressure by regulating the air volumes at the ventilation system. We have also made case studies showing the actual savings and calculated condensation of moisture in the construction. The savings are significant and will help future customers with a major and important problem, namely reducing emissions from the construction sector.
