The GATE Institute building in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing innovative energy management solutions through advanced smart technologies. The building features a comprehensive Building Management System (BMS) that integrates various subsystems to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability. Key components include:

HVAC System with VRF Gateway: The building employs a centralized control
system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, providing real-time monitoring and control across multiple platforms like PCs, smartphones, and tablets. This system includes functionalities such as energy monitoring, scheduling, and error reporting.

DALI-2 Lighting System: The facility is equipped with presence sensors and
constant light control technology to ensure optimal energy consumption by
adapting to real-time conditions.

Automated Shading System: Motorized shading elements reduce solar
radiation entering the premises, minimizing cooling loads and improving overall energy efficiency.

Solar Energy and Storage: The building incorporates 92 solar panels, each with a capacity of 548 W, for a total generating capacity of 50 kWp. These panels arecomplemented by a 50 kW battery system for energy storage, enabling efficient use during peak demand and reducing reliance on external energy sources. The solar subsystem uses two 25 kW hybrid inverters to convert DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity for the building’s use. The entire setup is integrated into the BMS using Modbus communication protocols with RS485 lines, ensuring real-time monitoring and control of energy flows.

Smart Electrometers: Advanced metering systems, specifically the Acti 9
iEM3255 series, monitor active, reactive, and apparent energy consumption with high precision. These devices support multi-tariff billing, sub-metering, and seamless integration with the BMS for real-time energy optimization.

IoT Integration with JACE 8000: A high-performance IoT controller connects
diverse devices and subsystems, enabling real-time data logging, alarming, and energy optimization through advanced analytics.

This pilot demonstrates the power of integrated smart technologies in achieving significant energy savings, reducing carbon emissions, and setting a benchmark for sustainable urban energy management under the FLEdge project.