Hi,

I'm a graduate building surveyor working for a multinational construction consultancy. As part of my induction I have to undertake a group research project on the above topic and produce a report based upon what we find. As graduates from different disciplines our knowledge in this area is relatively limited; does anyone have any contacts or information that may be of use to us? In particular we're interested in the views of other industry professionals, system manufacturers such as Honeywell etc., contractors, and any intelligent building users. Of course the ultimate goal is to explore how energy use can be optimised.

To narrow it down, areas we've identified to research are as follows:

Introduction – what are intelligent buildings?

Advantages and disadvantages of intelligent buildings

Applications – discussion of the uses in different building types and sectors/markets

What can be achieved by implementing control systems and how they can optimise energy use – lighting, heating, cooling, access etc.

Different platforms – BAC, LON and the compatibility between systems

Political issues – regulations, CO2 emissions, social/corporate responsibilities, energy performance certificates, the effect of soaring energy costs, statistics

Independent views on the topic – input from companies outside of the company such as Honeywell, along with other industry professionals such as architects

Case studies – a review of successes, problem areas, issues encountered, value and results for the client. This can then link into other areas

Client issues – cost – affordability, capex, opex/maintenance and upgrade costs, obsolescence, clients with large property portfolios; construction issues – design, installation and workmanship, operational reliability, programme delays, use for new-build and refurbishment schemes

Development of a hypothetical building to illustrate the potential advantages/savings an intelligent building can produce


Any pointers or help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Oli

How 'bout this fella:- http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/forum114/comments.php?DiscussionID=2684&page=1#Item_5

Where do you think this is going to go wookey / anyone? ie are we anywhere near a universal standard / market norm?

One of the reasons I went for KNX is the support from so many different manufacturers, including big names like ABB and Siemens. It's still at the install stage but so far have UFH valve actuators by Theben, room thermostats by GIRA and digital outputs by ABB. They have all integrated perfectly without any trouble at all. Another 'selling' point that helped make my decision was the distrubuted nature of the system. The programming is downloaded to each unit and there is no reliance on the other units if any fail or there is a problem with the bus. Obviously some units need to talk to each other, eg the room thermostats and the UFH controller, so the bus would need to be intact between these, but there is no reliance on any thing else. Another big plus is the power consumption; a few watts for each unit with no main controller. Drawbacks are obviously the cost and not really suited to programming by the DIYer as I previously mentioned unless only the very basics are needed.

leemind,

Like I've said, still at the install stage. Currently in the middle of the refurb of the house and insulation is half in as is the UFH, thermal store is in but not piped up, new boiler not yet fitted, cavity wall insulation not in, but have still found time to have a play on the bench with the KNX :). The UFH manifold and KNX actuators are installed and I got these up and running with modulating control in no time. I'm going to use the system to control the MHRV (change fan speeds when using bathroom and also using humidity sensors) and the solar when that's installed next year, lighting also, with presence detectors and dimmers. I'm hoping to integrate it with the AV system but haven't thought that far ahead yet. I work away from home alot so will also be installing motorised blinds for presence simulation.

So far I'm very happy with it, worrying a little about how much integration with the AV setup there will be however. Although a total rip off at EUR900 for the software, in the grand scheme of things I've bitten the bullet and bought it. It does allow me to install over a period of time, spreading the cost of the components and adding things like control for the solar at a later date.

If anyone has any experience with DALI or 1-10V lighting would love to hear from you. (Is the extra cost of DALI worth it for the home?)

As for the green credentials, I think all new homes should be installed with some form of intelligent system. Automatically adjusting light levels to what is required, shutter control, MHRV, and precise control of temperatures throughout the home is a must.

I've give security and fire some thought and this is the initial thinking:

1. Security system will be KNX. ABB look to have some good gear for this (PIR, window/door contacts, glass break sensors, alarm boxes etc). Not sure yet if the PIR sensors will be seperate or integrated with those for the lighting (maybe a combination of both). I'll need to look at that further before deciding.

2. Fire alarm will be a completely seperate system with a volt free contact to the KNX. On detection of fire MHRV will shutdown. There are KNX fire systems available but will be going for the more reliable and proven standard fire system.