Customer application 14 October 2021
Renovation with Open Manufacturer-Independent Building Automation Gives an Old Building New Luster

Linking innovative heating and cooling systems to intelligent control technology in building automation promises advantages for energy efficiency, as well as increased user comfort. The example of the renovation of the former Kaiserin Augusta Hospital in Berlin makes clear that an integrated approach is particularly sensible for solutions in existing buildings and older buildings.

When KARL STORZ, an endoscope manufacturer, purchased the former hospital in order to strengthen its presence in Berlin, it was obvious that the old building needed to be gutted and completely renovated. There were also a number of restrictions relating to energy consumption to consider. Once rehabilitation and renovation are completed, visitors to KARL STORZ’s new location in the capital city, which includes a training and visitor center, will be greeted by a sophisticated blend of tradition and modernity.

 

Its features include a forward-looking heating concept and high-efficiency building control technology, proving that the new facility for KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG is both innovative and extremely comfortable. The successful cooperation between S&L Kühldecken und Heizungssysteme GmbH & Co. KG, a Brandenburg company specializing in cooling ceilings and heating systems, and TPN Service GmbH & Co. KG produced customized, high-quality building technology in a short installation period. Both companies participated during the renovation planning stage – linked through the GESA network.

Overview of WAGO Technology Used

  • The intelligent solution: Central control of the building and climate control technology.

  • Future-proofing: Use of standardized technology guarantees manufacturer-independent system operation.

  • Open automation: WAGO controllers feature a variety of different interfaces, allowing connection of various bus systems from different manufacturers.

The implementation of a district heating supply at these types of low temperatures in the power plant’s return line was unique in Berlin at this time.

Peter Schober, Engineer and | General Manager of S&L

Saving Energy and Money with an Innovative Heating Concept

KARL STORZ’s Berlin facility is located on the return line of the district heating network of a power plant, meaning that only waste heat is available from the system. The guaranteed supply temperature is therefore only 40 °C. Consequently, a capillary tube system in a flat arrangement was installed in the visitor and training center for heating and cooling. These systems can operate even at low supply temperatures, which made it possible to link the building into the return line of the existing district heating network. This cooling of the return line also increases the power plant’s efficiency. “The implementation of a district heating supply with such low temperatures in the power plant’s return line was unique in Berlin at that time. This innovation has proven itself every day,” explains Peter Schober, engineering and General Manager of S&L.

The building is cooled on warm summer days using cooling ceilings, which are also implemented as capillary tube systems. By using KNX Temperature and Moisture Sensors, in connection with intelligent software programming, it was possible to implement the cooling ceilings without the use of unsightly, expensive, high-maintenance dew point sensors. Conventional chillers, installed on the roof of the visitor and training center, supply the cooling system. One of them is also equipped with a so-called free cooling function, so that cool outside air can be used during the cold months to air-condition the server rooms, for example. For this purpose, it is sufficient for the chiller to draw cold in from the environment. Since the chillers do not have to generate this cold, they save energy.

Shade Control, Centralized Yet Customized

Sunblinds, which offer shade, are fitted to almost all of the windows in the visitor and training center. This supports the interior air-conditioning in a simple way by preventing overheating in the summer caused by incoming solar energy. This reduces the cooling load on the air-conditioning systems, which in turn protects the environment and the company’s bottom line. The automated tracking of the slat positions during changing light conditions handled by a central light sensor on the roof, which calculates values for all of the building’s sun shades.

WAGO Building Automation

The integration of the intelligent building control technology, including the climate controls, was handled by Marco Puchalski, CEO of TPN Service. The control concept installed for the building automation facilitates comfort- and needs-oriented use of energy-efficient technology. It is based on the use of non-proprietary sensors, actuators and WAGO controllers. The wide variety of interfaces of the WAGO controllers allow a variety of devices to be connected: from simple switches, to relays, sensors and dimmers, to diverse bus systems from different manufacturers.

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Openness and Manufacturer-Independence Make a System Future-Proof

The operating concept for the entire system was designed around openness. This means that users only need an Internet-capable end device (computer, tablet or smartphone) and corresponding access to a network. TPN Service programmed a browser-based program to facilitate access to the building automation. Thus, any authorized person can access the system by entering a password into a device linked to the network. Thanks to this Internet-based connection, remote maintenance and operation are possible and straightforward at all times. Puchalski considers user-friendly interfaces and clear menu navigation the essential foundations for user-oriented software solutions. A wiring and duct diagram for the heating, ventilation and lighting, designed by S&L and TPN, also makes the work of technicians and building managers easier. Malfunctions that arise are recorded and reported in the system in the form of value deviations. With the help of this information, the building technology can eliminate the defect before building users have even noticed a problem.
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By using mostly standardized technology, we can guarantee manufacturer-independent operation of our systems for the long term.

Marco Puchalski | CEO of TPN Service GmbH

Puchalski puts a premium on future-proofing the building controls he installs and programs. “By using mostly standardized technology, we can guarantee manufacturer-independent operation of our systems for the long term. In the event of a fault or an expansion, spare parts are easy to procure. Then you can just reinstall the software that’s in use.” The development logic of the controller can be easily reused and expanded as necessary. Even in the worst case, only small adjustments are required to the hardware and software.

KARL STORZ’s commitment to a renovation using innovative technologies to increase energy efficiency yields a result that mirrors the company itself: high-end technology, interwoven with history – a successful blending of tradition and modernity.

Product Overview

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Controller PFC200 ; 2 x ETHERNET

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