Priva in control at college that specialises in renewables training
BMS technology from Priva UK plays a central role in overseeing a host of renewable-energy sources at Bicton EaRTH, a specialist training academy in East Budleigh, Devon. The academy delivers plumbing, heating and electrical training and specialises in industry-standard training in renewable technology for installers. Technologies include biomass, solarPV, solar thermal, air-source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting.
Renewable technology on site includes a 50 kW biomass boiler, a 10 kW solar array and an air-source heat pump — all of which help feed a 1500 l hot-water store. The store feeds the entire underfloor heating system, which is controllable across three zones. There is also a 10 kW solarPV array and a 3000 l rainwater-harvesting system for flushing toilets.
The control system is based on Priva Compri HX controls and top integration, along with visual displays. The system at Bicton EaRTH was installed by Priva partner TCS Controls.
Graham Waddell, head of energy and environment at Bicton EaRTH, explains, ‘The Priva BMS functions on three levels.
‘Firstly, it helps understand how the building is performing and how much energy is being generated by each renewable technology.
‘Secondly, from an educational perspective, when trying to demonstrate biomass or PV technology, for example, it is possible to monitor system performance to demonstrate value for decision making.
‘Finally, concerning estate management, it is extremely simple to adjust settings if the temperature inside is too warm or too cool. We can zone into three different areas as required.
In a little more than two years since EaRTH opened, more than 10 000 people from a wide variety of businesses, organisations, communities and schools have passed through the doors. In the past 12 months, some 500 students have completed courses at the facility, helping ensure the supply of the next generation of tradespeople.
