Consulting-Specifying Engineer - March 2009 - (Page 28) center required 80 kW of power, so APC provided N+1 redundancy by installing nine linked 10 kW modules. In addition, the UPS modules are hot-swappable for simple maintenance. The secondary data center has similar features, allowing the campus to survive during catastrophic events and function during certain maintenance events that would limit most universities. Safety and security systems The emergency telephones and the fire department alarm notification systems are the only systems not distributed on the fiber optic backbone. In order to meet campus and municipal fire department requirements, the systems must be separate from the other systems. Door monitoring, proximity card access, and CCTV report campuswide to the NOC. Smartcards are used throughout the campus for student and staff identification. The smartcards are tied to student meal plans, operate vending and laundry machines, provide building and dormitory room access, and have created a “cash-card” culture on campus. This high-capacity computerized control system includes photo identification, magnetic stripe, bar code, and smart proximity technology, all within a single card. Educational tools The campus network carries VoIP telephone and educational video distribution systems. Since it rides on the campus backbone, VoIP permits the full array of digital telephone services without phone lines in or between buildings. In classrooms, the video distribution system allows full control of audio-visual equipment, including video recording and transmission, computer presentations, and professional sound systems. The system allows instructors to call up video, audio, and computer presentations directly from the lectern, while a student can access the same presentation on his or her own laptop. The results The new AMU campus boasts a fully integrated campus technology system at the most advantageous cost, complete monitoring and operation from a single node, and classrooms that deliver high-tech learning. AMU realized significant benefits from the combination of structured cabling and a fiber optic backbone using an open protocol system. Without utilizing Division 17 to structure a single technology bid package, the approach would have been extremely difficult. Specifying and bidding the technology in this manner provides: • A single source of responsibility for technology design and installation • Reduced systems engineering, construction labor time, and costs through reduced repetition of cabling and pathways • Standardized cabling and pathway identification system • Flexibility to accommodate future changes • An open protocol, which will allow communication with new products or components •Full r edundancy of all systems. The use of Division 17 to bundle technology systems into a single bid package may create some challenges for the engineer and contractor. However, the system represents a new approach to specifying and bidding technology systems. Fowler is principal and group manager of the electrical engineering group at Cannon Design. Bonetto is senior associate at Cannon Design. The Oratory at Ave Maria University is a 30,000 sq ft, 1,100-seat structure that serves as the physical center of the community. Photo: New York Focus 28 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • MARCH 2009
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.