The Clipsal C Bus system installed at Runshaw College includes the Schedule Plus software package; a powerful software application that provides a simple-to-use yet powerful graphical interface from C-Bus to a personal computer. Using Schedule Plus in conjunction with PIR motion detectors and PEC (Photo Electric Cell) it is possible to automate the lighting control system, providing a centralised, real-time management of the building's electrical services. It allows the user to create and run scheduled scenarios following a set routine, such as the college timetable and at the same time respond to triggered events or interfaced sensors.
To further enhance the energy saving concept, Schneider Electric's PowerLogic smart meters have also been specified and integrated into the Clipsal C-bus system. This allows the facility manager to check the ‘live' status of energy consumption, as well as use a web server to collate the information on a weekly basis in the form of a CSV file. This gives detailed reports allowing the facilities manager to interrogate the information to identify any unnecessary energy used.
From the outset the system was designed to provide individual classroom lighting control, as well as including building or campus over-ride functionality. At the same time it had to be flexible and expandable, as this allows maximum return on investment by altering the configuration of the lighting being used, either isolated to one specific area or throughout an entire building, to suit changing patterns of use.
