Safer Labs for SPREE

The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE), housed in the multi-award-winning Tyree Energy Technologies Building (TETB) of the University of New South Wales, sets the bar in record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy.

The experiments performed by the students often use a variety of hazardous chemicals which can be extremely dangerous to handle. These experiments lead to groundbreaking innovations, which makes SPREE a desirable campus to attend.

To successfully maintain the benchmark in photovoltaic and renewable energy research, SPREE required a Life Safety System (LSS) upgrade. The main goal was to improve workplace health and safety of its students and staff­ and to have it fully integrated with their Building Management System (BMS).

The Challenge

In the past, SPREE managed a simpler LSS which had no connection to mechanical systems, thus limiting its monitoring function to ensuring air exchange rates are observed in the event of an exhaust or mechanical failure.

The goal was to replace SPREE’s base built, restrictive LSS which had limited monitoring and coverage of critical engineering safety controls.

The Solution

Pilz was engaged to supply, design, build, install and commission a SIL 2 Life Safety System that includes new safety PLC panels and connection to all in field safety devices such as floor leak detectors, oxygen depletion sensors, toxic gas monitors, emergency stops, fume cupboards, emergency eye wash/showers and air flow velocity sensors, but also with a comprehensive SCADA system.

The Life Safety System consists of 56 safety PSSu PLCs and 10 PSSu remote I/O devices, all networked together across seven floors and accessible via eight HMIs running a customised SCADA system providing interaction and data on over 1200 safety devices, ventilation systems, alarms and event logs.

The solution monitors over 1200 sensors and interacts with the BMS to keep people in the building safe based on safety requirements specifications and a Cause-and-Eff­ect Matrix. It also monitors safe working conditions in multiple rooms and laboratories over seven levels of the building.

The Benefits

The integrated system allowed SPREE to maximise resources and reduce cost by conducting integrated audits and assessments, helping them use their resources the best way possible. The new system also o­ffers a more efficient and productive day-to-day operational use. It o­ffers a user-friendly monitoring system that provides positive impacts on specific management system components such as improvement in quality, safety, risk and productivity. Today, after more than 18 months since project completion on 11 May 2021, SPREE’s sta­ff and students feel more confident and safer when conducting groundbreaking research and experiments with the new Life Safety System.

Customer Statement

“Pilz has been integral throughout the construction, commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of the new Life Safety System,” said Geoffrey Lim, Portfolio Delivery Manager/Project Manager Development, Estate Management, UNSW. “They have been present on a day-to-day basis and provided excellent service and responsiveness to date. Pilz was helpful in working through user interfaces with the stakeholders and tailoring the HMI to user needs.

“I’m happy with the service and responsiveness of Pilz and the commitment to understanding the needs of the customer and committing to achieving the outcomes required.”

As safety experts, Pilz aim to help more businesses address their safety management concerns, from providing award-winning, certified products like PLC controllers, relays, drives and networks to consulting services like Plant Assessments, Risk Assessments, Safety Concepts, Safety Designs, Validations, and continuous development program of the stakeholders through certified Training Courses — all focused on the safety of man, machine and the environment.

Top image: The multi-award-winning Tyree Energy Technologies Building (TETB) of the University of New South Wales.