Aarhus University in Denmark is a multisite campus containing lots of buildings with different needs. To ensure efficient, data-driven cooling across campus, the university relies on flexible Kamstrup meters featuring various communication modules hand-picked to connect directly into the local network without messing with the existing infrastructure.
Easy integration with existing energy infrastructure
Besides contributing with timely accuracy and long-lasting durability, the MULTICAL® 603 meters used at Aarhus University also offer unmatched flexibility. By fitting directly into the existing energy infrastructure, this means that the meters provide a plug-and-play solution granting remotely read data through most communication technologies, including M-Bus, Modbus, NB-IoT, linkIQ®, and BACnet.
At Aarhus University, their MULTICAL® 603 meters are fitted with wired M-Bus and Modbus to provide quick and reliable remote reading. This technology is well-suited for infrastructure where the meters are placed relatively close to each other, or if wireless communication is either problematic or impossible, such as in apartment blocks or similar buildings with lots of signal-hampering concrete.
At Aarhus University, their MULTICAL® 603 meters are fitted with wired M-Bus and Modbus to provide quick and reliable remote reading. This technology is well-suited for infrastructure where the meters are placed relatively close to each other, or if wireless communication is either problematic or impossible, such as in apartment blocks or similar buildings with lots of signal-hampering concrete.
The ASTRID2 particle accelerator
With the introduction of the ASTRID particle accelerator back in 1989, Aarhus University has more than 35 years of experience in the field of particle acceleration. In 2012, they then introduced their second particle accelerator, the 46-metre long ASTRID2, capable of accelerating electrons to the speed of light. Since its conception, the new and improved particle accelerator has produced a constant inflow of visiting researchers from around the world.
“On a yearly basis, we have around 150 researchers coming to visit and use our facility – about two thirds being locals from Aarhus University or coming from other places in Denmark. The last third consists of foreign researchers, primarily from the EU."
- Jørgen S. Nielsen, PhD, Accelerator Physicist
“On a yearly basis, we have around 150 researchers coming to visit and use our facility – about two thirds being locals from Aarhus University or coming from other places in Denmark. The last third consists of foreign researchers, primarily from the EU."
- Jørgen S. Nielsen, PhD, Accelerator Physicist
The basics of particle acceleration
As explained by Jørgen S. Nielsen, “the particle accelerator consists of a circular tube of 3-4 centimetres in diameter, which has been almost completely deprived of air, resulting in a density that is 100,000 billion times less than it would normally be.”
“Basically, it’s a very advanced lamp,” says Jørgen S. Nielsen. “By forcing electrons round a controlled loop, the energy created by the acceleration can produce light within all wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, ultraviolet, and X-ray, which researchers can then use for testing and measuring.”
Dependable data is absolutely essential
The electrons are guided round the particle accelerator using magnetic fields produced by electromagnets. As Jørgen S. Nielsen explains, “the circle has 12 electromagnets, each drawing 375 amps at 150-170 volts delivering up to 60 kW of energy. Naturally, this creates a lot of heat, which is why water cooling is an absolute necessity for the entire operation.”
This is where Kamstrup comes into play, because to keep ASTRID2 in check, Aarhus University relies on high-precision monitoring of the flow and temperature. Therefore, the cooling ring is fitted with MULTICAL® meters with wired M-Bus or Modbus providing instant access to the crucial data.
“The cooling ring is completely dependent on data from our Kamstrup meters. They help decide whether the frequency pumps are running, and if flow regulators, chillers, and compressors are even allowed to initiate.”
- Jason Greve Holbech, Energy Management Engineer
24/7 uptime requires total reliability
Typically, groups of visiting researchers will gain access to the particle accelerator for two-three days up to a week at a time – occasionally two weeks. To make the most of their time, it’s highly critical that the system works reliably without unforeseen downtime.
“If the cooling system stops for just five minutes, the particle accelerator is forced to shut down. Restarting can take about an hour, and before the temperature is stable again, multiple hours might have gone by. Therefore, maximum uptime and high reliability is of course very important to us.“
Jørgen S. Nielsen, PhD, Accelerator Physicist
Each month, they have one week without scheduled appointments for potential repairments, upgrades, and optimisation, as well as a brief service window each Monday for low-key maintenance. Other than that, the particle accelerator is up and running 24/7.
Maintaining energy efficiency
The cooling ring supporting ASTRID2 depends on each of its different compartments functioning optimally. To ensure a smoothly operating system with optimal effectivity, they constantly monitor the data from their cooling meters.
“If anything stops performing as it should, we will know. For example, if the motors start weakening, or if the flow rate does not match the cooling energy produced by the cooling compressor, the data will show us that almost instantly.”
- Jason Greve Holbech, Energy Management Engineer
Plans of large-scale energy optimisation
To reduce overall energy consumption at the university, data from cooling meters are used to cut down on unnecessary consumption in all likely locations. A key aspect of this is separating the need to haves from the nice to haves.
“We have energy measurements on everything, which we use to avoid wasting energy on cooling in rooms without a clear purpose. Our cooling is predominantly used for research equipment or labs requiring certain temperatures for specific experiments.”
- Jason Greve Holbech, Energy Management Engineer
Besides using data for making the university’s heating and cooling system more energy efficient, there has also been put plans into place of large-scale energy data management. As Jason Greve Holbech tells, “the project has already been developed and will soon hit the boardroom. The aim is that we will use our energy data to make well-informed decisions on energy efficiency across Aarhus University.”
You might also be interested in...
Efficient energy data management at Axel Towers
Axel Towers in Copenhagen optimizes energy efficiency with Kamstrup’s data management system, enhancing sustainability and tenant value.
Himmerland Boligforening takes environmental responsibility
With more and better data, read on an hour-by-hour basis, Himmerland Boligforening are able to register additional consumption, leaks and defect heating installations as soon as they occur.
New demands. New possibilities.
We know that consumption management is just one of many tasks you take care of in your work with property management. And now, the new Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) brings new demands, dates and deadlines to the table. Are you on top of the demands?
Highlights from DHC Market Outlook 2024
As reflected at the DHC Market Outlook 2024, this year’s Euroheat & Power Congress heralds increasing focus on upscaling district heating in Europe to strengthen energy security and reduce CO2 emissions.