|
|
|
|
How can the integration of extra low voltage systems boost building management and reduce operational costs? Mike Atkinson explains
Intelligent building management is growing in global popularity. Even Indian builders and developers are now adopting it to get that extra comeptitive edge in the market.
In order to fast-track project delivery in such a highly competitive market, many developers opt to equip modern structures with traditionally designed systems running on proprietary networks for various building management systems, as well as separate telephony, data and television networks. This has led to the emergence of numerous complex network management issues and, unfortunately, the installation of systems at exorbitant costs, but with limited functionality and automation.
One solution to manage building network complexity is extra low voltage (ELV) systems integration. This deviates from the traditional construction process, which separately installs low voltage, voice and data systems and thus leads to the creation of multiple cabling systems as well
as pathways.
The ELV systems integration approach supports the installation of common cabling and pathways instead of individual systems, thus resulting in improved total system monitoring and management and significant cost reductions.
The installation of common cabling and pathways requires planning of the containment systems at the early stages of the project so that the optimum routes can be designed by experienced network architects. Cable runs will be reduced, while maintaining the performance standards.
Story continues below 
Integration of ELV components
Safety
A fully integrated extra low voltage system (IELVS) operates on a common platform for the purposes of collecting, exchanging and archiving data. An IELVS facilitates a common web interface for monitoring display, archiving, reporting and controlling the ELV services and providing value added tenancy services such as on-line billing, building performance displays and maintenance requests.
An IELVS may include systems such as the fire detection and alarm, voice evacuation, voice and data communications, public address, access controls, intrusion detection, CCTV, audio-visual, cell phone and wireless distribution, plus other such auxiliary systems.
Structured cabling designed according to the latest Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards supports the core internet protocol (IP) network and provides the interconnectivity between such systems.
The benefits of integrated ELV systems
ELV integration provides many benefits that result in minimising the total cost of ownership and maximising the return on investment of a building.
A single installation offers major advantages as it greatly simplifies procurement, project and site management and reduces the risks of delay. This results in clear savings on commissioning time and faster overall system installation.
It can also add to bottom line savings, as the building can be occupied earlier and revenues can start flowing in faster. The tangible benefits that a fully integrated software ssystem offers the building owner or facilities manager is a total solution that delivers ease of operation, a high level of operator accountability and optimum control. This ensures a seamless system for responding to events quickly and effectively.
The challenges of ELV implementation
The complex ELV systems installed in high-rise buildings present a number of challenges to design engineers, including space constraints, limitations of physical structure and the integration of multiple systems protocols onto a common network platform. To successfully overcome these issues, careful planning and collaboration with other industry professionals is essential.
| Articles | |
 |
Site Map
 |
 |
 |
 |
|  |
COMMENT
Comment on this article