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38 | A PR IL 2019 Electrical & Communication Systems budgets have to be stretched even further. Engineers also face big challenges in trying to marry together the constantly changing requirements of many sep- arate codes. It is time to amalgamate ASHRAE, CEC, NBC, Fire codes, and CSA to put them on the same schedule for updates," advises Noble. He adds that current ASHRAE regulations also overlook the fact that not all offices are created equal. "We had a recent project complete where the controlled receptacles were powering computers completing a scientific experiment that ran for 40 hours uninterrupted. Unfortunately the data was corrupted when the computers began shutting down in the evening. Customer education about how their workspaces have been designed and the ability to give customers the power to control settings is para- mount for the future," he adds. Houle is well known for working on some fas- cinating projects, and its recent installations at the Esquimalt Graving Dock is one example. Houle installed computer controlled and monitored switch- gear to give the customer greater visibility and a much safer work environment by allowing breaker operation from remote locations on the site. Integration, as previously mentioned, remains a big focus in the sector, and Nuno Antunes, audio visual account manager at Houle, says that over the past few months he has met with a few developers who are wanting assistance/solutions for a scalable/ future-proof infrastructure and integration solutions to differentiate their projects in the market. However Noble warns that proprietary systems can inhibit cross platform communication and the resultant functionality continues to make integration difficult, short-changing the end user of the advan- tages of integrated systems. "Manufacturers need to come to an agreement on communication protocols for advancements to be truly utilized to their maxi- mum advantage." WSP is well known for providing future-ready technical expertise and strategic advice on electri- cal and communication systems, and Victor Wong, director of the electrical, SCADA and facilities group at WSP, says that with greater collaboration between municipalities, ideas such as MESH communication network technologies (rather than the traditional wireless technology) could become a viable option. Mesh Networks are considered more reliable, because if one node in a mesh network fails, communi- cation can be re-routed to improve reliability. Devices can also communicate directly with each other. Wong says that another option for a Smart City strategy would be "building out microcells for 5G networks." An exciting development of late for WSP is the fly- wheel energy storage and power generation system that WSP designed for Vancouver International Airport (YVR). While YVR's lighting system has been updated to new energy efficient LED-style lights, the exist- ing electrical back-up power system was aged and in need of replacement. WSP evaluated a range of design options and technologies with YVR to determine the most suitable design to meet the project objectives. David Kelly and his team designed a flywheel energy storage and power generation system to solve these problems. This system consists of two 600 kW redun- dant high-efficiency diesel generators, an intelligent power switchgear distribution system, and a 625 kVA flywheel uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. The innovative solution of using a Flywheel UPS system to provide large-scale uninterrupted power during a power outage while the backup generators start up was key, as it allowed significant flexibility in how the generators are operated. Looking ahead, Richard Harper, practice leader, Infrastructure BC for WSP, says he expects to see significant expansion of the electrical grid to meet climate targets. "Greenhouse gas reduction will be a key driver of the economy out to 2050," he adds. IESO continues to work closely with a number of building owners and residential property manage- ment companies in Toronto that are focussed on the latest in electrical systems. Suneel Gupta, director, energy and sustainability at FirstService Residential, has a portfolio of 350 con- dominium communities in Toronto. He says because utilities represent 30 percent or more of a condo's annual budget, energy management for electrical sys- tems helps control annual maintenance fee increases. "The process of energy management can also help manage pre-mature equipment failure/repair – which helps minimize disruption of heating/cooling." As for trends, he is seeing LED lighting and light occupancy/motion detection in corridors, parking, storage lockers, stairwells becoming commonplace, as well as smarter chiller designs, suite ventilation (versus corridor ventilation) with energy recovery devices (estimated at five to 10 percent of new build- ings), improved building automation systems and electric vehicle charging stations. A www.bridgeelectric.com • Commercial • Institutional • High-rise Residential • Light Industrial • Fully Equipped Service Fleet • Engineered Design Build • Serving the Lower Mainland since 1982 604.273.2744 Ask us about our commitment registration #10546 Electric.indd 1 15-11-10 9:22 AM Williams Engineering.indd 1 2017-05-10 2:55

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