ENERGY


LonWorks System creates stress-free parking that saves energy


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obody likes to waste time hunting for a parking space, especially in a multi- story parking garage. One town in Spain is putting an


end to that stress, with a new facility that tracks occupancy and guides drivers directly to open spaces. The garage also uses smart technologies to improve operations and save energy.


Arkaitza Construction, which built and manages the garage in Tolosa (Gipuzkoa), Spain, partnered with engineering firm Dinycon Sistemas to create an intelligent parking system. Dinycon, which specialises in control systems for public buildings and garages, devised a solution based on Echelon’s LonWorks technology, an open, extensible architecture that lets control devices from multiple manufacturers interact with each other. The DinyPARK system includes a communications network, a set of sensors and light indicators, and a central computer, located in the garage’s control room that runs dedicated software that tracks parking rotation and occupancy. Here’s how it works. Ultrasonic sensors mounted throughout the garage detect parking space status. Depending on their state, the sensors activate a green (free), red (occupied), or blue (reserved) indicator. The central computer, which is notified when space status changes, indicates occupancy levels in each zone of the garage on easy-to-read displays located throughout the garage. The software determines the nearest zones with free spaces, and sends that information to additional displays that guide drivers to available spots. When drivers enter the garage, they can quickly view availability and follow digital signs directly to a space. This reduces garage traffic, minimises carbon dioxide emissions, and makes parking less stressful.


ADDED BENEFITS


The system also makes it easier to manage garage operations. Facilities personnel can track occupancy with a quick glance at the screen, and manage the system from the central location or a mobile device. On evenings and weekends, parking spaces that are dedicated for private use during the workday can be opened up to the public after hours, so it’s easier for people to


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enjoy the town’s shopping and entertainment. The system’s detailed occupancy information also means security resources can be used more effectively. In addition, occupancy information can be tracked and analysed over time to monitor and improve operations.


Increased functionality and flexibility are two reasons why Dinycon chose LonWorks for the DinyPARK system. “There are a lot of building management systems that use LonWorks technology,” says Roberto Garcia of Dinycon. “This makes it easier to combine different systems and optimize management for better results.” The parking system has been integrated with other building operations for a comprehensive approach to facilities management. The system can, for example, activate outputs for lighting, ventilation, CO2


monitors, fire alarms,


and other building functions. The lighting can be adjusted according to occupancy, so there’s always enough light where people need it – without wasting energy. In fact, the new system reduces energy use by 15 per cent. The system is also compatible with the payment system, supporting machines located throughout the garage, and it can be configured to read license plates for added security and tracking.


Easy installation and reduced maintenance costs are other features of the DinyPARK system Lowers. The sensors mount quickly and require only a single cable for carrying data and the 24V power supply. The LonWorks bus is


SUSTAINABLE FM | DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011


connected to an Ethernet network at the management level, which enables further integration of various building systems. A distributed set of auto-checked communication nodes collects signals from the sensors (each node can support five to ten sensors). A concentrator unit serves as a bridge to the Ethernet TCP/IP LAN and thus makes data available from the Internet.


Maintenance is simplified because every device in the system is checked automatically; if a device fails, the system sends an alert to management – reducing maintenance costs by 30 per cent.


LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The Web-accessible system offers possibilities for future development. For example, drivers can have the option to reserve spaces online. Also, the system can be configured to send remote alerts or notifications to people outside the garage, such as emergency personnel. The system also makes it possible to control several garages from a single location, which can be helpful as the town’s infrastructure grows. As drivers approach the urban area, they can view outdoor displays that list the available spaces in various locations, making it easy to find the best parking space for their needs. The system can also use cellular communications and GPS services to guide drivers to garages and individual spaces. This can make visiting the area more enjoyable and less stressful. It can also help reduce congestion, save energy, and lower emissions. www.echelon.com


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