WindowMaster plays key role in carbon-neutral strategy
As part of its carbon-neutral design, the Worcester Library & History Centre, known as The Hive, incorporates natural ventilation controlled by WindowMaster’s MotorLink control system. This development is a partnership between the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council as an integrated public and university library and is due for completion in July 2012. It also houses the county record office, archaeology service and community ‘Hub’, which provides frontline council services. There are also meeting rooms, drama and exhibition space and cafes.
The Hive will be naturally ventilated and cooled using a combination of river water, the thermal mass of the exposed internal concrete structure and a WindowMaster facade automation system.
David Lovelock of controls specialist Acorn Integrated Systems explains, ‘We needed a natural-ventilation system that could integrate fully with the BMS and offer precise control. WindowMaster’s MotorLink technology helped us achieve that.
‘Using a BMS to control automated facades throws up a number of challenges with regard to integration into the overall management system. MotorLink solves many of these.’
Using a field bus to connect components requires less cabling and reduces point-to-point wiring. It can be easily integrated into the BMS to provide improved control and functionality of the automated windows and natural-ventilation part of the system.
David Lovelock says, ‘WindowMaster was selected because of its experience in making the programming and operation of automated natural-ventilation and smoke-ventilation system as easy as possible. Its engineers worked closely with us and the consultants to develop a very robust, versatile and intelligent control solution.’
Building-services engineers were Max Fordham Consulting Engineers.
