Orkli Group. A global manufacturer of components and systems for home comfort and safety, it offers comprehensive, high-efficiency solutions for the water heating, heating, and gas safety sectors.
The Problem
Orkli has developed an IoT-enabled version of its OKSOL solar system, called OKSOL-SMART, to improve performance and efficiency. This system incorporates IoT technology to provide data-driven services that benefit both installers and end-users.
- Real-time data visualization.
- Management of system preventive maintenance.
- User-friendly and simple interfaces for real-time reporting of energy produced and stored in the system, etc.
Real-time data visualization
The OKSOL-SMART system includes sensors and IoT electronics that constantly capture data on the system's status and operation. This data is sent to Orkli's servers, allowing users to monitor their equipment's performance in real time. Both installers and end-users can access this information through a dedicated web application and mobile app.
Management of system preventive maintenance
By continuously monitoring the system's performance, the IoT platform helps manage preventive maintenance. It can detect and alert users to potential issues, allowing for proactive intervention before a failure occurs. This minimizes downtime and extends the equipment's lifespan. The IoT tools provide remote access for service professionals, making maintenance management more efficient.
User-friendly and simple interfaces for real-time reporting of energy produced and stored
The web and mobile applications offer a user-friendly interface that provides valuable data to the end-user. This includes information on available domestic hot water (DHW) and energy savings. The interfaces are designed to be simple and easy to understand, empowering users with data to manage their energy consumption and maximize savings.
The solution
We dedicated six months to creating the ideal IoT solution for the OKSOL solar system, focusing on data management, alarms, and performance monitoring. Our final solution centered on two key areas:
The IoT Platform
We customized the Biotz Enterprise platform to meet Orkli's specific needs. This platform handles data ingestion, device management, and remote actions like updates, ensuring seamless operation. We also developed a control panel with different interfaces to provide comprehensive panel monitoring.
Ad-Hoc Applications
To cater to different users, we developed two specialized applications accessible 24/7 from any connected device. One is for professional users, providing detailed, in-depth data and management tools, and the other is for end-users, offering a simpler, more intuitive experience focused on key performance metrics and energy savings.
The impact
The introduction of IoT tools has had a significant impact on the OKSOL solar system, transforming it from a traditional product into a data-driven service platform. By incorporating IoT, Orkli has enhanced the value proposition for both installers and end-users, moving beyond simple hardware to provide continuous, intelligent insights. This shift enables a more proactive approach to system management, allowing for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance.1 Installers can now manage a larger portfolio of systems more efficiently, reducing the need for on-site visits and diagnosing issues remotely before they escalate. This not only cuts down on operational costs but also improves customer satisfaction by ensuring the system operates at peak performance.
For the end-user, the impact is equally profound. The user-friendly applications provide real-time visibility into their energy production and savings, making the benefits of solar energy tangible and easy to understand. This transparency empowers users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption.2 Furthermore, the IoT platform ensures the system's longevity and reliability by alerting users and technicians to potential problems early on.3 This minimizes downtime and maximizes the economic and environmental benefits of the solar installation, ultimately promoting greater energy efficiency and long-term savings.4 The OKSOL-SMART solution, therefore, represents a strategic move for Orkli, leveraging technology to create a more competitive, efficient, and user-centric product in the renewable energy market.
