Wesleyan University has always strived to be an environmentally conscientious and energy efficient "Green" neighbor. In keeping with such, they had developed a master plan to save energy campus-wide by the replacement of outdated fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures with energy efficient bulbs throughout the University in 1997. Upon successful completion, their next task to reduce energy focused on the outdated building automation and energy management systems installed throughout the campus.

At this point, the facilities group was saddled with several different control systems of different vintages and state of repair. These systems did not provide Wesleyan's operations group with the seamless integration technologies that would be required to meet the current challenges of maintaining their ever-expanding operations responsibilities. In meeting these challenges, Wesleyan had first contracted with an energy consultant to work with Wesleyan's EMS team and identify their current and future conservation opportunities, and secondly, select a vendor that would meet the challenges that had been set forth in their selection criteria.

What was that criteria??

• Could the vendor perform the work and complete a huge undertaking in an unreasonably short time frame under the most adverse conditions?
• Is the vendor experienced working in and around an educational environment under difficult situations in the middle of a heating season? Work would need to be accomplished when all the buildings were occupied and down time was unacceptable!
• The selected vendor would need to represent a control product and software line that was consistent with the latest technologies and no limitations for expansion.

The vendor would have to be committed to establish a long term relationship as a strategic partner and advisor for future energy, control and integration projects. With several vendor's to choose from, Wesleyan had selected Automated Logic Corporation and their strategic partner RCMS Controls, Inc., of Wallingford, CT, to provide them with a complete overlay and replication of their existing control system(s) with added points of control and operational features only they could provide. RCMS Controls, Inc. seemed to have met and exceeded their selection criteria and offered technologies that surpassed their requirements while keeping within the project budget.

Among several features that impressed the team was the user friendliness and superior graphics package. These features allowed all users to get an instant view of the entire system(s), without having to piece together data to check status or diagnose a system(s). The powerful operating software program that is responsible for meeting a variety of system sequences is generated with Automated Logics EIKON® graphical programming software. In addition to controlling, the software features allow you to view the logic in real time operation, a powerful diagnostic tool for Wesleyan's operations staff.

The University was also impressed with the robust architecture of the Automated Logic product line. Each control module is equipped using a native BACnet communications platform, BACnet being an industry standard that was developed by ASHRAE to standardize an open communication protocol amongst several vendors. The entire Automated Logic system using the latest Ethernet capabilities seamlessly blended into the data communication infrastructure over their established LAN network, adding additional benefits to the University.

RCMS Controls faced a tough challenge, the demanding environment of a fully occupied university, short time frame, and the unique coordination issues that are associated with the Academic, Science and Dormitory Segments of the University. RCMS rose to the occasion and assigned a project manager, controls technician, software engineer and two teams of controls electricians to the project.

Within 8 short months, 56 buildings were converted to the Automated Logic system. Wesleyan was so impressed by the minimal client interruptions and timely conversions that shortly thereafter; they had converted two additional major buildings to the ALC network.

Automated Logic has since introduced its WebCTRL® software. WebCTRL® offers the customers a powerful browser based window into their system that utilizes all standard Web-based protocols and a variety of standard server database software to choose from. After three short years, Wesleyan saw the performance and commitment of RCMS Controls and had the confidence to upgrade to Automated Logic's newest web-based software, WebCTRL. Wesleyan was the first site in Connecticut to upgrade to this intranet/internet web-browser based software. "WebCTRL offers us the ability to respond to our clients faster by allowing us to view the system from any PC on campus or thru the internet at home" says Mark Chadsey, Manager of Mechanical Services & Energy Management.

Wesleyan's facilities group also makes good use of the electrical demand management features that are incorporated within the software to manage their electrical demand usage. Automated Logic's demand control strategies are more client friendly than the typical duty cycling that is typically used in the industry. Currently Wesleyan is controlling and monitoring 58 buildings with over 3000+ points.