Honeywell at heart of tall tower

Honeywell Excel 5000 Series controllers and Honeywell field devices are at the heart of the building management system in the UK's tallest public viewing tower, the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

Honeywell Excel 5000 Series controllers and Honeywell field devices are at the heart of the building management system in the UK's tallest public viewing tower, the 170 metre Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

The design and installation by Smith and Byford were both problem-free.

These achievements were assisted by the ease with which Smith and Byford - a Honeywell Solutions Partner based in Cheam, Surrey - was able to design and input the applications for the Honeywell Excel controllers, which deliver energy-efficiency, cost control and comfort.

The systems control the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) in the tower's two enclosed viewing platforms and its base building which houses a reception area, cafe, shop and offices.

Two air handling units serve the view decks, five serve the base building.

The Building Management System incorporates a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to maintain power to the Excel control system should the mains power fail.

The controls then ensure all priority services are restored without delay when the tower's diesel generator is on line.

The BMS includes interlocks with alarm systems, such as lift failure, intruder detection and fire alerting, as well as fire extinguishing.

Tower details The Spinnaker Tower rises from the sea on 84 piles and comprises two vertical shafts which merge at the top, and two elegant crossed bows.

Aerofoil shaped ribs between the bows give it the distinctive "Spinnaker" sail appearance.

The structure is topped by a graceful spire.

The tower was designed by Scott Wilson and built by Mowlem plc.

The build cost of the project was shared between three main financial contributors: the Millennium Commission, Portsmouth City Council and the Berkeley Festival Waterfront Company .

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