Meals on Wheels
Powerful Wi-Fi control systems bridging the gap between zoned automation technology.
Overview
Amidst growing community emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental considerations, smart buildings have emerged as a clear-cut infrastructure solution for both residential and commercial structures.
In a recent project for the Meals on Wheels commercial building in Wakefield, Queensland, our client successfully implemented a well designed automation solution that was easily integrated into the existing building design. This included a powerful Wi-Fi control system that was specially designed and developed by Intelec Systems for our client.
The Brief
The scope of the project involved multi-functional spaces that included a kitchen, lounge, boardroom, office, and community areas. It necessitated a versatile solution that catered to both permanent and casual staff, addressing the diverse operations of the business. Furthermore, considering that the centre's rooms were available for public hire, security emerged as an additional community concern.
This meant the design solution had to fulfil diverse staffing requirements, ensuring efficiency and environmental sustainability while prioritising security.
The Automation Solution
An automation system that provides comfort, safety and security to its users with full on-site and off-site operation and monitoring of drive motors was the ideal solution to meet the brief.
With the ability to control the entire building, as well as individual zones, the system offers convenient automation through a user-friendly timer. The system also prioritises safety and security by allowing overrides in critical situations, such as fires, extreme temperatures, or adverse weather conditions.
The implementation in the new Meals on Wheels building creates an environmentally responsive environment that is mindful of its occupants, sustainable and self-operating.
The building's focal point, the commercial kitchen, required specific functionalities, which were effortlessly met by the flexibility of the automation system.
For optimal functioning of the kitchen hood fans, the automation system ensures the proper flow of 'makeup air' to replace the extracted air. Safety measures are in place to lock the kitchen-zone opening actuators while the extractor fans are in operation.
In addition to the kitchen, other areas like the community meeting room, staff lounge, boardroom, and offices are efficiently managed through motor actuators, all programmable for secure monitoring. User control is made easy with on-site touch screen panels or through the mobile app for remote access and control.
Hierarchy of Priority
1. Fire
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Open all.
2. Security
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On: Macro (whole building) close and lock.
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Off: Allows open and close as subject to the conditions below.
3. Kitchen Hood Fans
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Open zone windows and lock.
4. Air Conditioning:
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Macro close and lock.
5. Manual Switch:
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Allows manual open and/or close.
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Operation only allowd when there is no conflict with the above priorities.
6. Timer Auto Close Macro:
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Automated close of whole building close at set time.
7. Timer Auto Close Macro:
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Automated close of individual zones at set times.
Temparature Control
The smart and responsive building design incorporates numerous features to ensure comfort and sustainability for the community in all situations.
Automated actuators play a pivotal role in maintaining a comfortable environment. When the temperature surpasses the preset comfort level, these actuators intuitively open to enhance ventilation, ensuring optimal conditions. Moreover, additional weather sensors can be integrated, detecting factors like precipitation, wind direction, speed, air quality, and external temperature. By programming the actuators to respond to specific criteria, they can be set to open or close accordingly. For instance, if there's a decline in air quality due to external smog or smoke, the actuators will promptly close to safeguard the occupants within the building.
Another intelligent aspect of the system is its coordination with the building's air conditioning system. When the air conditioning is operational, the actuators will efficiently close, only to resume their function once the air conditioning is switched off. This synchronisation ensures optimal performance and energy conservation, contributing to the building's overall sustainability.
Through the strategic implementation of automated actuators and weather sensors, the building provides a seamlessly comfortable and sustainable environment for the community, regardless of external conditions.
Peace of Mind
In addition to its impressive features, the building boasts a convenient 'close all on exit' main switch. To prevent any inadvertent oversight, in case some actuators are mistakenly left open while the building is unoccupied before or after pre-set times, an optional security feature comes into play. This security feature automatically closes the actuators whenever movement is detected outside the building, ensuring complete peace of mind.
The system's versatility is further enhanced with a range of functionalities. Pre-programmed monitoring, optional password-protected access, intuitive on-site touch screen controls, and seamless off-site mobile app control come together to offer an innovative and comprehensive solution that perfectly aligns with the client's safety and security requirements.
With this automation system, Meals on Wheels Wakefield enjoys the ultimate benefits of a smart, user-friendly, and self-functioning setup, precisely tailored to meet their specific operational needs while guaranteeing a fully secure environment.
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For more information about the services and solutions mentioned in this case study, please contact our sales team sales@intelecsystems.com.au | 07 3823 5266