Public Buildings
KNX Intelligent building solutions meet the demands of today's public buildings more comfortably
Today's environment demands more from a building than ever before. In public buildings opening hours are longer and more diverse, health and safety regulations are stricter and energy consumption is both an environmental and financial concern.
Lighting alone poses a number of challenges within public buildings. Lighting control is becoming more and more important and, with energy prices soaring, time schedule control is vital to maximise energy saving opportunities. Using technology that allows the user to manage lighting from a central point has numerous benefits.
This is where intelligent building controls come in to play. An intelligent building is a space where all elements - lighting, air conditioning, security systems and heating - are able to respond in real time to the occupants' needs and building occupancy patterns.
In order to make the building 'intelligent' -- a control system has to be installed. The control system pulls together individual elements (like the security system, the lighting controls, the heating etc) so they talk a common language on a common platform. Because all these elements 'speak the same language', they can operate together across the same network, resulting in much less cabling and higher functionality.
KNX : An international building control standard that is used to put the 'intelligence' into intelligent buildings, is one such system. It is an internationally recognised technology available through EnTech (Energy Technologies) Ltd.
Some of the most highly respected electrical manufacturers in the world are involved with KNX. This means the choice and quality of products that the KNX portfolio offers is unmatched. Also All KNX products are 'forwards and backwards' compatible. This means replacement products will always be available in the future.
KNX can be used on all types of buildings -- from commercial to residential, schools, leisure centres and public spaces. One of the most popular misconceptions about open networks like KNX is that it will result in higher costs for the buildings' owners and operators. This is incorrect: open networks and the integration of services provide significant cost savings in capital terms and throughout the life cycle of the building, particularly in energy costs. KNX can also have a very significant impact for the larger buildings where a lot of energy is wasted through lighting: an important factor to consider as meeting government legislation regarding energy consumption is set to become increasingly tough (starting with the current Part L Building regulations).
A lighting control system can save energy by simply being configured to only switch lights on when someone is present in the room, and monitor natural daylight levels to dim or turn the lights off when there is enough ambient light present. For large public buildings these savings can be extended by using timing devices -- ensuring that lights are not left on needlessly. Effective use of lighting control alone can result in energy savings of up to 30-40%.