Rugby Police and Magistrates Court
Date: March 2024
Client: AP Mitchell LTD
Project Value: £70K
Services: BMS Control Panel Design and Manufacture, BMS Software and Graphic Design, Control Panel and field wiring installation, Commissioning and Validation, Operation and Maintenance Manuals, Remote Internet Connection for fine tuning and monitoring.
What We Did
Hills Energy Management Solutions took on an essential project at Rugby Police Station, initiated by AP Mitchell’s refurbishment of the boiler room. Our task was to install a new Tridium Niagara4 Building Management System to not only enhance the boiler room’s functionality but also ensure it worked seamlessly with the station’s existing HVAC systems, which included Chillers, AHUs, Chilled Beams, and AC Units. Further enhancing the project, we installed a comprehensive wireless LoRaWAN network throughout the building and deployed wireless IEQ Sensors to monitor lighting levels, humidity, CO2, occupancy, and temperature, aiming to uncover energy saving opportunities and to prioritise HVAC upgrades.
The Challenge
The project had two main goals. First, we needed to modernize the boiler room with a sophisticated BMS. Second, and more complex, was integrating this new system with the station’s older, less advanced BMS controls. These older systems were critical for the station’s day-to-day operations but were becoming increasingly inefficient due to their age.
Our Approach
We tackled the project with a straightforward, two tiered approach:
- Installation of the Tridium Niagara4 BMS. This new system was selected for its robust capabilities in monitoring and controlling complex HVAC setups efficiently.
- Integration with Existing Systems. We carefully connected the new BMS with the older systems throughout the station. This step was crucial to avoid replacing the entire infrastructure, saving time and resources. To make these different systems work together smoothly, we developed new graphic user interfaces, making it easier for the station’s team to manage their environment.
Assessment
Given the age of the existing systems, we conducted a detailed examination to understand their condition fully. This led to a report that listed all issues, suggested fixes, and provided a cost breakdown for each recommendation, laying the groundwork for informed decisions on future upgrades or maintenance.
Implementation
The implementation was meticulously planned to keep the police station fully operational. By integrating the new BMS with the station’s existing infrastructure, we ensured a smooth transition and enhanced functionality across all HVAC systems. Training was provided to ensure staff could make the most of the new system right away.
Outcomes
The new BMS brought the boiler room up to modern standards and ensured it worked hand-in-hand with the rest of the station’s HVAC systems, leading to better overall efficiency.
The new graphic user interfaces made it much easier for staff to monitor and control the various elements of the HVAC system, improving the station’s environment for everyone inside.
The detailed assessment of the existing systems provided a clear picture of their state, helping to plan necessary maintenance or upgrades effectively.
The addition of the LoRaWAN network and IEQ Sensors represents a significant leap forward in our ability to manage the station’s environment efficiently. This technology not only aids in identifying energy conservation opportunities but also highlights areas needing urgent upgrades, ensuring that Rugby Police Station can operate more sustainably and effectively well into the future.
