Reliable regularly meter readings in multi-apartment buildings
The Project
In Bilbao, Spain, property company Colsa XXI manages a residential area consisting of nine multi-apartment buildings, each with ten floors. Across the buildings, the portfolio includes approximately 2,500 heat cost allocators and 300 water meters installed in individual apartments.
To support fair and transparent billing based on actual consumption, Colsa XXI wanted to collect multiple readings per day from all devices and gain better insight into building performance and energy efficiency. The project was specified and coordinated by Global Osiveris in close collaboration with Colsa XXI.
The Problem
The main challenge was to obtain reliable regularly data from all heat cost allocators and water meters across nine large residential buildings. The buildings’ size, internal layout and reinforced concrete structures created demanding radio conditions, which made coverage difficult with conventional systems. Many alternative solutions would have required more gateways, complex cabling or intrusive work inside the buildings, leading to higher costs and longer installation time.
Colsa XXI needed a solution that would secure full meter coverage, enable regularly meter reading for billing and building control, and at the same time be quick to install in occupied buildings without disturbance to residents. Long lifetime and low maintenance requirements were also essential factors when evaluating technical options.
The Solution
The final communication design was based on Lansen Gateway 5 combined with battery-powered Lansen repeaters. In each apartment building, one centrally placed gateway was installed outdoors, while four repeaters were installed indoors in the stairwells, typically on every second floor. This architecture provided strong and reliable radio coverage throughout the buildings while keeping the system simple.
In total, the installation comprised 9 gateways and 36 repeaters, all battery powered. No cabling or external power supply was required, which significantly reduced both installation time and interference with residents. All devices operate in full synchronization, which increases network stability and makes commissioning straightforward. The system also allows remote supervision and configuration, meaning that parameters can be adjusted without visiting the site.
The Results
The solution has delivered multiple readings per day with 100% coverage and high reliability across more than 2,800 meters. Colsa XXI now receives continuous consumption data that supports both correct individual billing and improved control of building performance.
The battery-powered architecture reduced installation time and cost compared to wired alternatives, while the expected battery lifetime of up to ten years minimizes future maintenance. Despite the small number of gateways and repeaters, the system provides high capacity and robust communication performance, well suited for dense multi-apartment environments.