Case Study: Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Delta Partner: Controls & Equipment
Background
The Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) is a specialized university providing technical, undergraduate and graduate education in agriculture and its related life and social science disciplines. Founded in 1905 and located in the Bible Hill suburb of Truro, NSAC is the only agricultural university in Atlantic Canada and one of the region’s leading research institutions.
Unique problem to solve
The NSAC campus contains 35 diverse buildings ranging from a working farm complex and an aquaculture facility to modern bio-secure research laboratories. Equally diverse are the requirements for suitable environments and comfort levels for staff, students, animals, aquatic species and research. HVAC systems must be efficiently operated, monitored and maintained to service the people spaces and even higher levels of control and documentation applied to animal and laboratory research initiatives.
System solution
In 1993 Controls & Equipment installed a Delta Controls HVAC system in the university’s new Ruminant Animal Centre. The flexibility and ease of use of the Delta system prompted Physical Plant Manager Phil Talbot to engage Controls & Equipment to upgrade seven older buildings to Delta Controls. In subsequent years this has expanded to the current Delta BACnet network controlling all 19 major buildings, including three new facilities. Notable aspects of the NSAC Delta system include accurately maintaining temperature, humidity, gas and lighting parameters in research trials involving farm animals, poultry, mice and fish; total operation of a fresh and salt water aquaculture facility; control and monitoring of the campus water supply system; and the operation of a large animal incinerator.
Results
Decreasing utility costs and increased efficiency of operations has prompted NSAC to continue integrating controls in new and renovated buildings. Projects currently scheduled include 12 controlled environment grow rooms for poultry, two major laboratory HVAC and fumehood upgrades and a chick hatchery. Not only has Plant Manager Talbot been impressed with Delta’s technology and ease of use, but the durability of their products as well.
What they’re saying at Nova Scotia Agricultural College
On self-determination
“From the beginning our Delta Partner has been very proactive in supporting us becoming self sufficient in operating, maintaining and upgrading our controls network. I think this is one of the key elements in the success of a control system. Sadly, commissioning a project for many clients is seen as the end, when in reality it is just the beginning if you are to realize the full potential of your investment. To do that it is critical that you develop the in-house expertise to maximize the operation and cost savings opportunities a well run BMS can provide.”
Phil Talbot, Manager, Physical Plant
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
On longevity
“…One area that Delta to date has been strong on is an evolution and continued upgrade of its product line while continuing to support and integrate with previous versions of its panels. Most of the so-called Big Guns cannot claim this. Our original two panels installed in 1993 are still in service.”
Phil Talbot, Manager, Physical Plant
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
About Delta Controls:
Since its inception, Delta Controls has taken a single approach to business: do what it takes to do the job right, all the time, every time. That’s why we offer the most interoperable BACnet platform in the industry. And designed our own HVAC, lighting and access systems to be fully integrated and operated from a single workstation. We pride ourselves on our easy-to-use graphic interface and customizable software. Simply put, we do it right.