The Project
The building that houses this Tech company, was subject to a change of use and complete refurbishment entailing all services and controls.
The client requested KNX in order to integrate everything onto one platform. This entailed control of lighting, HVAC and energy monitoring in a 7 storey office space. Over 500 lighting circuits, 20 variable dampers, 48 fan coil units, 12 energy meters. All control and data is logged and displayed on a GIRA Homeserver. iPads are placed around the office for simple control by the end client and building manager.
How does this Project demonstrate the diversity/flexibility of KNX?
The refurbishment had entailed the installation of various controls protocols, Modbus, Bacnet, DMX – KNX enabled all these to be brought together into one platform and the variety of manufacturers available for this approach was invaluable.
The client also wanted very discreet sensors and the vast choice of manufacturers when using KNX made this very easy.
How does KNX add value and ease of use for building owners/occupiers
It allows the building manager to easily monitor occupancy, temperatures, energy usage, fan coil alarms. Scheduling on the air conditioning prevents it remaining on when the building is not occupied. PIRs will turn lights off when rooms are not in use.
The nature of commercial BMS systems requires the control system to interface to whatever the consultant or M&E contractors had installed. KNX offered the most flexibility to achieve a single coherent system.
How has this project resolved an identified need for the building user and/or developer ?
The company needed an easy way of controlling and monitoring energy usage and building data, as well as keeping their staff in the office comfortable using ventilation control and temperature regulation.
This is a very busy environment and simplicity was key to making the project work, controls need to be easy and accessible by all and data needs to be collected automatically to save time as well as being energy efficient and sustainable. – The building manager was already familiar with the interface and required only minimal additional training on custom features.
