

UCC – Boole Library:
AHU-06 and BMS Energy Optimisation
The library and associated lecture theatres are served with conditioned air from seven roof and plant room mounted air handling units (AHU). The largest of these, AHU 6, provides supply and extract air to three large open plan floors of the ‘old’ library.
Occupancy levels can vary dramatically due to the time of day, week or year. Although the library is open all year round, occupancy levels drop off dramatically during the summer months.
AHU 6 was designed and installed to meet max demands conditions; however, this is an event which normally occurs for short periods of time across the year. Therefore AHU 6 was predominantly oversupplying the space with conditioned air in order to meet design set points.
The Solution
By enabling the system to react and adapt to actual demand conditions, through the use of the BMS, fan motor VSDs and air quality sensors, Sirus engineers have been able to optimise the system for energy performance whilst prioritising the comfort of library occupants.
The BMS operates the AHU according to a pre-set time schedule. Within that time schedule, the AHU is controlled predominantly by internal space temperature sensors and secondly by occupancy or air quality sensors. This arrangement offers an optimum balance between energy efficiency and comfort.
Sirus provided the following services on this project:
- Initial Energy Review
- Temperature Mapping
- BMS Optimization
- Installation of VSD, Air Quality and CO2 sensors
- Re-commissioning.
The Result
Annual Financial Saving
Tonnes of Carbon (annual reduction)
Year Duration
Kevin O’Regan
Engineering Services
University College Cork (UCC)