Award

Avigilon system controller. animeo IP system. Rental equipment from L.M. Temperature Control Inc. J UNE 2015 | 39 Automated Building Control Systems A bout the only thing matching the ferocious evolution of connectivity in the social media world is connectivity in the automated building control realm. Long having become mainstream due to affordability, the basic meaning of automation now applies to a host of functions, from the raising and lowering of blinds to environmental monitoring. And the demand for more functions is growing. Facilitating all this is the trend towards more open systems, which is partly due to the BACnet protocol that allows interoperability between different manufactur- ers' products and promotes the protection of the investment in building controls. The cumulative effect of these advancements is enormous. A report released by IDC Energy Insights entitled Global Smart Buildings Forecast 2013–2018 projects spending in the smart building technology market to grow internationally to $21.9 billion in 2018 – a 28.4 per cent compound annual growth rate. Houle Electric Ltd.'s work in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors shows just how holistic automated systems have become. Houle's Controls Division provides customers with the latest systems for HVAC, lighting control and energy monitoring, as well as integration management and process controls applications. For Simon Fraser University, it partnered with TAC/Andover Controls to upgrade its control systems to a web-based format, and the feature-rich Continuum BACnet interface allows staff to monitor and manage a host of elements from different loca- tions or via remote web access. For the Dockside Green mixed-use community in Victoria, B.C., Houle was involved in the conceptual stages of the project – which is crucial to the efficient integration of any automated system, despite its ability to be used in renovation projects. It developed controls for commercial and residential suites, as well as base building water, CO gas detection, heating and domestic water controls/monitoring. And then it gave individual occupants the ability to track their energy consumption – all of which contributed to Dockside achieving LEED Silver status. Houle is also a good example of a company that can implement installation of a wide range of technologies that suit virtually every need of the end user. They include: Avigilon (HD network video management software, cameras, and access control and video analytics); Camden Door Controls (high-quality door activation and locking products); Ekahau (a major provider of Wi-Fi-based RTLS and Wi-Fi network optimization planning solutions); Siemens; Polycom; and Pivot. Houle's expertise, partnerships and ability to integrate so many solutions from trusted providers is vital not only to the company's ongoing success but to the integ- rity of the installed system: because with the true advent of so-called "smart" build- ings comes the possibility of the building's systems being penetrated and either data obtained or services disrupted. The evolution of automated building controls is allowing specialists to deliver abilities that were only a dream a few short years ago. Such is the case with Somfy, the world's leading manufacturer of specialized motors and control systems for retractable awnings, rolling shutters, interior shades, blinds and projection screens. Automated building control systems know no bounds by ROBIN BRUNET Growing Your Network Serge Theriault, Somfy's key account and architectural specification manager, says an increasing number of clients are relying on his company's new Automated Total Solar Management (animeo IP) system to help achieve energy efficiency as well as LEED points. This is because animeo IP is a total solar management system utilizing Somfy-powered intelligent motorized window coverings and digital key- pads and weather sensors. The system's controllers, sensors and keypads can be added to new and existing Somfy Digital Network installations for comprehensive solar management, as either a stand-alone solution or integrated into third party control systems. An intuitive user interface facilitates commissioning, building management and technical sup- port and features drag-and-drop programming, motor auto discovery and at-a-glance real-time system status updates. "It really is an all-in-one solution," says Theriault. "Essentially, when sunlight hits the window, the shades go up to a predetermined position. By managing a full range of intelligent motors from a single source, animeo IP provides a customizable solution to clients and increases occupant comfort." Theriault goes on to say that animeo IP's scalability means it can effectively man- age a single conference room, individual floor or an entire building. For this and other reasons, it's the system of choice for a host of prolific end users: "As we speak, animeo is currently being installed throughout Vancouver International Airport in a multi- phase project, and we anticipate many other high-profile projects in the near future." But the system that helped define Somfy as a systems specialist for shutters, shades and blinds is still the company's top seller. Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) is an exclu- sive control platform whereby a simple press of a button on a remote control or wire- less wall switch sends a radio wave signal to move any motorized interior or exterior window covering – no need to point the transmitter because RTS is omnidirectional and operates within a range of 65 feet. "The latest improvement we offer in this realm is Somfy myLink, a plug-in device and free app that provides convenient control of any RTS motorized application with a smartphone or tablet," says Theriault. Meanwhile, Dustin Hubert, operations manager for L.M. Temperature Control Inc., reports that his company recently merged with GAL Power Systems and is benefitting from that organization's support and services. This is good news for anyone seeking to rent rather than own plumbing and HVAC equipment, as L.M. provides temporary heating, cooling, drying and power equipment for all types of situations, with a specialty in providing climate control and power requirements for planned projects and emergency situations. Hubert remarks, "GAL has allowed us to be even more customer-centric than we already were, and our strength is tailoring our equipment inventory to meet specific needs. We've also been able to upgrade our fleet and provide the latest in high-tech AC units and chillers – all of which are in high demand with our clients." If building automation and related companies have anything in common, it's a commitment to constantly update the products and services, and for good rea- son: research by ON World shows that wireless sensor network technologies could become a staple in as many as 50 million smart homes and buildings worldwide by 2018. Couple this with the fastest-growing category of smart systems – namely, thermostats – along with emerging innovations to the lighting, plumbing and secu- rity categories, and it's no surprise that automated building systems is arguably the most dynamic facet of building development today. A PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY HOULE ELECTRICS LTD.; SOMFY CANADA; L.M. TEMPERATURE CONTROL INC.

• Cover