Controls Design for Piloting Wireless Technology

New York City Housing Authority

FSG Role

  • Consulting Engineer

  • Design/Specification

Organization Type

  • Local Government, Housing

Timing

  • Various Studies, 2019-Present

Building Type

  • Multifamily

  • High-rise

Overview

Facility Strategies Group (FSG) has worked with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to evaluate the feasibility and performance of various wireless communication technologies for the monitoring and control of building systems, with a goal of integrating with the existing Agency-wide BMS platform. Wireless communication protocols tested and reviewed include: WiFi, BACnet over WiFi, EnOcean, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, and various proprietary signals. FSG’s assessment of technologies is focused on easing integration of various HVAC, temperature monitoring, and other building related equipment into the existing BMS is a way that is cost effective while still maintaining high quality data transmission. Other challenges include transmitting wireless signals through NYCHA’s typical high-strength building construction, minimizing interference from other local networks, and the installation of support equipment and cable routing through existing high rise buildings. Availability of equipment, technical support, and various vendors required for an open procurement were also evaluated.

Controls Design and Integration for Demand Response Pilot - WiFi to BACNet

FSG worked with the New York City Housing Authority to design and implement a pilot project to establish control over distributed cooling equipment throughout the Meltzer Tower development. This pilot project is intended as a proof-of-concept of demand aggregation and peak electrical load shedding that can be scaled throughout other NYCHA developments. FSG is helping NYCHA meet the following goals: Establish and maintain control over in-unit distributed Air Conditioning equipment, implement sequences of operation which allow NYCHA to shed load as a demand response initiative, Maintain occupant comfort and increase NYCHA's ability to respond to tenant equipment complaints, Utilize advanced control strategies to lower emissions related to building peak demand, and contributing to NYCHA's sustainability goals. FSG reviewed the existing building conditions, including a general site survey and wireless signal strength testing and heat-mapping, to design a wireless network to interface with the individual air conditioning units in each apartment. FSG coordinated with HVAC equipment OEM's, vendors who provide demand aggregation services, and vendors who provide third-party control of WiFi-enabled HVAC equipment to determine the best options for networking and control strategies at the site with equipment and services readily available through the market. FSG designed the network and communication system, including a WiFi network throughout the building and controls components capable of interfacing to NYCHA's central Building Management System. All components and software were designed to meet NYCHA's standards for controls integration, and including additions specific to the pilot project. FSG prepared design documents and has supported NYCHA with construction administration and network technical assistance throughout the installation process. FSG also performed commissioning activities including functional testing of the system.

Design of Wireless Communication Network for Thru-Wall Heat Pump Pilot - BACNet over ZigBee

FSG is working with the New York City Housing Authority to design and implement a pilot project to establish a communication network for new thru-wall heat pumps in apartments at NYCHA’s Woodside Houses development. The project, part of the New York’s multi-agency Clean Heat for All Challenge, is intended to verify feasibility and performance of newly developed cold climate packaged window heat pump units as a more climate friendly alternative to the agency’s traditional steam heating systems. FSG is designing the network that will allow the new heat pump units to be monitored and controlled remotely via NYCHA’s established Building Management System (BMS). The information collected will be used to ensure that occupant comfort is being maintained, assist with equipment service requests, and increase system efficiency in line with NYCHA’s sustainability goals. The system uses an innovative BACnet over wireless mesh Zigbee architecture that will allow open compatibility with the BMS system and allow for future controls system expansion.

FSG’s initial responsibilities for this project include reviewing the equipment controls and communication protocols for compliance with NYCHA standards and requirements, and performing a wireless signal strength study to determine optimal locations of gateway and other network equipment to ensure a robust communication network. FSG then prepared design drawings and specifications for the construction of the network including gateways, controllers, conduit, controls and power wiring, and other items as needed in compliance with established NYCHA controls integrations standards.

Design of Wireless Apartment Temperature Monitoring System for Existing Buildings - EnOcean and LoRaWAN to BACNet

FSG has provided ongoing services to the New York City Housing Authority in support of their numerous Energy Performance Contracts (EPC), including designing wireless controls systems to monitor temperatures in residential apartments for the purpose of heating control, energy management, and monitoring for local regulations. For a recent self-managed EPC project, FSG performed an extensive survey of available wireless protocols and equipment and performed wireless signal strength testing of EnOcean and LoRaWAN devices in several high rise NYCHA properties. The onsite testing aimed to determine locations for sensors as well as wireless gateways and other support equipment to provide adequate signal strength while optimizing the number of gateways and other devices needed. Design considerations include avoiding disturbing interior building surfaces during installation, minimizing systems maintenance requirements in occupied apartments, and ensuring robust installations for devices located in public areas. FSG then prepared design drawing, points lists, and specifications for full BMS systems at the sites, incorporating additional hard-wired monitoring and control points for heating, domestic hot water, and energy monitoring equipment. The BMS equipment installed onsite will fully integrate into NYCHA’s existing Niagara based BMS system, including complying with all integration standards, naming standards, and graphics templates.