Building Management System (BMS) & Controls Installation

We delivered a comprehensive Building Management System (BMS) controls package at the University of Cambridge’s world-renowned Whittle Laboratory, supporting the efficient operation of its advanced research and engineering facilities.

The installation was based on a Trend Controls system, providing a robust, future-ready platform for monitoring, control and energy performance across critical mechanical and environmental services.

Scope of Works

Our works included the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a new BMS control system and main plant control panel, together with multiple remote I/O panels located throughout the building. The system integrates and supervises a wide range of plant, including:

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
• Chillers and adiabatic coolers
• Air Handling Units (AHUs)
• Heating and chilled water distribution systems
• Pressurisation units and booster sets
• Specialist research support systems such as wind tunnel and compressor plant monitoring

Packaged plant items were interfaced via BACnet over IP, enabling high-level control and detailed performance monitoring through the Trend BMS front end.

Controls & Monitoring

The system incorporates extensive field instrumentation and control, including:

• Temperature, pressure and differential pressure sensors across LTHW and CHW systems
• Environmental sensors (including CO₂ and temperature) in occupied areas
• Valve and pump control with duty/standby management
• Fault and status monitoring for critical plant and life-safety interfaces
• Integration of energy, heat and electrical meters via pulse and Modbus connections for energy performance tracking

Local plantroom control is centred on a purpose-built main control panel, complete with operator interface, safety and control circuits, and dedicated control of pumps, heaters and associated plant. Additional remote I/O panels provide zoned control for heating circuits and trench heaters, while Trend FCU controllers were supplied for fan coil unit control across office and occupied spaces.

System Integration & Commissioning

All controls were fully wired, labelled and tested in accordance with current electrical regulations. The BMS was integrated into the existing Trend head-end graphics and server infrastructure, providing facilities staff with clear visualisation, alarms and trend data.

Our engineers carried out full commissioning to ensure stable, energy-efficient operation and reliable control of this highly serviced research environment.