Logical Solution To Innovative Building Control

Whether concerning new-builds or refurbishments, many building contracts are taking advantage of the latest cutting-edge technology from Moeller Electric to control energy consumption.

Whatever the building, the potential savings can be enormous.

Having purchased a run down cinema, in Dudley, West Midlands, the Jehovah's Witness society tasked itself with restoring the former entertainment centre.

The society wanted to adapt the building into a state-of-the-art assembly hall but had to tread on the right side the Listed Building Regulations.

Energy consumption within a building of this size is a crucial concern.

The cost of heating and lighting can be enormous and therefore the organisation wanted a solution that combined intelligence with efficiency.

The answer was a PS4 programmable logic controller (PLC), from Moeller Electric, that now provides automatic control of all the building's vital infrastructure services.

The Moeller PLC is used in conjunction with a computer to control various functions.

For lighting control, the assembly hall uses a PLC in combination with a control panel system that displays the status of the lights throughout the building.

Lights now automatically switch on and off as somebody enters, or leaves, one of the rooms, or corridors.

For the heating system, the PLC, via the computer system, controls the boiler, instructing it when to turn on and off.

Additionally, each radiator is equipped with a temperature sensor that also communicates with the PLC.

To make sure that heat reaches all the parts of the vast auditorium, the PLC controls two fans that circulate air around the building.

Sensors are also positioned across the auditorium, to monitor air quality.

If CO2 levels rise, the PLC switches on a series of fans that pump fresh air into the building.

The assembly hall also incorporates a state-of-the-art fire alarm system linked to the Moeller PLC.

When a fire alarm sounds in any part of the building, the PLC controller quickly turns off all the gas valves throughout the hall - ensuring that fire and gas will not mix.

"We had to ensure that the building was as intelligent and efficient as we could possibly make it," said Steve Goben, the chief electrical contractor.

"We needed a PLC that could offer the functionality and the flexibility that a project of this scale demanded.

We worked very closely with Moeller to come up with the PS4 solution which provided us with the cutting edge technology that we needed." "Moeller is committed to providing technical and product support to all of our customers," stated Paul Bishton of Moeller Electric.

"There can be no doubt that the specification requirements of this project were tough but we were able to offer a solution with the PS4 that gave control over the building's vital infrastructure services, thus delivering overall savings in running costs.".

Back to top