Pioneering a New Standard in Building Energy Management Systems Training and Test Labs
We are redefining engineering education by pioneering 3D printed miniaturised building services equipment, bridging the skills gap and shaping the future of BEMS engineering.
Meet the Team
Michael Makuchete
Michael is a Controls Engineer and Java Software Developer within the Niagara 4 Framework with experience across project engineering, service engineering, and software development in the BEMS industry. He began his career in the M&E industry as a Building Services Engineer, then moved into Mechanical Project Engineering before transitioning into Building Automation.
An award winning innovator, Michael pioneered the use of 3D printed, miniaturised building services equipment to create realistic, hands-on training and test environments for BEMS engineers.
Our History
Founded in 2024, Altronlabs was established when Michael envisioned creating a 3D printed miniature AHU after watching a video of a 3D printed jet engine.
We began with Prototype 1, which combined a breadboard with a 3D printed AHU to test initial concepts. Prototype 2 refined the design by integrating the electronics into a dedicated base with the AHU mounted on top to create a more robust setup.
Prototype 3 and 4 allowed users to control the AHU using commercial Building Energy Management Systems controllers via MQTT, making the system fully MQTT ready. These prototypes also introduced a larger base and an LCD screen to display the AHU status. All four prototypes were powered by an ESP32 microcontroller.
After developing Prototype 4, it became clear that it was not practical for most training environments, as engineers needed hands-on experience with the actual field devices they would encounter while working in the field.
This led to the creation of the Supply Only Miniature AHU Training Rig, followed by the Supply and Extract Miniature AHU, providing a complete and safe solution for Building Energy Management Systems training.
Prototype 1
Prototype 2
Prototype 3
Prototype 3
Prototype 3
Prototype 4
Prototype 3 & 4
Supply Only AHU
