Vue takes a different view on controls in its cinemas
BG Controls is installing and monitoring the building controls at 42 Vue multiplex cinemas across the UK. Vue Entertainment has built over 60 modern multiplex cinemas which attract 32 million customers a year.
The most recent installations that have been carried out by BG operate on equipment provided by developer and manufacturer Delta Controls. They use an integrated system based on native BACnet technology. Every screen at a cinema is automatically controlled as defined by the changing film schedules.
An Ethernet-ready building controller connects each on-site system to multiple sub-controllers with the screens and public areas. The Delta building controllers exceed the requirements of the BACnet standard, and the routing and BBMD capabilities are ideally suited to the complex BACnet/IP networking applications.
BACnet protocols on a corporate wide-area network using standard IT equipment enable BG Controls to remotely monitor the Vue sites from its central service bureau.
Adjusting building controls in accordance with fluctuating occupancy levels at each cinema is the key to limiting energy consumption. BG Controls receives a weekly occupancy table for each cinema, which lists screen times for the coming week so that controls can be programmed for every screen and public area in each cinema.
Energy is also conserved through optimum start/stop strategies and midday-pause control that uses the inertia of the building fabric to contain heat.
Using boilers and chillers only when required has significantly reduced energy consumption.
Marc Harrison, bureau manager with BG Controls, says, ‘Our cinema clients typically receive a financial return of two to four times their annual investment with us, which is over and above a simple automated solution. This equates to a minimum of 10% energy savings.’
