LoRaWAN-Connected Thermostatic Head: How to Control Heating in a Multi-Unit Building?

Understanding the Role of a Smart Thermostatic Valve

A smart thermostat is attached to a faucet to regulate the valve’s opening. It adjusts the hot water supply based on a set temperature, a schedule, or a usage mode. It communicates via radio and transmits data useful for facility operations. This technology transforms a traditional control device into a smart device capable of contributing to the building’s heating control and energy management.

In a multi-unit building, it allows for a shift from a centralized setting to room-by-room heating control. Needs vary depending on whether the space is a residence, a hotel room, a classroom, an office, a hallway, or a common area. The smart thermostatic head therefore allows the operation of radiators to be adapted to actual usage, without replacing the entire hydraulic system. It integrates into a professional home automation or building management system (BMS), providing finer control over each zone.

It also differs from a conventional smart thermostat. A smart thermostat often controls an entire zone, whereas a thermostatic head acts directly on each radiator. This precision helps facility managers improve comfort, reduce energy consumption variances, and better organize maintenance. As part of a smart heating management approach, each thermostatic head becomes a point of regulation, measurement, and control integrated into the building’s overall system.

Why choose LoRaWAN for heating a multi-unit residential building?

LoRaWAN is a low-power radio technology. In the heating sector, it enables the connection of battery-powered equipment. This connectivity is particularly valuable in existing buildings, condominiums, multi-unit residential buildings, commercial buildings, or new construction projects that incorporate a professional home automation layer from the outset.

The LoRaWAN protocol is used to transmit status updates, alerts, battery information, temperature adjustment settings, and operational data. It also allows setpoints to be adjusted remotely via a monitoring platform. This architecture simplifies the management of multiple floors, zones, units, or buildings. LoRaWAN communication provides centralized control while allowing the heating system to operate locally.

The control scenarios are stored in the FLOW controllers, allowing the system to continue operating even if radio communication is unavailable. This approach combines local operation, remote monitoring, service continuity, and smart energy management. The architecture therefore remains reliable, even when LoRaWAN connectivity is temporarily disrupted.

LoRaWAN communication also integrates into professional home automation, building management systems (BMS), or IoT monitoring. It provides reliable radio communication, tailored to the demands of a large fleet of connected thermostatic valves. This technology enables the creation of a scalable heating architecture, featuring precise control, centralized management, and better integration with existing systems.

FLOW PRO and FLOW CORE

FLOW CORE is designed for projects seeking a compact, high-performance, and easy-to-install solution. It is suitable for apartment buildings, hotels, offices, and commercial buildings where the goal is to modernize heating control without complicating operations. Its NFC configuration via smartphone simplifies commissioning, while its LoRaWAN connectivity enables remote monitoring of the system. This NFC technology simplifies configuration and accelerates integration into a professional monitoring or home automation platform.

FLOW PRO is designed for more demanding environments. Its reinforced mounting base with metal inserts improves mechanical strength. It is suitable for schools, hospitals, multi-unit residential buildings, public facilities, and sites subject to frequent handling. For installations where protection, secure control, and durability are top priorities, FLOW PRO offers a durable, professional solution. Its design facilitates secure heating management in communal environments.

Both products incorporate features designed for communal use: Comfort, Eco, Away, and Frost Protection modes; open-window detection; Child Lock control lockout; theft protection; anti-tear-out detection; a function to prevent the thermostatic valve from seizing; and remote software updates. These features enhance control, fleet management,system security, and smart heating usage.

NODE ONE: Improving Room Temperature Measurement

The quality of thermal management depends directly on temperature measurement. A connected sensor installed near the radiator can be affected by convection, furniture, or drafts. Therefore, the data measured near the heat source does not always reflect the actual comfort level in the room.

The NODE ONE sensor measures temperature at a distance from the radiator, in an area that is more representative of the room’s overall environment. It communicates directly with FLOW thermostats via the local L2D1 radio protocol, without a LoRaWAN gateway. This direct connection improves the accuracy of temperature control and minimizes unnecessary network traffic. Thanks to these sensors, the heating system becomes smarter, as it relies on more reliable measurements.

NODE ONE is ideal for large rooms or communal spaces. It enables more consistent temperature management and greater comfort for occupants. In a professional home automation system, sensors like NODE ONE play an essential role: they enhance control, ensure data reliability, and improve smart heating control.

LoRaWAN Installation: Key Steps for a Multi-Unit Project

NFC configuration simplifies setup. Using a smartphone, the installer can prepare the equipment, enter setpoints, and speed up commissioning. This method is well-suited for phased deployments by floor, by unit, by zone, or by building. NFC technology reduces the need for complex manual steps and facilitates the integration of thermostatic heads into a centralized management system.

ADAPT ensures compatibility with many thermostatic valves, including certain Danfoss, Cale, Giacomini, and M28 models. This compatibility is crucial in energy-efficient renovation projects, as it minimizes the need to replace valve bodies and reduces unforeseen issues. It also simplifies the integration of smart heating into an existing system.

The architecture can be integrated into an existing HVAC system—whether it involves a communal boiler, a substation, a hydraulic network, or heat pumps—depending on the site’s configuration. The goal is to add a layer of control, connectivity, LoRaWAN technology, and monitoring without having to rebuild the entire infrastructure. The system becomes smarter, more controllable, and easier to operate.

