Priva BEMS adds to pupils’ learning experience

Prive, BMS, BEMS
Giving pupils at a new learning campus in London an insight into the building and environmental system is this touchscreen display that integrates with the Priva BEMS.

Not only does the Priva BMS for the two schools on Broadwater Farm Inclusive Learning Campus in north London manage a host of conventional and low-carbon technologies, but it also provides an interactive energy-learning and awareness experience for pupils and staff. As a whole, the new facility is anticipating a 60% reduction in CO2 using the School Carbon Calculator defined by the Department for Education. In addition, energy savings of 10%/m2 per pupil are projected.

Commissioned by Haringey Council, this £18 million development comprises a 5925 m2 2-storey complex constructed to a ‘Very good’ BREEAM rating. The two schools will accommodate 420 mainstream children and a further 100 with special educational needs and backgrounds.

M&E consultant NPS selected Priva partner Electrical & Mechanical Controls (EMC) of Norwich from a list of four bidders to install the BMS and associated electrical control panels. EMC was also required to create bespoke programs for interactive learning.

David Buxton, head of engineering with NPS, explains, ‘The design team as a whole were keen to ensure that children and staff would benefit from a simple approach to environmental control, and one that could be monitored by business managers and site managers.’ He also wanted a system that would enable the school to demonstrate the everyday built environment as an integrated element in the children’s education.

Adrian Fiddy, controls and IT engineer at EMC, developed the interactive and intuitive learning capability. There is a fully interactive wall-mounted touchscreen display with bespoke software using XML integration with the Priva system to display animated, child-friendly graphics. Students can learn about the benefits of energy reduction in a creative way.

Discussions with teachers raised the need for large buttons on the display, with visually engaging graphics and animations. Adrian Fiddy drew inspiration from the various Widgit symbols on the walls of the school. These symbols are a used by those involved in teaching and supporting children with complex needs. With permission, Mr Fiddy used the symbols on the display. Beyond the front page, there are two options — Widgit symbols and a more descriptive page.

To encouragement engagement, the display’s front page plays familiar nature sounds such as wind, birdsong and waves from the sea. There are also videos from the Energy Saving Trust about energy reduction.

The BMS itself oversees 32 class bases, each with a Priva Comset HX touchscreen display enabling the user to monitor and control underfloor heating and CO2 levels in the space.

CO2 is controlled by adjusting window position on a PID control loop or a Monodraught passive stack actuator in larger areas. Red, amber and green LEDs indicate CO2 levels, and the Comset HX display can be used to over-ride window position if CO2 is high.

David Buxton says, The Priva room-display units and supporting combined-CO2-and-temperature sensors have, on the whole, been well received when the staff have been given the proper training and time to familiarise themselves with the equipment.

‘During our last visit to the school, it was refreshing to note that the school management team were confident and using the BEMS facilities on a daily basis.’

For more information on this story, click here: April 2013, 127
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