Warwickshire Police HQ

Overview

Hills Energy Management Solutions recently completed a comprehensive BMS refurbishment project at the Leek Wooton Police Headquarters, collaborating with AP Mitchell, who managed the mechanical refurbishment. This project aimed to modernize the building management systems across multiple buildings, ensuring improved independence, reliability, and control.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the BMS across the site. While each building had independent controls, they shared a single aging boiler system located in the Workshop Block. The refurbishment aimed to integrate new independent boiler systems for each building and centralize site management under a single graphical user interface, improving operational efficiency and system reliability.

Scope

The existing BMS was based on the obsolete Trend IQ3 series, with control panels that were aging, lacked up-to-date documentation, and had been refurbished multiple times over. We were responsible for designing, installing, and commissioning four new control panels to manage heating and hot water controls, utilizing the Tridium Niagara4 BMS for its flexibility and integration capabilities. The buildings involved included:

• Stables Block
• Workshop Block
• 60s Block

Although the Comms block was outside the scope for mechanical refurbishment, we integrated its BMS Trend IQ3 controls into the new graphical user interface, going the extra mile to provide a unified platform for site management and maintenance, rather than leaving fragmented system behind requiring multiple SLA's.

Design and Planning

During the planning phase, we focused on maximizing existing infrastructure where possible to minimize waste and cost - particularly the primary containment sections and areas where the mechanical contractor had retained existing equipment. This approach preserved some embodied carbon while ensuring efficient system integration.

Integration and Installation

Key challenges involved integrating multiple control systems and networks:

• Niagara4 BMS Controllers over the Niagara IP Network
• IO Modules over a BACnet RS485 Network
• Trend IQ4 over a BACnet IP
• Trend IQ3 via a Trend IP Tyrrell Driver

The power and versatility of Niagara4 facilitated seamless integration across diverse technologies, enabling a unified BMS interface for the entire site.

Remote Access and Support

To enhance our offering, we selected IXON routers for their robust security features and user-friendly platform. These routers provide secure remote VPN access to the Tridium Niagara4 controller, allowing troubleshooting and issue resolution without onsite visits. The intuitive interface of IXON facilitates quick and collaborative issue resolution, project monitoring, and fine-tuning throughout the warranty period, making collaboration easy and effective.

Scalability and Cost Efficiency

The Tridium Niagara4 controller was chosen for its exceptional scalability and cost-efficiency. This controller can start with as few as 100 software IO points and expand up to 10,000 software IO points without requiring additional hardware, minimizing initial capital expenditure and allowing cost-effective system expansions as needed. The competitive cost of the Tridium Niagara4 ensures the client receives excellent value without compromising on quality or functionality.

Sustainability and Vendor Neutrality

A cornerstone of our solution is the integration of vendor-neutral iSMA IO modules with the Tridium Niagara4 controller. This approach ensures that the BMS can be upgraded or migrated mid-lifecycle without the need to replace the IO modules, significantly reducing electrical waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. The flexibility afforded by this neutrality allows for seamless future upgrades and ensures long-term compatibility, making our installations future-proof.

Inclusive Marketplace

Tridium Niagara4 promotes an inclusive marketplace through open distribution, freeing the client from the previous vendor lock-in. This now allows the client to choose from a broader range of solutions and providers, fostering competition and innovation among manufacturers and service providers. This open approach ensures the client benefits from the latest advancements in technology, enhancing flexibility and value.

Reliability Improvements

While it is still early to quantify energy savings and cost reductions, the reliability of the site has significantly improved. Each building now has its own independent boiler system, enhancing operational stability and control.

The centralized management interface has simplified system operations and improved user satisfaction. The ability to manage each facility independently through the new BMS interface has streamlined maintenance processes and reduced downtime risks.

Conclusion and Future Plans

This project successfully improved the site's BMS control and reliability, ensuring each building's systems are better managed and maintained. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance will ensure the system continues to perform optimally. Hills Energy Management Solutions is committed to supporting future upgrades and maintenance around the site.