Intelligent Building Technology

2.2.2 The Technology and Services of Intelligent Building

Dewsbury and Edge (2000) mentioned intelligent building technology was originally used to control environmental systems such as lighting and heating, but recently the use of intelligent building technology has developed so that almost any electrical component within the home can be include in the system. Moreover, intelligent building technology, does not simply turn devices on and off, it can monitor the internal environment and the activities that are being undertaken whilst the home is occupied. The result of these modifications to the technology is that intelligent building can now monitor the activities of the occupant of a home, independently operate devices in set predefined patterns

 Ventilation and Air-conditioning System

The system is fitted with a sophisticated Variable Air Volume (VAV) air-conditioning system. Each office floor is equipped with two sets of Air Handling Units, which are fed by chilled water from the central chiller plants. Conditioned air is distributed through oval and flexible ducts and Direct Digital Control (DDC) VAV boxes within the ceiling void, and is discharged through linear diffusers and light trough diffusers. Peripheral heaters are provided for the outer zone adjoining the external walls.

The VAV system is controlled by the Building Management System, which allows flexibility for adjustment of service hours, temperature and airflow. The cooling capacity for each office floor is designed according to the following parameter:

- 7 sq m per person occupancy

- 7.5 litres fresh air supply per second per person

- 25 Watt per sq m lighting load

- 20 Watt per sq m equipment load

- Room temperature at 24 oC

24 hours air-conditioning) for tenants computer facilities. Subject to agreement, connection to the provision can be arranged with related costs borne by tenants.

The total air-conditioning cooling capacity which is backed up by essential power generator is 560kW, which means a maximum cooling capacity of 100kW per office floor.

 Raised Flooring System

Raised flooring system is installed in all office floors. The system allows easy maintenance, installation and rerouting of all electrical and telecommunication cables. The under floor void is 120mm (approx. 4.7in) in depth. The loading capacity is 5kPa plus a provisional allowance of 1.5kPa. Floor panels are made of concrete which gives extra durability and strength over other reconstituted materials.

 Power Supply

Electricity supply to the office tower is distributed via two sets of risers (2 x 1000A for high zone, 2 x 1200A for low zone) connected to different transformers. This dual risers system ensures continued power supply to the tenants.

Power loading is provided at 200Amp 3 phases for each office floor and the average allowance is 120VA per sq m. Loading can be increased upon request at tenants