SOLUTION FOR APOGEE P2 INTEGRATION

45 Schools in Baldwin County

Case Study Highlights:

• The schools have kept all of their existing equipment which has significant cost and environmental implications
• They are now enjoying a stable system and connection
• The system can now perform optimally to ensure a comfortable and healthy learning environment

Overview

BACnetP2 has been pivotal in an undertaking to modernise the BMS systems in schools in Baldwin County. This project involves 45 schools across the county and is taking a phased approach, the first of which has been completed with great results.

After a compelling demonstration of BACnetP2 to a USA based controls contractor, a proposal was taken forward to the schools. The flexibility of BACnetP2 meant that after they presented their proposal, the schools could choose to complete the project in sections, adding on to the licence as they go.

The first phase has been to install BACnetP2 in 4 schools with 29 panels and 505 TECs – most of the equipment is almost 20 years old but is still working well, so with the help of BACnetP2 the schools have been able to retain their investment in equipment while upgrading to a new front end.

Considerations

The schools were unhappy with the system that they had because all 45 schools were routed to a single Insight server using the internet (WAN) and the results were poor with schools constantly going offline. The schools have over 30,000 students and stable system is a necessity in maintaining a healthy and comfortable learning environment.

Solution

We have installed a dedicated gateway at each school which removed the exposure to poor internet connectivity issues. The system has been more stable since the first install which took under 2 hours and was completed without interruption to the system or the students.

Results

The schools now enjoy an upgraded system that is working well, without connection issues. They have been able to enjoy the significant savings associated with keeping all of their existing equipment as well as avoiding the environmental impact associated with replacing all of their equipment.