Turning university campuses into a green intelligent space powered by KNX

November 10, 2016

Industry is abuzz with the potential of the emerging Internet of Things. The higher education community has reason to join in. The Campus of Things can extend significant benefits to campuses, classrooms, and students.

Climate change and ever depleting resources mean that efficient energy use is a key social issue. Because they account for 40 % of total energy consumption, buildings represent considerable energy-saving potential. KNX meets the requirements of the top Energy Performance Class for building automation as per EN 15232. This means that KNX is ideally suited to fulfilling the tightened energy consumption requirements for buildings. KNX allows up to 50 % energy savings.

Automation to use just the right amount of energy in University campus.

Energy saving in buildings is given paramount importance today by governments all over the world because it not only saves money, but also helps protect the natural resources and make a sustainable future for the upcoming generations. Building Management Systems (BMS) have become an integral part of all modern constructions and help in continuous monitoring of physical conditions of a building so as to effectively maximise occupant comfort with minimal energy consumption. The main essence of creating energy savings is consuming only the energy that one actually needs, and keeping the equipment turned off when not required.

In the Lighting arena, there is a profound interest in implementing LEDs rather than incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lights for general illumination due to the potential they offer for superior energy saving, environmental friendliness and new opportunities in lighting design.

College and university campus buildings have a lot going on—classes, research, dining, and sleeping. Building automation systems must be carefully specified to control the systems within these buildings.

Functions

In constant lighting control a light sensor installed on the ceiling measures the luminance of the surfaces in its detection range,  e.g. the floor or the desks.

This measured value (actual value) is compared with the pre- defined set point value (Number of required Lux), and the control value is adjusted so that the divergence between the set point and actual values is minimal. If it is brighter outside, the share of artificial lighting is reduced. If it is darker outside, the share of artificial lighting is increased.

This function will only be active when presence is detected in the classroom. As soon as occupants leave the room all lights are turned off.

However if classes are still on but no occupants are not present in the room (e.g during lunch time), a specific scene (e.g break) can be activated from a pushbutton in order to set the Air conditioner in ‘Standby Mode’ and turn off lights.

By combining constant light control and presence detection , up to 50% energy savings are possible in a reference building according to DIN V 18599 resp. EN 15232 in comparison to manual switching (ON / OFF). Constant light control can be realised either using a combination of light sensor and constant light controller or with the integrated light controller in presence detectors. Additionally, the life expectancy of the lamps is increased with controlled dimming.

Advantages

  • Energy efficiency through knx automation with manual operation a priority.
  • Automation natural ventilation with the option of manual ventilation when this is required due to rapidly changing requirements.
  • Educational format of information to increase pupils’ energy awareness.

Are you looking to improve the efficiency of IIoT in your business . Learn how Anglo African team can help you to implement an IIoT strategy for your enterprise needs. The Anglo African team is fully committed to helping you in achieving your  new vision to drive operations to the fullest potential. For specific queries, get in touch with Navin by calling on: 2331636 or via e-mail at navin.mautbar@infosystems.mu .

 

Pin It

Comments (0)
» Blog, Uncategorized » Turning university campuses into a...
On November 10, 2016
By

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

« »