Smart Campus: Six Upgrades for Better Monitoring, Energy Efficiency, and Safety
Introduction
Many campuses struggle with aging lighting and HVAC systems, resulting in equipment failures, limited monitoring, and higher energy costs. To address these challenges, ICP DAS USA helped Wenzao Ursuline University modernize its infrastructure through phased upgrades, transforming a standalone control system into a smart campus-wide monitoring solution.
Key Challenges
Before implementing its smart campus solution, the university faced several challenges:
- Limited system integration: Lighting and HVAC controls were only available in select classrooms, while aging standalone systems were difficult to manage and prone to failures.
- Inefficient meeting room management: Room status updates were manual, and there was no real-time monitoring of indoor environmental conditions.
- Campus safety concerns: The counseling office needed emergency call capabilities, and the archives required intrusion protection for valuable assets.
- Lack of energy visibility: HVAC systems relied on timer-based control, with no accurate scheduling or power consumption monitoring.
- Inaccurate parking information: The existing parking system often reported incorrect space availability.
ICP DAS USA Smart Campus Retrofit Solution
By implementing phased smart building upgrades, ICP DAS USA helped the university improve monitoring, energy management, safety, and operational efficiency across the campus.
Six smart campus systems were deployed in phases, using ICP DAS USA’s WISE Series controllers and PMC Series power meter concentrators for local monitoring and control.
To keep staff informed, the university also implemented real-time notifications. The ICP DAS USA’s WISE-2241M Edge Controller collects data across the campus network and securely connects to external networks, enabling instant delivery of alerts and critical system updates.
1. Classroom Lighting and HVAC System Control
The existing card-based classroom control system, using a third-party controller that frequently malfunctioned and incurred high costs, led the university to commission ICP DAS USA to design an alternative solution.
- Centralized Areas (Unified Monitoring): For classroom buildings with multiple rooms, ICP DAS USA implemented a centralized monitoring system using the WISE-2241M Edge Controller and ET-7060 Ethernet I/O modules. The solution provides centralized control of lighting, HVAC, and ventilation systems across 36 classrooms on seven floors.
- Distributed Areas (Independent Operation): For isolated spaces such as culinary classrooms, ICP DAS USA deployed the WISE-7560M Intelligent MQTT I/O Module, enabling independent operation and reliable local control.
2. Meeting Room Environmental Monitoring
To enhance campus health, safety, and operational efficiency, the university implemented the following solutions:
- Environmental Monitoring: CO₂, temperature, and humidity sensors provide real-time indoor air quality monitoring, with data collected and managed through a centralized edge controller.
- Digital Room Signage: Industrial LED displays outside meeting rooms show live environmental data and room status, eliminating manual updates and improving scheduling efficiency.
3. Wireless Emergency Call System
To help protect counselors and ensure a rapid response during emergencies, the university implemented a campus safety alert system:
- Emergency SOS Alerts: Counselors can instantly send an SOS alert using a handheld emergency button, allowing them to quickly request assistance when needed.
- Instant Alarm and Notifications: When an SOS alert is triggered, the system immediately activates alarms and sends notifications to the guardhouse and faculty offices, ensuring a fast and coordinated response.
4. University Archive Intrusion Alarm System
Previously, the HVAC system relied on timer relays, providing little visibility into actual energy usage. To improve efficiency and control, the university implemented a comprehensive energy management solution.
- Power Monitoring: Smart meters provide real-time visibility into power consumption across office and HVAC circuits.
- Automated HVAC Scheduling: Replacing traditional timer relays with intelligent controls enables more accurate and efficient HVAC scheduling.
- Real-Time Energy Insights: Continuous monitoring of current and power usage helps facility managers track system performance, identify inefficiencies, and reduce energy costs.
6. Underground Parking Management and Ventilation Control
The university replaced its aging parking space counting system with a more reliable solution and integrated it with the parking garage ventilation system to improve air quality and operational efficiency.
- Accurate Parking Space Detection: An iSN-301H 1-channel ToF rangefinder sensor is installed above each of the 30 parking spaces to monitor occupancy in real time. The WISE-5231 Edge Controller automatically determines space status based on measured distance thresholds: 260-270 cm = vacant and less than 230 cm = occupied, providing reliable and accurate parking availability information.
- Real-Time Parking Display: The WISE-5231 Edge Controller continuously collects parking occupancy data and updates the iKAN-124-IP65 Industrial LED Display at the entrance, providing drivers with an accurate count of available parking spaces.
- Automated Air Quality Control: The CL-203-E Industrial Sensor continuously monitors CO and CO₂ levels in the parking facility. When readings exceed predefined thresholds, the WISE-5231 automatically activates exhaust fans through the MDC-714 Modbus Data Concentrator, tGW-715 Modbus Gateway, and tM-PD3R3 Power Relay Module to maintain safe air quality.
- Centralized Management: Parking space counts, individual space status, iSN-301H sensor health, and LED display content can all be monitored and managed through the WISE controller, providing a single platform for parking and environmental control.
Key Benefits
- Cost-Effective Upgrades: Existing lighting and HVAC wiring can be reused with ICP DAS modules, eliminating the need for costly rewiring or construction while enabling centralized control.
- Lower Energy Costs: PMC Series power meters provide real-time energy monitoring, historical data, and automated scheduling, helping optimize HVAC operation and reduce electricity consumption.
- Smarter Video Monitoring: The WISE platform links I/O events with iCAM IP cameras using built-in IF-THEN-ELSE logic. By recording only relevant events, it reduces storage requirements and simplifies incident review.
- Flexible and Scalable Design: The MDC-714 Modbus Data Concentrator expands the number of Modbus RTU devices that can be connected, making future system growth easy and cost-effective.
- Proven Reliability: The iKAN-124-IP65 Industrial LED Display continued operating during a typhoon with Category 17 wind gusts, demonstrating exceptional durability in harsh environments.
Conclusion
Many universities still rely on aging DDC systems that are difficult to manage, expand, and integrate with modern technologies. By leveraging its broad portfolio of automation and IIoT solutions, ICP DAS USA helped the university modernize its infrastructure through a flexible, phased approach. The result is a reliable smart campus platform that enhances environmental monitoring, energy efficiency, operational visibility, and campus safety.
Note: The cover image includes visuals from Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages’ official Facebook page.
