The Challenge

Heartlands Hospital required a complete controls software development and commissioning solution for their new energy centre. The project demanded specification and programming of a Jace 8000 controller with associated Niagara N4 control software, developed to match the designer's control philosophy and aligned with electrical and mechanical drawings for a water source heat pump (WSHP) and combined air-handling unit system. The control strategy needed to be thoroughly tested before on-site deployment, and the entire system commissioned with full integration and handover.

What We Delivered

Link Energy developed a complete Niagara 4 controls solution covering software design, Description of Operation, bench testing and full system commissioning across both off-site and on-site phases.

Software Development & Des-Ops:

• Full Tridium Niagara N4 control strategy software developed from design documentation and control philosophy
• Comprehensive I/O points list and communications network register generated to match electrical schematics
• Description of Operation prepared in line with the designer's requirements and refined following design team review
• Control strategy logic meetings held to validate approach and incorporate design feedback
• Control strategy and Des-Ops updated and finalised following technical review

Bench Testing & Configuration:

• Jace 8000 controller sized and specified for the application
• COM port configuration completed and verified
• I/O point and network configuration tested to electrical schematics
• Equipment points, circulation pump, heat meter and electricity meter networks configured and tested
• Control strategy functional testing completed by section to verify logic operation
• Graphical HMI/PX display produced as a visual representation of the system
• History and alarm extensions configured (with notes on remote connection requirements for data storage and monitoring)
• Pre-commissioning documentation prepared

Off-Site Commissioning:

• Control wiring installation reviews to verify terminations and network topology good practice
• Main Jace 8000 controller commissioning and integration
• I/O commissioning and verification
• Network commissioning (where temporary power supply available)
• Point-to-point termination checks completed
• Temperature sensor initialisation and verification

On-Site Commissioning:

• System flow rate verification to design parameters
• Control functionality verification against Description of Operation
• BMS integration and interface testing
• Final temperature sensor calibration and accuracy verification
• Final equipment commissioning and operational checks
• Completion of all commissioning paperwork and compliance documentation
• Formal system demonstration and handover to Heartlands Hospital representatives

Results

✓ Complete Software Solution: Fully developed Niagara N4 control strategy with comprehensive Des-Ops aligned with design philosophy and electrical specifications

✓ Thoroughly Tested: Bench testing completed prior to site deployment, ensuring COM, I/O, network and logic functionality verified

✓ System Integration: Jace 8000 fully commissioned with BMS integration, sensor calibration and equipment verification on site

✓ Client Handover: Formal handover with graphical HMI, commissioning documentation and operational training completed

✓ Ready for Operation: System operational and aligned with design performance targets