Transforming City Fountain Management With Sensecap Lorawan Weather Monitoring-based Automation In Slovakia

To address these issues, our partner Heliotics implemented a smart, IoT-powered solution for the city of Trenčín, leveraging the Helium LoRaWAN network and Heliotics CORE app. This system integrates a SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor and SenseCAP S2100 Data Logger for real-time monitoring of weather conditions, and a Milesight UC300 Controller for automation of the fountain’s operation. The weather station tracks key environmental factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, while the controller is connected to the fountain’s main electrical system to manage its operation.

This solution automates the fountain’s on/off cycles based on predefined threshold values (e.g., low temperatures, high wind speeds, or heavy rainfall), ensuring optimal operation. The system’s logic follows a color-coded range (green for favorable conditions, yellow for caution, and red for shutoff), allowing the fountain to shut down automatically under poor weather conditions and restart when conditions improve—all in less than 10 seconds.

The system also features remote management capabilities via the Heliotics CORE app, enabling authorized personnel to monitor and control the fountain’s operation from any device. Alerts via SMS or email are sent in case of extreme weather or malfunction, allowing for real-time intervention if necessary.

The SenseCAP sensors were chosen for their ability to deliver reliable and real-time data in outdoor environments, crucial for the automation of the Vodnik fountain system. The SenseCAP S1000 V2 10-in-1 Compact Weather Sensor provides multi-parameter monitoring, collecting key environmental data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall to ensure the fountain operates under safe conditions. These sensors are durable, designed to withstand harsh weather without frequent maintenance, making them ideal for continuous outdoor monitoring. Known for their low power consumption, SenseCAP devices are also cost-effective for long-term use and scalable, allowing for future expansion to other smart city infrastructure. Additionally, their seamless integration with the Helium LoRaWAN network ensures efficient, long-range data transmission, perfect for city-wide remote monitoring and automation solutions.

“Our IoT solution at Vodník Fountain in Trenčín uses LPWAN technology, reducing installation costs by eliminating cabling. With advanced automation and remote 24/7 control, the city has achieved nearly 75% savings in water use and optimized energy consumption. The flexible system also allows manual operation, saving time on-site and highlighting the sustainable impact of smart infrastructure” comments Miroslav Macko, CEO of Heliotics

The implementation of this IoT-powered solution has transformed the management of the Vodnik fountain, significantly reducing water and energy consumption by automating its operation. The system ensures the fountain only runs under optimal conditions, thus extending its operational lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs. Furthermore, remote monitoring via the Heliotics CORE app has reduced the need for physical intervention, allowing the city to respond swiftly to changing weather conditions while also conserving resources.

Overall, this smart solution has improved the city’s sustainability efforts, cut unnecessary costs, and enhanced the public experience of this iconic landmark. The success of this project demonstrates the potential of IoT in modernizing municipal operations, setting an example for other cities looking to adopt smart technologies for better resource management.