Faster troubleshooting in operations

UBTaktuell: What is the task of the GLT? And what exactly is being done at the moment?

Gerald Weber: In the BMS, setpoint/actual temperatures can be queried and set, for example. Time programmes for ventilation, door closures, etc. can be stored. For this to be possible, components must be installed in the "field" - i.e. outside in the buildings, in the technical systems - which are networked with each other, can be controlled and report operating states and faults. Faults and alarms are displayed in the BMS and can then be processed directly by the colleagues in the central technology department and, in the best case, rectified before anyone in the building even notices anything. Some of the components in the field that are needed for this (e.g. controllers, i.e. mini PCs) are 40 years old, are no longer state of the art and spare parts are no longer available. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to replace the components, network them again and connect them to the BMS.

How much does it cost?

Since approximately 25 buildings on campus are affected, the entire measure was divided into two partial construction measures. The first measure, which is currently being carried out, has been budgeted at 20 million euros. The second measure has already been applied for and is worth 36 million euros; its approval by the Ministry is still pending.

How much time do such measures take?

All of this is being implemented mainly by the colleagues in the ZT 3 department under the leadership of Mr Quindt. The first partial construction measure was awarded in summer 2020 and then started immediately. At the moment, everything is going according to plan, so we expect the measure to be completed by autumn this year. We hope that we will receive approval for the second partial construction measure soon so that we can continue the renovations in 2024. The further plans envisage that the measures as a whole will be completed by the end of 2026.

Why all the effort?

All this is necessary to be able to continue using and operating the GLT. The GLT and the associated measurement and control technology is an essential tool for ensuring trouble-free operation of the university. The GLT offers the possibility to continuously monitor the operation and processes and to be able to react to malfunctions without loss of time. Furthermore, the replacement makes it possible to use new components that are frequency-controlled and have demand-oriented control. In this way, energy-efficient and controlled pumps can be used, for example, which make a significant contribution to energy savings, even up to 50 percent. Thus, the measure also contributes to energy saving and CO2 reduction.