Monitoring, Remote Control, and Preventive Maintenance

The value of a connected thermostatic head extends beyond local adjustment. When integrated with a platform like NAVIXIS, it allows users to program temperatures, manage schedules, monitor equipment, and receive alerts. Centralized heating management becomes simpler, more precise, and more responsive.

This monitoring facilitates preventive maintenance. Technical teams can monitor battery life, check statuses, and detect anomalies. Remote monitoring reduces unnecessary travel and improves service continuity. In a professional home automation system, this remote control is essential for maintaining a clear overview of the fleet of thermostatic heads, sensors, and HVAC equipment.

FLOW PRO and FLOW CORE are compatible with remote software updates via LoRaWAN FUOTA V2. This feature allows for the upgrading of installed equipment, the correction of certain behaviors, and the optimization of performance over time. LoRaWAN technology is therefore not only used to transmit data; it also plays a role in maintenance, software integration, and system upgrades.

Energy Consumption and Energy Savings

In a multi-unit building, overheating can increase energy consumption. More precise control allows heat input to be adjusted based on occupancy schedules, absences, vacations, or the specific uses of each zone. This smart heating management enables better energy distribution.

The Eco, Away, and Frost Protection modes prevent the system from maintaining a high setpoint when the space is not in use. Open-window detection limits heat loss. Precise setpoint adjustment helps maintain a stable level of comfort without excess. The system becomes smarter by combining setpoints, sensors, schedules, local control, and remote monitoring.

This approach contributes to a building’s energy efficiency goals. It can complement other measures such as heat pump optimization, energy monitoring, or the retrofitting of thermostatic valves. As part of a sustainable construction or energy-efficient renovation strategy,integrating connected heating technology improves the building’s overall performance.

Financial Assistance, Energy Incentives, and Energy-Efficiency Renovations

Installing smart thermostatic valves can be part of an energy-efficient renovation project. In some cases, professionals can explore available financial assistance, such as energy incentives.

Eligibility requirements depend on the type of building, the dwelling, and the equipment. Before implementation, it is recommended to verify the criteria applicable to the project in order to integrate smart control into a coherent energy strategy. This consideration applies to both renovation projects and new construction projects that incorporate a smart heating system, sensors, monitoring, and centralized management from the outset.

This analysis helps project owners, landlords, operators, and integrators better anticipate the return on investment while improving service quality. It also helps determine how to access support tailored to multi-unit housing, commercial properties, or multi-building portfolios. Proper integration of LoRaWAN technology into the HVAC system can enhance the project’s energy efficiency.

Smart Thermostats: Comparing Solutions

The market offers several approaches: smart thermostats, LoRaWAN thermostatic heads, and HVAC equipment. Research on LoRaWAN and thermostats shows that professionals often compare solutions based on their battery life or connectivity.

For a multi-unit building, key criteria include measurement accuracy, NFC configuration, battery life, lockout functionality, tamper protection, monitoring, cybersecurity, remote maintenance, and integration with the LoRaWAN network. It is also important to evaluate the system’s ability to work with multiple sensors, multiple radiators, and multiple heating zones.

FLOW PRO, FLOW CORE, and NODE ONE address these challenges with an architecture designed for professional use. The Nexelec ecosystem combines a connected thermostatic head, a remote temperature sensor, the L2D1 protocol, LoRaWAN radio, installation accessories, and monitoring tools. This approach integrates professional home automation, reliable technology, smart management, and control of central heating systems.

Safety, Protection, and Use in Multi-Unit Environments

Multi-unit buildings subject equipment to specific stresses. FLOW PRO and FLOW CORE feature a lockable base, an anti-theft screw, control locking, and anti-tamper detection.

FLOW PRO enhances this protection with its base designed for demanding environments. In sensitive areas, the CASE protective cover can be added to restrict access to manual adjustments. This level of locking and protection is crucial in a communal heating system, where equipment must remain operational despite intensive use.

Cybersecurity is also an integral part of the project. Data transmitted by FLOW products is secured using dual AES128 encryption. For IoT integrators, HVAC operators, and connected building managers, this protection of data exchanges is a key criterion. It enhances the technology’s reliability, system security, and confidence in remote management.

Building a Nexelec Architecture Tailored to Multi-Unit Buildings

The choice between FLOW CORE, FLOW PRO, and NODE ONE depends on the objectives, maintenance constraints, and type of installation. FLOW CORE is suitable for projects requiring a compact, high-performance, and easy-to-deploy connected thermostatic head. It is well-suited for multi-unit residential buildings, hotels, offices, and commercial buildings.

FLOW PRO is recommended when durability, autonomy, locking, and protection are priorities. Its reinforced base, heavy-duty design, and safety features make it a suitable solution for schools, hospitals, public facilities, and multi-unit residential buildings. It integrates into a professional system where heating control, access management, and maintenance are essential.

NODE ONE complements the installation when temperature measurement must be taken at a location more representative than the radiator itself. When used with FLOW thermostatic heads, it improves temperature control in complex spaces, large rooms, and areas equipped with multiple heat emitters. The sensors enhance system consistency, control accuracy, and the quality of thermal management.