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Chemical and Biotechnology Campus, Darmstadt
Hochschule Darmstadt is one of the largest universities for applied sciences in Germany. Copyright: Hochschule Darmstadt / Anja Behrens

The new domicile of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences impresses with its modern design language. But not only the aesthetics are state-of-the-art: Kieback&Peter provided the rooms with a building automation system that integrates heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling.

Outstanding learning location for sustainable development

The University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt is one of the largest universities of applied sciences (HAW) in Germany. More than 70 bachelor, diploma, and master's degree programs, many with self-selectable specializations, offer excellent career prospects for its approximately 17,000 students. Furthermore, the  University Darmstadt da is known for its special commitment to sustainable and innovative developments. This applies not only apprenticeship research as well as the management of the university buildings. Already in 2017, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Commission for UNESCO awarded the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt for the first time as "outstanding learning location for sustainable development". The buildings should not only be modern, comfortable and safe, but above all energy efficient and therefore sustainable. Kieback&Peter started in 2016 with this work order. Project manager Fatmir Musliu describes the particular challenge: "We had to bring together many different isolated applications. Because, as is usual with public announcements, the trades were put out to tender individually."

 

A variety of isolated applications and an integrated ventilation system

The smart heating systems ensure a much more efficient energy system. Copyright: Hochschule Darmstadt / Anja Behrens

The Kieback&Peter experts from Rüsselsheim were responsible for the automation level and integrated the existing trades into a system of freely programmable controls (DDC, Direct Digital Control). This allows all control and regulation processes to take place automatically. Therefore, the four DDC4200e had to be able to communicate with components from different manufacturers, including actuators and sensors, standalone ventilation units and the BM system via Bacnet.

The Kieback&Peter team configured the manufacturer-independent communication standard so that the automation level exchanges data with both the field and management levels.

The ventilation systems for the 13 teaching and research laboratories are a central element of the building services, some of which can be seen from outside. In these laboratories, the students experiment with closed windows, as the condition of the room air must not change. The health of laboratory users should also be protected. If dangerous gases escape, the ventilation system must immediately remove the gases and prevent them from spreading. Here too, the system integrators combined the products of other suppliers: Kieback&Peter integrated the four ventilation systems for the laboratory complex with the laboratory ventilation system.

The Kieback&Peter automation receives the information about the demand for air flow through the number of laboratory devices in operation. The system records the actual value using the damper positions of the laboratory volume flow controllers. The pressure control then compensates for the difference. A principle that ensures maximum energy efficiency.

"Communication between the volume flow controllers and the ventilation system was very difficult in this project," explains Fatmir Musliu. "It's not only a matter of expertise, but also patience."

Whether laboratory, lecture hall or communication zone: all areas are now part of a comprehensive system that ensures safe and energy-optimised interaction between the various trades.

Outstanding learning location for sustainable development - The Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Commission for UNESCO have awarded the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt 2017 for the first time. Copyright: Hochschule Darmstadt / Christoph Rau

University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt – Technology at a glance:

  • Networking of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling systems
  • Public announcement with many different trades that had to be brought together
  • Integration of various isolated applications and ventilation systems for the 13 teaching and research laboratories
  • Control of communication between volume flow controllers and ventilation system
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