Through the Energy & Climate Projects Series, we will be introducing key projects from Sheridan’s campus-wide energy saving initiatives as implemented by the Integrated Energy and Climate Master Plan (IECMP). In previous weeks, we’ve discussed how the IECMP team has focused its effort to modernize the pre-existing HVAC system while taking into consideration energy efficiency and unique room requirements. The HVAC updates have enabled us to have better control of the humidity, temperature, and air distribution in both buildings and zones. With these upgrades, occupants should also be experiencing a more comfortable workspace.
Problem Diagnosis
Our upgrades to the HVAC system didn’t stop at updating and installing individual components such as the air handling unit and the variable air volume boxes. The more information we receive from the HVAC system, then the more we can do to improve your comfort and optimize energy. The building automation system was the answer to advance our knowledge of building operations. The role of a building automation system is to collect data from individual zones, buildings, and devices.
For an HVAC system that was designed to the codes and standards from the date of construction, the type of control we had was part of the problem. In the 1970s, pneumatic (or air-based) control was the popular choice for HVAC control devices (e.g. controllers, sensors, and valves). A decade later, analog electronic control was favored over pneumatic due to its faster response and higher precision in HVAC control. These control systems were limited by the fact that they weren’t able to consider both operational performance and occupant comfort and safety. Additionally, each device was hard-wired to complete a specific function and as such we weren’t able to reprogram individual functions.
Finally in the 1990s, individual manufacturers were adopting the first automation systems using direct digital control (DDC) devices. These systems could integrate some of the older controls and allow for reprogramming. However, the primary concern was that each automation system was unique to the manufacturer and the building couldn’t integrate a variety of products. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) created a standardized “open” communication system known as the BACnet communication protocol in order to create a manufacturer independent system. With this standard, additional systems from various manufacturers could be integrated into the Building Automation System (BAS).
An Integrative and Technological Solution
Throughout Sheridan, the outdated control system has been replaced with a BAS which allows us unified control of various components of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. These include but are not limited to:
- Air Handling Units (AHUs)
- Variable Air Volume boxes (VAVs)
- Fire alarm systems
- Chillers
- Boilers
- Lighting Control
- Pumps and fans
From a Facilities perspective, we are able to view all systems connected to the network and access data on building performance in real time. Using Delta Controls’ BAS software enteliWEB, we can monitor building operations at our finger tips, make smart decisions, and keep our buildings running comfortably and efficiently. We are able to optimize our day to day management of systems by using enteliWEB’s alarm management to let us know where exactly is the problem and avoid having to play hide and seek.
For example, the photo depicted below is a real time visualisation of the HVAC air handling unit in Trafalgar’s E-Wing. The BAS supplies a detailed account of the air temperature, humidity, and flow. If a problem arises within the system, the alarm management system will let us know instantly what and where is the problem.
With the BAS software, we can also view the status of the newly installed LED lights and zone temperatures. In order to effectively schedule systems to room occupancy, the BAS utilizes the motion and daylight sensors and CO2 sensors. The photo below shows the temperature in different zones of Trafalgar’s G-Wing as well as a localized VAV. The immense amount of information gathered allows us to make custom adjustments to buildings and zones if needed. Which is why your personal feedback on comfort levels is essential. With your feedback, we are able to use the information from the BAS to create a unique and comfortable work environment.
Most importantly, enteliWEB has been acquired to optimize energy management throughout our campuses. Data collected from measuring and comparing power usage in individual zones or buildings can let us determine whether our resources are being used efficiently and in turn reduce energy usage. Recently, the Office for Sustainability used enteliWEB to report Sheridan’s energy consumption during Earth Hour. The graphs below show electricity use (in kWh) for Davis and Trafalgar campus on March 28th.
The Results
The BAS upgrade has put Sheridan at the forefront of building and energy optimization. Prior to enteliWEB, Facilities members had to physically go to each building’s penthouse to use the BAS software as shown in the photo below. However, Delta Controls’ innovative software eliminates time wasted by providing build performance data right at our workstation or anywhere on campus.
What this means for you is that we can improve your comfort while you work. At the same time, Sheridan can achieve significant utility and energy savings in our efforts to reduce energy and GHG emissions by 50%.
Energy Manager of the Office for Sustainability, Herbert Sinnock, notes that the IECMP team welcomes feedback from the Sheridan Community with regard to the new HVAC system and other ongoing projects. By providing your feedback on comfort levels, we can direct our efforts to improve system operations. Please send us your feedback at constructionfeedback@sheridancollege.ca.