Automation and Dispatching of Engineering Systems: The Key to Efficient Management

Answer: This section covers the management, monitoring, and supervisory control systems for the facility’s engineering equipment.

Typically, the following systems are automated: process controls, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), chilled water supply, heating supply, power supply (partially, e.g., automatic transfer switches, metering), water supply and sanitation (pumping stations, metering), lighting (often), and security systems (integrated for access control/fire mode control of ventilation).

The specific scope is defined by the Technical Design Assignment (TDA) / Project Specification.

Answer: Primary Advantages:

• Energy Efficiency (15-30% savings): Automated equipment optimization via schedules, weather, and occupancy data.

• Lower Operational Expenses: Reduced manual labor, proactive failure prevention, and longer equipment life.

• Increased Comfort: Consistent maintenance of desired climate conditions.

• Greater Reliability: Round-the-clock monitoring and quick fault identification.

• Unified Control: Centralized or remote oversight of all systems from one station.

• Data-Driven Insights: Precise utility metering for analytics and forecasting.

Answer: The cost can vary significantly depending on the following factors:

• The complexity and number of systems to be automated, along with the quantity of monitoring and control points (I/O points).

• The selected platform and equipment manufacturer (e.g., Siemens, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, domestic suppliers, etc.).

• The required functionality (e.g., basic control vs. advanced optimization vs. integration with BIM/BMS).

• The scale of the facility.

The exact cost can only be determined after the project design is completed, based on a detailed Technical Specification. This is because the specification defines the exact scope of equipment, software, and required work.

Operation: Modern systems feature user-friendly interfaces (SCADA, Web). Basic operations — such as status monitoring, manual control, and responding to simple alarms — can be performed by in-house operations engineers after appropriate training.

Maintenance and Configuration: These tasks require specialized engineers (often from the system integrator company or trained in-house staff) for in-depth diagnostics, controller reprogramming, fine-tuning of control algorithms, and software updates. We recommend establishing a maintenance agreement.

Answer: Integration is a key consideration.

With new equipment: The system is designed “from the ground up,” making integration as seamless as possible.

With existing equipment: This depends on the equipment’s condition and available interfaces (dry contacts, Modbus, BACnet, etc.). The installation of additional sensors or gateways may be required, which impacts cost and complexity.

With other systems (BMS, metering, security): Integration is achieved via standard protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA, SNMP, API). It is crucial to clearly define integration requirements in the Technical Specification. Modern systems are designed to be open for integration.

Equipment: Manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1-3 years).

Works (installation, commissioning, programming): Warranty provided by us (the system integrator), usually for 1-2 years, covering defects in installation and proper software performance as per the Technical Specification.

Malfunctions: During the warranty period – rectification of faults by the integrator. After the warranty period – support is provided under a maintenance agreement. We offer responsive technical support.

Answer: Yes, provided the system is properly designed. Robust systems are based on the following principles:

• A scalable platform: The ability to add new controllers, operator panels, or I/O points.

• Open protocols: Facilitates easier integration of new equipment or third-party systems.

• Built-in capacity reserves: This applies to control cabinets, power supplies, and network bandwidth.

Answer: Security is a critical aspect.

Modern systems incorporate built-in protection mechanisms: user authentication, access rights management, and data encryption.

The project design must include an information security section covering: network segmentation (a dedicated ICS network), firewalls, VPN for remote access, and regular software updates.

Risks are minimized through proper design, configuration, and operational practices. Security requirements must be clearly defined in the Technical Specification.

Answer: Dispatching refers to the centralized collection of data on the status of all systems and the ability to manage them from a single point.

Location Options:

• Dispatch Point (DP): A specially equipped room with operator workstations (monitors, PCs), large video walls (optional), and communication means. Required for large-scale or critical facilities.

• Engineering Station: One or several PCs located in the facilities management office.

• Remote Access: Web interface or mobile application for access from any device, with appropriate security measures.

The choice depends on the facility’s scale and the client’s specific requirements.

Answer: The more detailed and accurate the input data, the better the final project.

Key Requirements:

• Detailed Technical Specification (TS): The primary document outlining ALL system requirements (functions, controlled equipment, interfaces, reports, integrations, cybersecurity).

• Design documentation from related disciplines: Architecture, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Low-voltage systems – including layout drawings, schematics, and equipment specifications (with control signals and interfaces!).

• Equipment catalogs and technical data sheets: Essential for developing control algorithms.

• Floor plans and network layouts (cable routing diagrams).

• Requirements for the dispatch center/engineering workstations.

• Preferred equipment manufacturers (if any).