Intelligent operation of energy optimized laboratories
The project develops an intelligent operation of laboratory ventilation based on monitoring the activities of laboratories and process cupboards. The ventilation is continuously adapted to the activities, primarily by reducing the air velocities in the process cupboards, and ensures energy savings without compromising safety.
PSO project no. 346-051 "Energy-efficient solutions for safe laboratory ventilation" shows that the energy consumption in the process cupboards can be reduced by up to 40 % . An intelligent central overall operation can ensure further a 30-35% reduction in energy consumption. Also introducing easy access to ongoing documentation of working environment to the employees, monitoring process cupboards function, and user interaction with control by iPhone. Finally a database for capacity monitoring and planning of operation of laboratories is developed.
The project develops and demonstrates an intelligent control system including:
- Monitoring of process cupboards via sensor and camera
- Monitoring of laboratories using 3D cameras
- Intelligent central operation of ventilation in the process cupboards and laboratories based on actual use. The control is implemented in the BMS operation.
- Database / platform introducing key figures for working environment and safety, technical function and data for use of laboratories.
- An App for smartphones for continuous display of the work environment, remote control of process cupboards, and for optimizing the planning of use.
The project is implemented by a team of Danish Technological Institute, Labflex A/S, Kræftens bekæmpelse, Odense Universitets Hospital and advisory group.
The project has developed an intelligent operation concept for laboratories based on monitoring the activities of laboratories and fume cupboards. The concept is based on 2D and 3D cameras and pressure sensors that combined monitor and secure safe and energy efficient operation. The project has demonstrated an intelligent monitoring system that:
- Monitor fume cupboards with IoT based sensors and a 2D camera
- Monitor the entire laboratory using a 3D camera
- Monitor save and energy efficient operation of each fume cupboard and the entire laboratory
- Key figures operation safety, technical function and energy data displayed on a web site
- Concept for future implementation in BMS systems.
It is expected that the solutions and tools developed in the project will be used in connection with the on-going huge investment in the hospitals and universities these years. In addition, the solutions will be of interest to laboratories, in the chemical industry, in the pharmaceutical industry and in other companies where fume cupboards are used to large extent.
Based on the results of the project, it is estimated that the energy saving potential for intel-ligent control of fume cupboards is approx. 35% of the electricity and heat consumption for laboratories that are already operated energy conscious. This corresponds to approx. 15 GWhpower and 33 GWhheat. The energy savings are achieved, among other things, by notifying users if a fume cupboard is open without it actually being used.
Furthermore, the use of the individual fume cupboards is monitored so that cupboards that are not used or used very little are identified and can possibly be taken out of use completely.
The project was funded by the ELFORSK program and was carried out by Danish Technological Institute, Labmodul A/S, Kræftens Bekæmpelse, Odense Universitets Hospital and an advi-sory group during the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2020.
Key figures
Category
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| Labmodul | ||
| Kræftens Bekæmpelse | ||
| Region Syddanmark | ||
| Bygningsstyrelsen |
