Demonstrating the capability of KNX intelligent-building technology

The ability of KNX intelligent-building technology to integrate and manage many different building-services functions and systems is fully exploited in a multi-purpose commercial headquarters building in Cheshire. Forum House was built three years ago and provides 3000 m2 of space on two floors. KNX was installed throughout to control all heating, lighting and air-conditioning products from a number of different manufacturers, as well as external blinds. The system also meters all utilities and enables the building occupiers to monitor remotely all external gates, lights and blinds. Forum House was planned from its conception as a working example of the flexibility and reliability of KNX and has attracted visits from consultants and architects. Forum Technik, a member of the KNX UK Association, was responsible for installation and systems integration. The benefits of constant lighting control or blinds lifting automatically in response to the angle and position of the Sun conserve energy and enhance the benefits of solar shading. Savings of over 30% have been calculated on reduced running costs, and comfort for occupants has been improved. The installation highlights how KNX technology works passively and automatically without the need for interaction from the building occupier. When offices or showrooms are given a different purpose, KNX can be adapted to the new requirements, as one of the benefits of KNX is its ability to seamlessly add more functionality when required. Because KNX is distributed technology, a local failure would not result in the loss of all the building’s services. At Forum House, KNX covers a diversity of building functions using one standard. The cabling network is therefore very simple, with controlled devices being based around the standard green KNX twisted-pair bus cable. Full details of KNX technology and the vast range of KNX products available can be obtained from KNX UK using the enquiry number below.

Related links:

• www.knxuk.org/

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