Space and energy: controlling the costs

Universities can continually monitor teaching space utilisation and reduce energy costs, says Axiomatic Technology's Matt Scott

Posted by Rob Bertels | April 06, 2017 | Teaching

• #energy
• #efficiency
• #hvac
• #otovac
• #axiomatic-technology
• #money-saving
• #fou-metrics

Incorrect HVAC management of teaching space is a real-life energy nightmare and can cost a university dearly. All previous solutions based on scheduling or movement/CO2 detectors alone have only provided a partial solution and one that often leaves the room’s occupants uncomfortable.

OTOVAC® by Axiomatic Technology, automatically imports the university timetable on to a server connected to the HVAC network. And will pass BACnet commands to a controller in readiness for the timetabled event, ensuring that the room is comfortable for users on arrival.

And when used in combination with anonymous people counting sensors (counting people in and out of the room), a university can accelerate the savings to be made, whilst monitoring the FOU (frequency/occupancy/utilisation) metrics of their timetabled teaching spaces.

The win-win scenario, when this combination is used, is if the overhead counting sensor does not detect entrance activity at the start of timetabled event we can trigger the HVAC for the booked room to be switched off. And we can report on a no-show or under-utilised room.

Also, universities are keen to see FOU metrics for all teaching spaces increase and the figures need to show an improving trend over time. And where people counting devices are installed within timetabled rooms, we can provide intelligent reporting on FOU metrics. 

The integrated OTOVAC® solution means that the HVAC is optimised by occupancy – when people are in the room, and by the timetable – when people are expected in the room. OTOVAC® delivers the two key requirements, namely a comfortable room when people arrive, and energy savings when no-one is there.

To find out more about how your university can improve its FOU metrics and improve comfort, as well as save on energy costs, please contact:

Matt Scott – matt@axitech.co.uk / 0115 875 5705

W: www.peoplecounting.co.uk/solutions/university-space-management