The project involved EnTech updating and modernising the technology within the University. The aim was to address energy efficiency and improve the building’s overall performance whilst acting as a showcase for the benefits of ABB’s intelligent building control technology.

The new system provides users with control over multiple room functions, allowing for individual settings to be applied to each room and all functions to be controlled from one location.

The first phase has seen the installation of ABB’s Dali (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) gateway, providing extensive control over lighting, and enabling multiple lighting configurations to be achieved which can be adjusted automatically according to the needs of the building. EnTech has also installed ABB’s Busch-Jaeger PIR sensors to detect motion, allowing lighting to be activated when necessary and switched off when it is not needed.

Future phases of the project will see the installation of ABB’s 800xA system to monitor and measure all building functions and help improve the performance of the building. Energy meters will be installed to monitor levels of CO₂ gas in the classrooms. CO₂ induces tiredness, so by monitoring levels, lecturers can determine the best time to take a break and let oxygen levels recover, helping to make learning more productive. Other developments to be introduced include blind control, allowing users to track the sun and control heat levels within the building.

"The new installation will help deliver significant energy savings for the University building" says Arthur Charlesworth, University Manager for ABB University, Telford. "The new installation includes the latest technology from ABB and the KNX system’s modular design means that we can add more control to the building when we need it."

"The installation will reduce the cost of running the building significantly whilst providing first class learning facilities for students," says Hugh Whalley, general manager for EnTech. "The installation will result in a better learning environment for students and better building control for the University."

The KNX system is the world’s first open standard for the control of all types of intelligent building control, making buildings easier to manage and control, resulting in increased flexibility, security, economic efficiency and convenience. Suitable for office buildings, industrial plants and residential properties, the system allows room functions such as lighting, blind control, security, heating and ventilation to be controlled through a single interface. The system’s open standard platform allows for additional systems to be easily added at a later date if necessary.

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