PEARL (Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory)
PEARL, a state-of-the-art facility by University College London, spans 4000m² with a ceiling height of 10 metres, designed to create large-scale, controlled environments for experimental research. This unique space enables life-sized simulations of environments like railway stations, high streets, and town squares, allowing researchers to study how people interact with both their surroundings and each other.
The facility includes an expansive experimentation area that can be divided into three distinct zones, as well as a learning space featuring workshops, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
The BEMS installation for PEARL presented two significant challenges. The first was efficiently directing air only to occupied areas, which was achieved using a speed-controlled Air Handling Unit (AHU) and multiple Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems. CO2 sensors were installed to reduce fan energy when occupancy is low, ensuring optimal fresh air supply based on demand.
The second challenge involved controlling the three air source heat pumps. These pumps have the capability to switch between heating and cooling modes, requiring a complex valve system to manage the flow of chilled and low-temperature hot water to the correct storage vessels. The BEMS continually monitors demand and adjusts the ratio of heat pumps in heating or cooling mode to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
This project highlights our ability to deliver precise environmental control for cutting-edge research facilities like PEARL.