Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced its suite of smart building control solutions have been deployed by the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre to ensure the optimal conditions needed for scientific research and sustainability at the neuroscience research institute. The deployment of a set of AS-P and RP-C controllers to monitor operations and regulate temperature levels in the new 800 square foot, 5th Quad four storey extension, marks the latest phase of a design concept that was first discussed between the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre and UCL in early 2021.
A combination of AI-enabled digital tools, predictive analytics and connected equipment enables the facilities management team to accurately monitor power consumption to maintain energy and cost efficiency. Specific attention is paid to the performance of steam boilers, chilled water and low temperature hot water (LTHW) supplies. The network of electrical equipment and digital solutions has expanded to match the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre’s changing requirements.
All systems are linked to the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre’s BMS (Building Management System) that is underpinned by Schneider Electric’s Building Advisor EcoStruxure platform and remote bureau monitoring that delivers a dedicated alarm management system. The integrated solution, which covers the entire site, was initially deployed in 2019 to support the installation of Schneider Electric’s MV/LV power distribution equipment and energy metering solutions. Smart metering data is fed into the Building Advisor platform to ensure that energy usage and utility costs are closely aligned.
The integrated AI-powered monitoring solution manages the complexities of the building’s operations 24/7, to ensure regulated climate control to support lab conditions, and to provide a comfortable and efficient working environment. Performance data and analytics pulled from HVAC, lighting and other plant equipment is also used to support planned and condition-based maintenance that minimizes risk and downtime.
The Building Advisor platform is configured to spot any anomalies in terms of energy, comfort and maintenance. Any deviation to temperature or conditions that may affect scientific research or building performance is reported immediately via critical alarms that are triggered automatically. Remote system access ensures that the facilities team receives notifications outside of business hours. The team can immediately consult with qualified engineers and skilled experts remotely via Schneider Electric’s Connected Service Hub, which provides 24/7 remote management and assistance.
The Building Advisor platform and integrated tools are also configured to support sustainable building strategies to help the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre reduce carbon intensity and meet its Net Zero targets. The research institute, which is located within UCL, can leverage the platform’s data analytics to align with UCL’s targets.
Doug Ward, Head of Building Facilities and Compliance, Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, explained: “We’re responsible for a scientific research facility with complex requirements. Our role is to ensure optimal conditions that contribute to a safe and productive working environment. We chose to partner with Schneider Electric because their management solutions and products met our requirements. Their data-led system integrates seamlessly with our BMS to support energy efficiency and operations management across a site that needs to be operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
“The BMS system also supports our sustainability journey as we gradually decarbonise operations. They have evolved with us to meet our changing requirements as we expand our research capabilities. This is complemented by the regular consultancy and training they provide to upskill our team.”
Kas Mohammed, Schneider Electric’s Vice President of Digital Energy, UK & Ireland: “The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre is a scientific research institute that requires a smart and flexible solution that can manage the complexities of the facility. We’ve been fortunate to work with them over the past few years as the site has grown, helping to optimize lab conditions and building performance. Our onsite and remote teams are always on hand to help future-proof the facility using AI, predictive analytics and other digital tools. Sustainability is high on their agenda, and we have the infrastructure in place to support the eventual migration to a microgrid solution.”
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About Sainsbury Wellcome Centre
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading neuroscientists to generate theories about how neural circuits in the brain give rise to the fundamental processes underpinning behaviour, including perception, memory, expectation, decisions, cognition, volition and action. Funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, SWC is located within UCL and is closely associated with the Faculties of Life Sciences and Brain Sciences. For further information, please visit: www.sainsburywellcome.org
About Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.
Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.
We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.
We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.
