With more than 1.6 million visitors annually, controlling the climate inside the museum and protecting artwork from ensuing damage is a major concern. Humidity and temperature fluctuations, as well as light, UV radiation, and gaseous pollution, can be extremely harmful to sensitive older pieces. The museum temperature must be maintained at precisely 22.2ÞC (72ÞF), and the humidity kept stable at 50 percent, around the clock, even in the face of very heavy visitor traffic.
MoMA chose T.E.C. Systems Inc., a LonWorks BAS specialist, to create a monitoring and control system linking all mechanical and electrical equipment within the museum complex. A single graphics-oriented operator terminal provides facility managers with a comprehensive view of all building systems. The BAS uses LonWorks-based interoperable products and Echelon's network management software to integrate security, HVAC, lighting, and fire detection/suppression systems.
According to John Arfman, vice president of TEC Systems, "Reliability and the need to create a BAS that encompassed all of the building systems were absolute requirements for this project, making a LonWorks system the logical choice. We created a building automation system that integrates with existing subsystems, has the flexibility to meet MoMA's needs as they arise, and will be easy to expand in the future."
Publication date: 05/02/2005