The expediential increase in Internet communication technologies leads to its expansion to interests beyond computer networks. MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) can now be smaller with higher performance, leading to tiny sensors and actuators with enhanced capabilities. WSN (Wireless Sensor Networks) and IoT (Internet of Things) have become a way for devices to communicate, share their data, and control them remotely. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) scenarios can be easily implemented as the cost of the components needed in that network is now affordable. Some of these solutions seem to be more affordable but lack important features, while other ones provide them but at a higher cost. Furthermore, there are ones that can cover great distances and surpass the limits of a Smart Home, while others are more specialized for operation in small areas. As there is a variety of choices available, a more consolidated view of their characteristics is needed to figure out the pros and cons of each of these technologies. As there are a great number of technologies examined in this paper, they are presented regarding their connectivity: Wired, Wireless, and Dual mode (Wired and Wireless). Their oddities are examined with metrics based on user interaction, technical characteristics, data integrity, and cost factor. In the last part of this article, a comparison of these technologies is presented as an effort to assist home automation users, administrators, or installers in making the right choice among them.

The transportation sector has a significant impact on climate change, as it is responsible for 20% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper evaluates the role of electric vehicles (EVs) in achieving Europe’s ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2050. The limitations of internal combustion engines (ICEs) along with the recent advancements, such as Euro 6 standards, are examined with a pseudo–lifecycle analysis (pseudo-LCA). While ICEs remain cost-effective initially, their higher long-term cost and environmental impact make them unsustainable. The benefits of EVs, including high energy efficiency, minimal maintenance, and reduced GHG emissions, are stated. However, challenges such as range limitations, charging infrastructure, and the environmental cost of battery production persist. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are highlighted as transitional technologies, offering improved thermal efficiency and reduced emissions, enhancing air quality in both urban and rural areas. The analysis extends to the use of alternative fuels, such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen. These provide interim solutions but face scalability and sustainability issues. Policy interventions, including subsidies, tax incentives, and investments in renewable energy, are crucial factors for EV adoption. As EVs are pivotal to decarbonization, integrating renewable energy and addressing systemic challenges are essential for a sustainable transition.

Energy consumption demands are rapidly increasing every year, with an 8% annual growth rate projected for the next five years. As buildings represent over 35% of this demand, a metering system is required for monitoring to accurately calculate costs. This paper explores the evolution and impact of energy management through smart meters, emphasizing their superiority over traditional electromechanical devices, in applications such as minimizing power losses and enhancing grid reliability. This study compares the performance of five distinct metering systems, including electromechanical and advanced smart meters. Real-time testing across various scenarios is incorporated, examining parameters such as real and reactive power measurement, accuracy and adaptability to smart grids. Key findings revealed that smart meters, notably the EDMI Mk10A, outperform legacy systems in precision, data transmission and energy optimization. In addition, the potential of smart meters to enable dynamic cost calculation and prevent electricity theft is evident. Despite their advantages, challenges such as data privacy, installation costs and electromagnetic radiation concerns, persist. Future investigations to address the identified limitations are required.

Lithium-ion batteries are utilized everywhere from electronic equipment, smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles; however, certain disadvantages are inherited including high-cost and low-temperature range, caused by high currents. In this paper, a compact and low-cost battery management system is presented which can measure the voltage and current for both the battery and power supply. Two NTC thermistors, 10k and 100K Ohm each, are exploited for collecting battery temperature in two different spots of the socket for direct comparison and validation while an additional sensor measures external temperature and humidity. A charging socket is provided for charging the cell through an external source with dynamic voltage output to test the battery response. Finally, an Arduino-compatible device is implemented in order to protect the battery from overcharging. This system collects parameters at a 10 s time rate and calculates precious parameters of the battery-like State of Charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH) and State of Power (SoP). Keeping the operation within a safe zone of 20–80% SoC maximizes longevity and ensures that it can provide even the maximum power to cover the load required; hence, these three parameters are considered collaborative. Afterwards, the collected data are sent over Wi-Fi on the internet application server for real-time monitoring, in an efficient, portable and low-cost setup.

As the use and development of Internet of Things is very popular nowadays, one of the most widespread ways of exchanging data from such arrangements is the use of the LoRa network. One of the advantages offered by this technology is the ability to provide low power consumption as well as wide wireless coverage in an area. Although in research, there are references regarding the coverage radius of a geographical area, differences can be detected between urban (cities) and rural (countryside) areas, as in the latter, there are no dense structures nor radio signal noise inside the operating frequency spectrum of LoRa. Thus, results are expected to be better in rural areas than urban areas. Especially in an urban area, apart from the signal noise caused by other LoRa devices (either commercial or private), the coverage varies according to the placement of the LoRa station inside a building, which is related to the height at which the gateway is placed in another building. In this work, the LoRa radio coverage study is presented in a radius of 2 km both in an urban and a rural environment using only one LoRa gateway. To better capture the coverage, LoRa stations are placed on every floor of the selected buildings periodically. The results show the difference in coverage between urban and rural areas which is related to radio signal noise. Furthermore, significant changes in the coverage map in urban areas can be observed, directly related to the installation height of the LoRa station. With the understanding of these variations in LoRa network performance in different environments, informed decisions can be made regarding the deployment of such networks, optimizing their efficiency and ensuring seamless data transmission in both urban and rural settings.

With the exponential development of MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems) in the last decade, emphasis has been placed on the construction of IoT devices in conjunction with an appropriate information system to assist citizens in various fields (transportation, trade, etc.). More specifically, in the health sector,, there are specific IoT devices which can monitor a patient’s health condition or provide environmental data for the area, information which affects health quality conditions. In densely populated areas and especially in large cities, in terms of environmental pollution, as well as the known issue of air pollution, citizens are also exposed to solar radiation (ultraviolet UVA UVB radiation), as well as to noise pollution in areas where people live and work. Ultraviolet radiation, especially during the summer months, is responsible for skin cancer and various eye diseases, while noise pollution can create mental disorders in humans, especially in children. In this article, a low-cost solar radiation and noise pollution monitoring station is presented. The parts that compose the station and its implementation are a microcontroller (TTGO-OLED32) with an integrated LoRa device, an ultraviolet radiation sensor and sound sensors. In addition, a mini ups device is used in case of power failure and a GPS device is utilized for the location point. The measurements are obtained by the sensors every ten minutes and are transmitted via the LoRa network to an application server in which the user has direct access to the environmental data of a specific area. In conclusion, the data obtained from such IoT devices help in the study of cities to optimize factors in people’s lives.