Smart Buildings are becoming more and more popular as they reduce energy costs,
enhance productivity and building operations and support sustainability efforts.
If one were to ask: What makes a building smart? the answer is simple: A building
is smart if it makes you feel comfortable and secure and is economical in terms
of operational costs.
Be it a Metro Station, Airport or Shopping mall, to make such facilities smart,
infrastructure owners invest in various systems - HVAC, Lighting, Security and Access
Controls. These systems are packaged under Extra Low Voltage (ELV) systems.
ELV systems are becoming a necessity for smart buildings to make building infrastructure
more intelligent, interconnected and efficient. They are used for security, communication,
lighting, air-conditioning and heating. It includes systems such as fire detection
and alarms, voice evacuation, voice and data communications, public address, access
controls, intrusion detection, CCTV, audio-visual, cell phone and wireless distribution,
plus other such auxiliary systems.
Traditionally, ELV systems are supplied by various OEMS under different contracts:
HVAC controls with mechanical services; access control and lighting in electrical
services, etc., which run on proprietary networks as well separate telephone, data
and television networks. To operate and run these systems, OEMs provide their own
workstations along with software application. Each system has its own control system
which communicates over different communication protocols.
This involves incurring of huge costs towards separate software applications, PCs,
plus there will be duplication of hardware, software, cabling and networking equipment
with limited functionality and control facility. In such a scenario, the operator
has to manage multiple platforms to monitor and control the facility as information
is distributed and available at each ELV sub-system.
The integration of these multiple sub-systems on a common network platform is therefore,
becoming essential. The ELV systems integration approach supports the installation
of common cabling and pathways instead of individual systems, thus resulting in
improved total system monitoring and management, and significant cost reductions.
It requires in-depth knowledge of technologies and a strong team of domain experts
who design, integrate and deliver Integrated ELV Systems that meet diverse needs.
A fully integrated ELV system operates on a common platform where every connected
system communicates and shares all of its data via standard open protocol which
improves the operation of the facility. It also ensures that the data collected
from every system is made available for use by other client applications.
Information technology has a key role to play in the development and operations
of dynamic Smart Buildings. For example, a Smart Building HVAC system can automatically
precool a building or regulate temperature based on number of occupants inside the
building or outside temperature. Based on operational conditions, the system will
take corrective actions which lead to reduced energy demand / consumption. Further
information can be shared with the electricity grid to support grid reliability
through demand response.
The major features of an IELVS design are:
- Modern ELV System runs on IP based communication which reduces investment in cables
and cables trays (pathways).
- Reduces major efforts required during design and installation which cause unexpected
delays on project time lines.
- Open architecture uses open communication protocol, standards and specifications
which avoids dependency on single vendor.
- Expansion, upgrades and installation of news systems becomes easy and can be sourced
from different suppliers.
- Integrated ELV solutions are considerably easier to troubleshoot in case of failure
as it involves minimal cabling and interconnection.
- These systems can be operated remotely as well as managed and reconfigured which
saves maintenance costs.
- It offers additional features and functionalities compared to traditional ELV Systems.
In conclusion, rapid deployment of cost-effective ELV Systems, integration of IT,
building automation and controls are playing a significant role in the facilities
management industry. Asset owners are realising the importance of Integrated ELV
systems which are scalable, secure and open platforms that offer cost savings and
enable energy savings as well as sustainable improvements.