Intelligent building automation has reached a new level of sophistication thanks to standards such as KNX, which enable the integration and efficient control of various systems. A clear example of this capability is Banco Macro's corporate headquarters in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a large-scale project that not only optimises the operation of the building, but has also been awarded internationally, demonstrating excellence in the implementation of KNX solutions in Latin America.
By: Víctor Alarcón
A Large-Scale Smart Building
Banco Macro's imposing headquarters, with its 130 meters high and 52,000 m² distributed over 34 floors, was equipped with a comprehensive KNX infrastructure, managed by the installation firm THI SAIC. The system comprises 1,987 KNX components and an extensive lighting network covering more than 6,800 DALI-controlled interior lights and 415 outdoor luminaires, including the parking lot.
Detailed and Efficient Lighting Control
The lighting of the TBM is 90% controlled through the DALI protocol and the rest through relays, offering precise and efficient management in various areas. Specific control groups were created for open and closed offices, meeting rooms, elevator halls, stairwells, bathrooms, garages and service areas. Each group has presence sensors for automatic activation.
In open and closed offices, the lighting is automatically dimmed according to natural light thanks to multiple presence sensors with constant dimming function. Enclosed offices and huddle rooms offer additional control via keyboards with predefined scenes and IR receivers, allowing users to lock auto-dimming when selecting a scene and unlocking it with the scene OFF. In the elevator halls, mini sensors were chosen to maintain the aesthetics defined by the designers.
To ensure energy efficiency, the presence sensors lock and unlock automatically according to pre-set schedules, preventing lights from being turned on unnecessarily at night. The entire lighting system can be monitored and controlled individually or globally from the SCADA platform, which also allows the detection of faults in the DALI drivers.
General lighting scenes were defined by floor, adapted to different schedules of occupancy, unemployment, cleaning and night supervision, further optimizing energy consumption.
Emergency Light Management
The emergency devices incorporate DALI Mackwell drivers, which allows constant monitoring of the battery condition and the automatic and periodic performance of functional tests, in addition to the possibility of carrying out manual tests from the SCADA.
Curtain Control for Energy Optimization
The entire perimeter of the building features translucent and black-out roller curtains, controlled by Somfy Animeo RS-485/KNX motors. This system allows an exact positioning of the curtains, managed automatically by schedule, solar position and also manually through IR controls or from the SCADA.
KNX RF Solutions for the Auditorium
Banco Macro's auditorium integrates complete DALI lighting control, screens and HVAC system. Control is carried out by panels in the operating room, the SCADA and, innovatively, by means of a Hager RF remote control, which offers the advantage of not requiring direct orientation to the receiver.
The auditorium climate control is activated via KNX via Schneider Electric's KNX/BacNet Space Lynk interface, enabling integrated management of room comfort.
Weather Station for Smart Response
The building has a weather station that plays a crucial role in energy optimization. This station allows you to adjust the position of the curtains according to the sun's incidence, distinguish between sunny and cloudy days, and control the interior and exterior lighting according to the light levels at dawn and dusk.
SCADA: The Control and Supervision Center
The SCADA platform implemented at Banco Macro manages and supervises more than 30,000 variables. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for operators to constantly monitor the building and efficiently report errors, speeding up the identification and resolution of faults. SCADA also generates databases with fault logs for analysis and evaluation, and enables overall building management based on dates and times to ensure efficient energy use.
Detailed Planning for a Successful Implementation
The planning of the TBM project was exhaustive, requiring the preparation of more than 300 general and detailed plans. These included wiring diagrams for the KNX, DALI and Somfy buses, the location of the field components, the wiring of the shutter motors, the layout of the panels, the topological plans and the DALI zoning.
Given the large number of variables, a 'free' KNX addressing was implemented, maintaining consistency between similar objects from different components. This strategy facilitated indirect targeting for SCADA programming. In addition, the physical addresses of the components were pre-recorded in the office, which simplified and significantly reduced on-site commissioning times.
Customer Satisfaction and International Recognition
The implementation of this advanced KNX system has generated high satisfaction at Banco Macro, which has recommended its use for future projects. The international recognition obtained is a testament to the success and innovation of this Argentine project in the field of building automation.
Banco Macro's corporate headquarters project has established itself as a benchmark in the implementation of KNX solutions in Latin America. The intelligent integration of lighting, curtains, HVAC and energy management, all overseen by a powerful SCADA platform, demonstrates the potential of KNX to create efficient, comfortable and sustainable buildings. The international award obtained is a well-deserved recognition of THI SAIC's vision, planning and execution in this emblematic Argentine project.
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