Skip to main content

section banner
E&M InnoCatalogue

Application of Government-Wide Internet of Things Network (GWIN) in Smart Construction (REF:C-0049)

Overview

To facilitate the digitalisation of Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) equipment, the Government-Wide Internet of Things Network (GWIN) was planned and installed continuously throughout Hong Kong, to efficiently collect the sensor data and support various Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The GWIN also supports smart construction, promoting the digitalization and automation of construction site management, thereby improving work efficiency and site safety.

Problem Addressed

The GWIN supports various IoT applications.  The traditional sensors would rely much on a cellular mobile network covered area for data collection.  However, the newly developed areas or rural construction sites may lack the complete cellular mobile network coverage, resulting in collection of sensor data being difficult.  GWIN is a government-owned private Long Range (LoRa) network and it provides an alternative solution to overcome the issue of deficient cellular mobile network coverage.  The network enables the low power consumption battery-operated sensors being able to link up with the GWIN gateways for data collection and hence achieving a higher project cost effectiveness.  The sensors can play a key role in collecting and transmitting near real-time data at construction sites, such as monitoring site activities, collecting environmental data, and monitoring equipment operation status, etc.
Innovation

The GWIN uses the LoRa transmission technology which supports the sensor-to-gateway transmission distance up to 10 km.  The GWIN supports the diversified IoT applications, and the battery-operated sensors can be used for several years due to its low power consumption and low data transmission rates characteristics.

 Examples of the GWIN Applications:

  • Water leakage detection
  • People counting at construction site entrance
  • Environmental monitoring (e.g. temperature, humidity, PM2.5, and CO level, etc.)
  • Dump truck location tracking
Key Benefits
  • The sensor connectivity independent of a mobile network
  • The low consumption battery-operated sensors are cost-effective and save the cable installation
  • The sensor connectivity to multiple gateways reduces the risk of data loss
Project Reference

DSD Sha Tau Kok Sewage Treatment Works (construction site), WSD Desalination Plant Construction Site at Tseung Kwan O Area 137, and Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank of CEDD
Other Reference

For more information on the GWIN, please visit the following website:

  1. https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/engineering_services/project_management_consultancy/highlights_of_work/gwin/index.html
  2. https://youtu.be/DpYdNL33p8s

TOP