ABB’s intelligent building controls are adding to the impressive atmosphere at the new
Terminal 3 building at China’s Beijing Capital International Airport.
Originally built to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the $3.65bn Norman Foster-designed terminal uses ABB’s i-bus KNX intelligent building control technology to provide a comfortable experience for passengers travelling through the building.
The world’s second largest airport building, covering over one million square metres, is home to several major international airlines, as well as 64 restaurants, 84 shops and other services such as banks, business centres and duty free outlets.
ABB’s i-bus KNX technology is used to control lighting, heating and air conditioning throughout the building. Functions can be controlled either locally or via a centralised automation system, which includes PC operation and visualisation options to enable operators to easily make any adjustments.
The new terminal has been designed as one of the world’s first sustainable airports, incorporating a range of environmental design concepts. Foremost amongst these is the way in which the airport is lit. The airport’s new lighting controls include load current detection, emergency lighting and lighting scenes, with up to eight different light settings for atmospheric or practical requirements. The airport has also been equipped with motion detection controls in all rest rooms to control lighting levels and help maximise energy efficiency.
To help further reduce energy consumption and operating costs, ABB’s system also features Daylight Dependent Switching technology. Light sensors mounted to the exterior of the building communicate with the system to ensure optimum use is made of natural daylight throughout the terminal, which features huge glass walls and roof-mounted triangular skylight windows.
Commenting on the project, Gareth Rowlands, UK Manager for ABB’s ibus/KNX technology and Former President of KNX UK says, “ABB’s intelligent building controls are ensuring that the atmosphere at the new terminal is easy to manage and control, resulting in increased flexibility, security, economic efficiency and convenience for customers. The technology also does justice to the size and scale of the terminal and perfectly fits the intentions behind its design.”
Originally built to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the $3.65bn Norman Foster-designed terminal uses ABB’s i-bus KNX intelligent building control technology to provide a comfortable experience for passengers travelling through the building.
The world’s second largest airport building, covering over one million square metres, is home to several major international airlines, as well as 64 restaurants, 84 shops and other services such as banks, business centres and duty free outlets.
ABB’s i-bus KNX technology is used to control lighting, heating and air conditioning throughout the building. Functions can be controlled either locally or via a centralised automation system, which includes PC operation and visualisation options to enable operators to easily make any adjustments.
The new terminal has been designed as one of the world’s first sustainable airports, incorporating a range of environmental design concepts. Foremost amongst these is the way in which the airport is lit. The airport’s new lighting controls include load current detection, emergency lighting and lighting scenes, with up to eight different light settings for atmospheric or practical requirements. The airport has also been equipped with motion detection controls in all rest rooms to control lighting levels and help maximise energy efficiency.
To help further reduce energy consumption and operating costs, ABB’s system also features Daylight Dependent Switching technology. Light sensors mounted to the exterior of the building communicate with the system to ensure optimum use is made of natural daylight throughout the terminal, which features huge glass walls and roof-mounted triangular skylight windows.
Commenting on the project, Gareth Rowlands, UK Manager for ABB’s ibus/KNX technology and Former President of KNX UK says, “ABB’s intelligent building controls are ensuring that the atmosphere at the new terminal is easy to manage and control, resulting in increased flexibility, security, economic efficiency and convenience for customers. The technology also does justice to the size and scale of the terminal and perfectly fits the intentions behind its design.”
