Pioneering groundwater sprinkler system in Rotterdam hotel depends on advanced drives from Control Techniques.
A recently completed hotel adjacent to the Rotterdam Zoo, featuring a pioneering system for utilising groundwater in the fire sprinkler system, has at its heart two Affinity variable frequency AC drives from Control Techniques.
The system, designed and installed at the Domina Inn by Quintess of Holland in conjunction with Control Techniques’ Rotterdam Drive Centre, is believed to be the first system of its type controlled by inverter drives that eliminates the need for a high volume mains water supply or roof-mounted water tanks.
Affinity’s advantage
“We chose the Affinity range to power the pumps because of its ‘Fire’ mode,” explains Quintess’ general manager, Paul Caspers. “This gives us a guaranteed 150% of rated current with no trip during the emergency operation. One drive and pump is sufficient to provide maximum flow and the second pair gives 100% redundancy cover.”
The Melotte low inertia submersible pumps are installed in boreholes some 15 metres below the surface. “We were asked to look into a system that is independent of the mains drinking water or the need for water tanks,” says Caspers. “Traditionally, the pumps would be started with Star/Delta starters, but, with the high starting torque required, we proposed the use of inverter drives. In cooperation with Installect, the mechanical design consultant for the project, we were convinced that this would be a better solution. With help from Control Techniques and detailed information on waveforms, product quality and drive performance, we were able to achieve it.”
The Affinity AC drives are heavy-duty rated at 37 kW (BA 4402) and are fitted with both RFI filters and PWM correction to provide the near perfect waveform, required by the unusual operating characteristics of the pump motors. The system provides a pressure of 8 Bar and is capable of accelerating from start to maximum flow in three seconds.
Integration is easy
As standard drives have integrated network connectivity with Metasys N2, Modbus RTU and this building’s BACnet management system, this provides communication with a PLC controlled fire panel providing sprinkler control over 47 areas of the hotel. There is a hard control link between the drives and this PLC. Via Ethernet, Quintess can access the drives at any time to check operational readiness, set parameters and monitor pump motor condition.
The drives provide four main modes of operation; for both fire and test mode there is a choice between a PID controlled pressure setpoint at 8-Bar (regardless of the preferred flow) and a fixed drive setpoint (54 Hz). A cut-off valve is also controlled by the Affinity drives to guarantee minimum flow over the pump for cooling.
Control Techniques’ Affinity range of drives has been designed specifically for the HVAC market and building control functions, incorporating extensive market research and experience from sister company, Emerson Climate Technologies. Affinity reflects the sector’s requirement for no scheduled maintenance, ease of integration with building management systems, remote access from anywhere in the world and quiet, energy efficient operation. The range incorporates an onboard controller with real-time clock, motor pre-heat, low-load detection, a sleep/wake mode and free software tools for easy installation and commissioning. At the Domina Inn, the system was installed and running within one day.
“This is Netherland’s first approved groundwater sprinkler installation with variable frequency inverter control,” concludes Caspers. “It would not have been possible without the considerable input from Control Techniques.”
For more information contact Bill Tedd, Control Techniques, +27 (0)11 462 1740, [email protected], www.controltechniques.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 462 1740 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.controltechniques.com |
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