Apollo Fire Detectors protect Leadenhall Market Apollo Fire ...

38
IT & communications
Priva load shedding software
now available in the UK
Frequently, the maximum electrical peak consumption
of a company determines the type of
utility supply contract; preventing consumption
peaks can result in considerable savings.
Load shedding software from PRIVA Building
Intelligence is the answer to ensuring electrical
consumption remains within agreed limits
- and it is now available in the UK.
The load shedding control software, compatible
with PRIVA’s Compri HX controllers, ensures that
the expected peaks remain within limits. The
synchronisation pulse of the energy supply company
defines the measurement periods, while
the control software records consumption during
those measurement periods. Based on
New mobile solutions
for facilities managers
FMgo! is
a suite
of userfriendlyfacilities
management applications
designed to run on mobile devices
based on Microsoft Pocket PC and
Windows Mobile operating systems.
The new software, available
exclusively from I2 Mobile
Solutions, comprises asset tracking,
appliance testing and condition
surveying modules.
The PC-based back-end of FMgo! is
used by the manager to set up
applications, for instance entering
mobile operative identities and
location data such as
buildings/floors/rooms, which can
be common to all of the modules.
To speed data entry, bar codes can
be applied to these properties. The
software’s modular architecture
agreed consumption levels and the recorded
demand during the measurement periods
(including any excess consumption), a calculation
is made which will predict if a peak will
occur.
Following the user’s specification, the load
shedding control software will decide what
plant and equipment can be shut down without
affecting operation. This is achieved through
the use of sophisticated switching algorithms
based on years of practical experience within a
range of building types. Unavoidable peaks can
be managed using self-generated electricity
with the load shedding control software managing
the back-up generators.
provides an upgrade path for users
and allows for rapid bespoke modification
around the kernel.
Once the applications have
been completed on the host
PC, they can be downloaded
to the mobile device and
deployed immediately. Field
operatives can add, modify
and delete locations on the
fly. Data communications
between the mobile device and the
host can be instigated by the field
operative via standard wired or
wireless networking, GSM dial-up
or GPRS. FM routines can be scheduled
via FMgo!’s back-end to conform
with the user’s safety/quality
standards.
Ian Quint, managing director of I2
Mobile Solutions, comments:
“FMgo! is designed to be an entrylevel
product that automates key
tasks, reducing the time they take
and increasing accuracy.
Additionally, for organisations with
more challenging FM requirements,
I2 Mobile Solutions can build on this
platform to deliver truly sophisticated
custom solutions.” To complete
the solution, the company
also supplies associated hardware
such as rugged hand-held computers
and bar code label printers.
Reader Reply No.: 85085
A fundamental principle when switching off
plant and equipment is to ensure that processes,
such as room temperature, experience minimum
disruption. Constant monitoring can eliminate
building performance degradation by reprioritizing
the operation of plant and equipment.
Furthermore, the load shedding control software
can be fully integrated into a building
management system via Compri HX controllers.
Even when operating in a stand alone mode, the
Compri HX controller can be programmed with
the load shedding control software.
The Compri HX is a modular controller with
extensive equipment connections via inputs and
outputs. In addition, universal connections
allow the Compri HX to interface with other
manufacturers’ building management systems
employing open protocols such as BACnet,
Modbus or M-bus. As a result, meter connection
is easily achieved whether using networked bus
connections or counting pulses via digital
inputs.
Compri HX functionality is enhanced with the
introduction of the load shedding control software.
For example, measurement data, alarms
and other operational information are recorded
in the controller and, with the addition of PRIVA
TO History, permanently recorded; this is indispensable
for energy monitoring. Such data can
be accessed using standard internet or intranet
networks.
Caption: PRIVA load shedding software guards
against costly power peaks.
Reader Reply No.: 85132
LCC Support Service
Managers have control
in their hands
The management and senior customer
relations staff at [CC
Support Services have the control
of its business in the palm of their
hands - quite literally.
Effective in October, all fifteen
senior personnel with client relations/service
management have
transferred all client business monitoring
and management systems
onto specially programmed hand
held Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs).
The development has major benefits
for a multi-site contract
because the client at each location
can sign off the report on the PDA
on site as it is completed. This
eliminates the need to type up and
post reports for signature.
LCC Client Services Director
Christine Wilson said: “This move is
one of the most important service
developments made by us in many
years. It streamlines our business,
strips paperwork out of the system
and enables us to complete all
Quality Analysis (QA) reports on
site. We then download the information
at the help desk each
evening. Clients can see both indi-
vidual site data and an overall picture
each day on LCC’s client website.
We previously carried four
client files to each site. Now we
have one PDA with everything
stored on it - everyone wins.”
The installation of the QA system
on the PDA has reduced paperwork
at LCC by 10,000 pieces a month
across its two largest clients. Over
a twelve month period the environmental
benefit of this move is substantial.
Reader Reply No.: 85064
www.practicalfm.co.uk