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A PR IL 2019 | 37 Electrical & Communication Systems PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY WILLIAMS ENGINEERING CANADA; HOULE ELECTRIC Electrical and communication systems are advancing so rapidly it's hard for code to keep up by NATALIE BRUCKNER E lectrical and communication systems are advancing at a rapid rate. While the sector faces its challenges as code requirements try to keep up, leaders in the industry are forging ahead and working on some very exciting projects. The adoption of energy efficient technologies such as LED lighting, lighting controls, heat recovery, and green power has become the norm these days, and so increasing attention is being paid to integration, accessibility, and control. "With LED lighting and digital lighting control systems we can both save energy with daylight and occupancy sensing, while also allowing users to eas- ily dim their fixtures to their preferred light level. Further, with tunable white LEDs we can control the lighting to match our natural circadian rhythms, allow- ing for better functioning both at work and when we go to sleep," says Ben Rajewski at Williams Engineering. Rajewski adds that control has expanded not just with lighting but with technologies in meeting spaces. "Meeting rooms have become highly intelli- gent with video conferencing, touchscreen monitors, and dynamic sound systems all being easily user con- trolled. Smartphone integration into both lighting and AV controls makes these systems easily accessi- ble to anyone without additional hardware. The costs for these systems are much less prohibitive than years past so they are available to most users now." Williams is currently working on the electrical and communication systems upgrades of several his- torical buildings. The iconic Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton being one example. It was constructed in 1976 and has not upgraded much of its electrical distribution since that time. "Working within the con- straints of the existing structure [glass pyramids] has been challenging, including running power from a new utility transformer into the centre of an existing build- ing, but I am confident we will succeed," says Rajewski. Williams is also working on the expansion of the historic Selkirk Hotel within the existing Fort Edmonton Heritage Park. The electrical design needs to meet both modern energy efficiency and tech- nological requirements, while still working within the historical 1920s' context. "This will include LED lighting set within historical fixtures and digital lighting controls set in locations that are unobtru- sive to the space. The goal will be for guests to feel immersed in the 1920s while maintaining the 2020s' conveniences," says Rajewski. While the high payback periods of some of the energy efficient technologies is still a roadblock, Rajewski adds that there are numerous exciting developments happening in the sector, including the implementation of electric vehicle (EV) charging sta- tions, which can be a challenge, depending on the load capacity of the existing building infrastructure. Steve Nemetz at Nemetz (S/A) & Associates agrees that EV charging stations are a challenge, especially with many local municipalities requiring 100 percent of residential stalls be complete with an energized EV charging outlets. "We need to provide an EV manage- ment system [or provision] so that the overall electric load in a building doesn't greatly increase due to this 100 percent Residential EV Stall requirement." Another topic that is often talked about in the sector is the so-called smart buildings that feature integrated systems. However, Nemetz says he has yet to see a really good working model in the industry and that his company continues to search for exam- ples that demonstrate this. Of course the sector, like any other, faces it chal- lenges and Nemetz cites the wide gap between Code Calculated Loads and actual usage of electricity as one example. "This can only be overcome by work- ing with the local authorities who are responsible for determining the electrical code requirements. Communications challenges always relate to keep- ing up with the changing technology; and allowing enough infrastructure for the changes," he says. Nemetz is excited to be working on some mixed- use developments where shopping centres are being upgraded and converted to residential, commercial, office, and institutional developments. "In these proj- ects the electrical and communications are intricate as they need to service each components requirements, while being integrated into the overall development." Bridge Electric Corporation continues to provide ongoing training to ensure its team is up-to-date on the latest codes, practices, and technologies. One project of note that Bridge Electric worked on that showcases the best practices in integration and green building design is the 29-storey Metrotower III office building. In addition to the use of high-effi- ciency LED light fixtures throughout the project, multiple electrical energy conservation methods were employed to maximize efficiency such as perimeter daylight harvesting, vacancy sensors, and receptacle load control in both open and closed office spaces. Another project that Bridge Electric worked on that demonstrates how technology is advancing in the electrical and communications sector is the CBSA FS0LSI Facility in Surrey, B.C. Utilizing CAD and 3D computer modelling software, Bridge Electric worked closely with Scott Construction and the scan- ning equipment provider to make sure the electrical systems would integrate with the sophisticated equipment and meet the end user's needs. Monitoring and testing continue to play an essen- tial role in the sector, and, according to Randy Noble, senior construction division manager at Houle, with all projects now requiring an arc flash study (the evaluation of a workplace facility by an electrical safety expert), this often results in iden- tifying co-ordination issues with older switchgear. "The resulting essential upgrades mean renovation Speed Of Light Muttart Conservatory, Edmonton, AB. Esquimalt Graving Dock, Victoria, B.C.

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