building services
Pembroke College, Cambridge and Bath Spa students take control of heating
E
LECTRIC heating is becoming increasingly popular in student accommodation. However,
maintaining desired levels of comfort in multi-occupancy buildings can prove inflexible with traditional “set it and forget it” heating systems, or, too complex if a Building Energy Management System is chosen. In response, PrefectIrus delivers
comfortable user-controlled environments plus energy savings, without being over specified and complicated to operate or disruptive to install. Control of temperature is one way to
cut energy costs, but Robert Griggs, Building Manager at Pembroke College, Cambridge University, who has selected PrefectIrus, is convinced that heating rooms only when they are occupied, is a far more effective way to ensure comfort and cut costs. He says: “We have students from all over the world, so the fact that students now feel they are in control of the temperature in their room is very important. Now heating is only on when students are actually in their room. The fact that they can turn it up when they come in means they feel in control, but the significant thing for me, is that it’s not been on when they are out.” All the information you need to
measure, monitor and manage energy is easily viewed on the user-friendly interface through any device connected to the internet. In new buildings or retro-fitted into
older properties, electric and ‘wet’ systems can be controlled with PrefectIrus. Using the existing wiring circuits (Mains Borne Signalling) for communication between room nodes and a central controller, means it is quick, non- invasive and easy to install. PrefectIrus also provides monitoring for
energy managers, to help with maintenance - while their occupants’ wellbeing is also taken into account. The room node contains sensors for
Lux levels, Humidity, CO2 and a sensor of decibel levels, and when fitted to hot water systems Irus will also detect leaks and faulty elements. The most recent feature is the
integration of an accurate current meter (ACM). The current is logged only when a heater is operational. This data is then used to help predict seasonal energy use. Dr Julian Greaves is the Sustainability
manager at Bath Spa University. The university took over Green Park House in the centre of the city, As Dr. Greaves explains: “Green Park House is a 460-bed accommodation unit that was built speculatively by developers, as a result it used electric heating and electric hot
water but had no controls whatsoever apart from a boost button. “I was looking for a control package for
electric heating and was recommended PrefectIrus. It is a single, complete, bespoke solution. It enables us to understand the occupation of rooms. It provides a lot of useful information, much more than simple room heating control. Energy costs were very much a consideration in the choice of control system and with calculations predicting up to 40% savings, Irus became a very attractive proposition, while the ability to install the system without disruption to the fabric of the building was definitely an enabler for the project.” All of these features are accessed via
the main user interface and alerts are sent by email or SMS to the appropriate people. Any device with internet connectivity can be used to operate Prefectirus, making it one of the most versatile and intuitive control systems available. For both retrofit and new build projects
PrefectIrus provides a cost-effective control system that is proven to reduce energy costs. But with the additional features it is creating safer, more comfortable environments, for an enhanced student experience.
www.prefectirus.com
32 highereducationestates
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