Building Management System Energy and Battery Monitoring System and Controls at Hillbrow Tower, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
THE CHALLENGE
Reliable Backup Power System
The Hillbrow Tower in Johannesburg, faced with the increasing challenge of load shedding, urgently required a reliable backup power system. The need for generators and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems that could sustain equipment operations during power outages was critical. However, managing these backup systems posed its own set of challenges. The key issues included monitoring the line voltages, current, remaining running time, and generator statuses to ensure they operated efficiently and met the demand requirements. Additionally, there was a necessity to optimize power usage to extend the duration of backup supplies during prolonged load shedding periods.
THE SOLUTION
Tailormade State-of-the-art Energy Management System
To address these challenges, we provided an advanced Building Management System (BMS) that incorporated energy and battery monitoring with sophisticated control mechanisms.
Our solution was designed to monitor generator voltages during load shedding and grid switchover events. This system ensured that backup power equipment was not only available but also used optimally to support the critical operations of the tower.
We integrated PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and microcontrollers for enhanced control and monitoring. These components allowed for the regulation of data center temperatures, a crucial factor in maintaining optimal equipment performance and longevity. The system also facilitated remote site access for efficient fault management, enabling quick response and resolution of any issues.
Our BMS was instrumental in maintaining the continuous operation of the Hillbrow Tower’s data centers during load shedding. The real-time monitoring and control capabilities of the system ensured that backup power supplies were used efficiently, thereby optimizing power usage and extending the duration of backup power during outages. This case study highlights the effectiveness of our IoT solutions in addressing complex energy challenges in high-demand environments.
