Modernization of Haarlem government office: Control installation with Energy Performance Tool

The Government Office on the Surinameweg in Haarlem concerns an old building that is being totally modernized. The indoor climate must also meet current standards and more. In collaboration with PMDK, Chainless took care of the complete control installation.

In cooperation with client BAM Bouw & Techniek, a customized solution was worked out for the indoor climate system for the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf. The Energy Performance Tool, developed in-house, shows the energy flows in real time. Gijs Erisman, operations manager at Chainless: "This tool shows the heat generation, the indoor temperatures and how much the values deviate from the
original design."

This is a complex project in which Chainless and PMDK are working closely together. They have been doing so since 2020, when they met at VUmc Amsterdam. Says Erisman, "Chainless was founded in 2014 by Gerwin and Bart and implements building management and climate solutions through software solutions. The company has since grown into a full-fledged System Integrator. As a partner for the control cabling, they chose PMDK and Bepacom for the control panels."

Strengths and weaknesses

Measurement and control engineering company PMDK was founded ten years ago. From a one-man business it grew into a thriving company employing twenty people. Commercial manager Michel Bakker explains, "We provide the control cabling for the climate control of utility buildings. We have several clients, but the cooperation with Chainless is very valuable. We have already brought so many projects together successfully that we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. We seek this cooperation with all of our clients. BAM also sees how wonderful this cooperation is and they too are reaping the benefits." Actually, the cooperation between the three companies is quite logical, Erisman believes. "In every control panel there is a DDC controller (Distech Controls) and a cable between control panel and field component. Without that cable we can't do anything and with only a cable PMDK can't do anything. We fit together perfectly."

Smart way of controlling

In Haarlem, it uses a new concept in which different bus communication protocols control all devices/components via floor managers. "Previously, each room had its own control which was housed in a post-control box above the ceiling. Now we do it in a smarter way that is also cost effective and flexible," Erisman said.

Acceptance tests will start in mid-April in cooperation with BAM and the client. Completion is scheduled for the end of May and the
project completed.