Cities consume about 75% of global resources, while Buildings account for one-third of the total energy used in urban areas. Or at least that is what World Bank data indicates; when combined with urban migration patterns, this makes resource management a priority for the environmental conservation.
For all these reasons, the European Commission has stipulated that by 2020, all newly constructed homes must have a energy consumption is virtually zero.
Thus, under the implementation of the Europe Strategy, the current urban landscape is gradually evolving toward the concept of a "Smart City." Specifically, these are smart cities that promote eco-efficiency through the integration of new information and communication technologies.
In this regard, if you want to understand how this type of smart infrastructure works, you should first familiarize yourself with the key principles governing the collection of information and the mobility of its components:
Smart Energy Management
First and foremost, we will identify the new trends shaping today's business models, which are based on the Distributed Energy Generation and the Energy Efficiency, as well as their integration into so-called Smart Cities:
1. Smart Grids
Making the most of the renewable energy sources resulting from changes in the methods used to obtain electricity (wind turbines, biomass, biogas, photovoltaic panels) have led to the concept of smart grids. The goal is to integrate energy generation while improving the efficiency of cities. In this way, optimizing these systems will provide clean and safe electricity to the urban landscape.
2. Smart Buildings
Within Smart Cities, we also find smart buildings, which enable integrated and automated management and control (heating, ventilation, lighting, security systems) Thus, thanks to these facilities and systems, it is possible to ensure energy efficiency while also providing greater accessibility and security. Furthermore, this concept can be applied to all types of buildings.
3. Smart Homes
Furthermore, the concept of “Smart Homes” also has a place within a smart city. In this case, it refers to the incorporation of home automation into the home with the same objective as in the previous concept: optimize energy efficiency. To achieve this, hot water, lighting, climate control, and the use of appliances are managed intelligently to take advantage of natural resources and the lowest rates.
4. Regulation of Services Using IoT
The Internet of Things and smart sensors are responsible for regulating the street lighting, by connect urban services and technological devices of citizens based on various criteria.
5. Use of Drones for Thermal Imaging
Drones have already demonstrated their versatility in the world of building and construction. However, not only can they be useful for locating geothermal anomalies in areas to be developed, but they can also be used for aerial thermal imaging in the inspection and monitoring of buildings. Typically, they are often Identify thermal bridges.
Smart Urban Mobility Management
Smart mobility aims to make it easier for people to get around, whether on foot, by public or private transportation, or by bicycle. Of course, this is always done with the goal of optimizing energy, environmental, and economic costs.
1. On-demand shared mobility and mobility as a service
Urban planning policies in most cities are already being implemented on-demand mobility-as-a-service programs: From night bus services and various networks of stops, routes, and schedules tailored to users’ needs to short-term car and bicycle rentals within the city. Furthermore, these policies also enable platforms to promote Carpooling (car sharing) just like riding a bike (bike-sharing) to ensure sustainability.
2. Smart Transportation Infrastructure
It is worth noting the real-time information systems for public transportation, as well as the traffic center management y parking lots using sensors or users' smartphones.
3. Recovery of Braking Energy
According to a study by the University of Seville, 15% of the energy generated by the metro and commuter rail networks is currently going to waste. The fact is that lThe constant voltage from these stations can be used to charge electric vehicles or as an additional source of energy. This is an application that is already being implemented around the world.
4. Apps for Sustainable Mobility
Mobile apps are also promoting sustainable mobility habits: from real-time public transportation status systems and the management of traffic control centers and parking facilities to public and private car rentals.
Smart Water Resource Management
Furthermore, managing water sustainably, while always adhering to the basic principles of hydrology and hydraulics, is another key element of this new urban planning concept.
1. Big Data and Water
Big Data allows us to manage water more effectively. The key lies in the smart meter implementation that optimize the analysis of available information.
2. Water Infrastructure
Dams, water treatment and purification plants, as well as water supply and sewer systems, are being adapted to the Remote Management 4.0 and other technological solutions.
3. Smart Water Networks
As for smart water networks, they are responsible for address potential problems: ranging from losses to microbiological and chemical problems. Currently, we find water supply networks, irrigation networks, and wastewater networks.
