Diamond facility for health and medical research

Construction is almost complete on a new innovative diamond-shaped 25,000 m² purpose-built facility for the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). The impressive ‘intelligent’ facility, on Adelaide’s North Terrace adjacent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, has been designed to foster researchers’ creativity and productivity.

Already destined for icon status on the Adelaide city skyline, SAHMRI’s diamond-shape construction, elevated on flower columns, features a pine cone-inspired transparent skin to allow plenty of natural light into the building. It also features wet and dry laboratory areas, modern research areas and even a medicinal garden.

“We need environments that encourage creativity, the right temperature, right lighting and right systems to ensure researchers are at their best, most creative and productive,” says Professor Steve Wesselingh, executive director, SAHMRI.

It is a theme reiterated by Michelle Gheorghiu, SAHMRI project director, “We are creating a hub of knowledge to instil passion into the young generation about research.”

An integrated building system approach

The project engaged Schneider Electric and its EcoStruxure architecture to provide a clear view across process, building control and physical security during the design phase. EcoStruxure integrates the building systems into a single platform that includes heating and cooling, energy management, security and lab controls to provide efficiency and flexibility throughout the facility’s life cycle.

The backbone of the EcoStruxure architecture is the Integrated Building System (IBS), providing maximum efficiency through a collaborative design, construction and delivery process. The system design uses 3D building information modelling software to avoid design changes and rework. Because all components communicate with one another, the system allows the facility manager to monitor and control heating, ventilation, air conditioning, humidity, lighting, access control, video, lifts and other security features across the facility.

Integrated security solution

The control of access and security was of critical importance for this project. Schneider Electric’s integrated security solution included smart card access control, close circuit video management and high-definition cameras, and monitoring. The Video Management System deploys the latest in Pelco by Schneider Electric’s high-definition cameras, which provides increased capabilities for video analytics and identification - more than standard resolutions.

Intelligent lighting control

Another key component of the EcoStruxure architecture is Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s DALIcontrol lighting control system, designed to maximise energy efficiencies in the building. Although there are key scenes programmed into the building, the system also allows for customised programming in research areas that require constant lighting to simulate daylight levels of light.

DALIcontrol also includes an emergency lighting solution. Test sequences have been scheduled into the operation and provide reports to the facility operator to confirm that the evacuation lighting is functioning properly. Clipsal by Schneider Electric has also supplied energy-efficient exit light fittings for the entire building.

Reliable emergency power supply

It is critical in medical facilities to have the assurance that the backup power system will perform in an emergency. Schneider Electric’s Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) test solution provides automated analysis and accurate reporting as well as complete power system information. It tests the back-up generator supply and provides reports on the precise timing of transfer switches and the condition and health of the generator, and monitors EPSS load levels and duration of test. It makes manual testing obsolete, saving time and also collecting data during real outages. This ensures that the system is healthy and will perform if and when needed.

Power interruptions also have the potential to create data loss and hardware damage to all communication and computer equipment. With 18 communication hubs located throughout the SAHMRI building, Schneider Electric is providing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to maintain power continuity and protect vital communications equipment.

Monitored power network

Many facilities now require functional energy monitoring and reporting capabilities as part of their electrical distribution network and SAHMRI is no exception. Schneider Electric included its StruxureWare Power Monitoring 7.0 (SPM7) energy management software platform to better integrate SAHMRI’s energy metering. To achieve even better power quality (PQ) and reliability outcomes for the facility, Schneider Electric collaborated with electrical contractors Nilsen to upgrade the metering hardware to allow for better PQ event diagnostics and therefore ensure a shorter ‘mean time to repair’ should any electrical network issues arise.

SMP7 will allow the facility to monitor its entire installation, from the utility-grade PQ meter on its main incomer to the PQ meters on its subsectional feeders; and via low-voltage Masterpact air-circuit breakers and  compact NSX moulded case circuit breakers fitted with Micrologic control units installed on key submains.

The project’s design team, including electrical services consultant Aurecon, also ensured submetering was installed strategically in specially designed distribution boards, to separately meter the power and lighting chassis.

Schneider Electric partnered with local energy solution integrator AZZO to deliver this integrated technological solution to maximise the functionality and efficiency of the facility’s electrical distribution network.

More drive for less input

A facility such as SAHMRI requires an enormous number of pumps, fans and motors to ensure the HVAC system is operational. These consume vast amounts of energy; however, the design team has conserved as much energy as possible with the addition of Schneider Electric’s Altivar variable speed drives. These will limit energy usage on start-up and allow for the precise control of heating and cooling through the IBS.

The solution also helps the building meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. This is a globally recognised standard in ensuring that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to work.

Scheduled for completion in late 2013, the SAHMRI building design brief and goals are well underway and the building is a diamond example of how a holistic approach is poised to create great energy efficiencies and intelligent building systems for the long term.