Efficiency at its best

Smart field components increase comfort and energy efficiency in new UvA university library 

In the center of Amsterdam, the new University Library of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) will open in the first quarter of 2025. On the UvA's native soil, a monumental clinic and sister house of the former Binnengasthuis hospital will be restored, transformed and connected to a new building section by an ingenious glass atrium roof. In this way, a library with atrium of international stature is created, where the academic community can meet, research, study and work. The design of the university library was made by MVSA Architects and Architectenbureau J. van Stigt. The construction and installation work was awarded to BINX Smartility, which sought cooperation with Belimo Servomotoren B.V. for the field components in the climate systems.

The relationship between Belimo and BINX Smartility dates back to 2014, the year BINX Smartility was founded. "In recent years we have had the opportunity to carry out very nice projects together, in which frequent use has been made of our smart field components," says Jeffrey Bellmann, Account Manager North Netherlands at Belimo. "And now we are included as a standard preferred supplier in the calculation and engineering phase." This was also the case at the UvA university library." Martin Koldenhof, Project Leader Measurement and Control Technology for BINX Smartility: "The choice for Belimo is a logical one for us, because of the good quality products. In addition, the organization is always ready for (technical) questions. In this project, we very consciously chose to perform all post-controls at BACnet level. Belimo is one of the few manufacturers that communicates all its corrective bodies BACnet. A godsend, because this allowed us to order all components from just one manufacturer/supplier."

PreFIX precast services

"In the preparatory phase, we discussed various solutions that could potentially add value in the university library," says Bellmann, who cites Belimo's PreFIX precast services as an example. "The main purpose of this service is to shorten assembly times, reduce failure costs and reduce dependence on scarce craftsmanship. This initially seemed like a godsend for this project. But because each room has different heart-to-heart dimensions for the individual climate controls, only on-site customization was possible for this project."

Smart field components

An important wish for the UvA university library was to have (remote) insight into the behavior of the systems, so that room comfort and energy consumption can be controlled and predictive maintenance becomes possible. "Our flow- and temperature-controlled components contribute significantly to this," says Bellmann, who together with Koldenhof further explains the products supplied. "Our 6-Way electronic pressure-independent control ball valves (EPIVs) are used in particular at the dispensing/room level and control the changeover between cold and hot water. This is done completely electronically. The EPIVs continuously measure, monitor and control the set flow rates (flow) of the induction units and underfloor heating systems, ensuring optimum room comfort." Koldenhof: "Radiators are placed in the monumental nunnery and on the outside of clinic, in order to cope with the cold drop from the windows. These radiators are measured on a flow basis and controlled by a Belimo 2-Way EPIV." Bellmann: "Our Energy Valve 4.0 control power valves have a similar function to the 6-Way and 2-Way EPIVs, but are particularly used in the primary system. Here, in addition to the flow, supply and return temperatures are in fact also measured, which means that energy consumption can also be understood and optimized. In addition, BINX Smartility can monitor and monitor the plants at the Delta T level."

Belimo sensors are installed in the primary system and in the ductwork for such purposes as temperature measurement, pressure measurement and frost monitoring. "BINX Smartility also installs Belimo zone valves in various places," Bellmann says. But Belimo's involvement goes even further. "Where the air handling units are fitted with Belimo air valve actuators, the suppliers of the VAV boxes, induction units and the primary heat pump system also apply Belimo field components. With that, the new university library is turning quite orange." Large deliveries are always collected at a hub, then transported by boat to the university library.