SmartStruxure takes control at South West Energy Centre
Schneider Electric has installed the building-management system for the Energy Centre [it is an academic and training building — not an energy centre in the more usual sense] of South Devon College. The system is based on Schneider’s SmartStruxure solution, the open nature of which gives the ability to connect any equipment to the BMS, enabling seamless integration.
The Energy Centre provides a base for teaching skills in renewable-energy and sustainable construction. The courses are designed to equip local business, tradespeople and construction and energy professionals with knowledge to grow their businesses.
SmartStruxure natively supports every major standard in building management — including TCP/IP, LonWorks, BACnet, Modbus, Ethernet and web services.
The BEMS controls the biomass boiler that is the primary heat source. It is supported by a gas-fired boiler. Hot water is provided by solar-thermal energy, supported by the main heating circuit.
The Breathing Buildings natural-ventilation system is monitored via an open-protocol communications interface and the data displayed on BEMS schematic pages.
The building’s energy information is showcased via the StruxureWare Building Operation Workstation software.
The system also supports a web interface that can be accessed via a standard web browser on the college network. The information can be displayed in a classroom environment.
Following further consultation with the college, Schneider Electric developed a bespoke energy screen display to highlight the key energy-efficiency features of the building. A plasma screen in the boilerhouse enables those training at the centre to gain deeper insight into how the building is functioning.
Patrick McNevin, director of the centre, comments, ‘The interactive BEMS has vastly enhanced the students’ learning experience and created fantastic new learning zones where they can see the system working in real time. We have also given our visitors access to the plant room so that they can see the energy-saving systems and BEMS control panels in action.’
