On September 25, 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit took place at its headquarters in New York. During this event, the 193 member states of the United Nations formally embraced 17 sustainable development goals. The seventh goal is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. In the education field, Q-NEX has built a smart school solution aimed at mitigating the problem of excessive energy consumption. This novel approach employs NMP, a kind of AV control system, for centralized control and interconnection, leading to significant enhancements in both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency within the campus setting. In this article, we will discuss the wonders of building a green classroom through Q-NEX smart classroom solution.
1. The present state of electricity consumption in universities
Universities have become significant energy consumers due to the presence of office facilities, experimental equipment, and supporting public service facilities. The per capita energy and water consumption of Chinese college students is four times and two times that of the national per capita consumption, respectively. However, teachers and administrators can conscientiously make a few changes to create more energy-efficient schools.
2. Reasons for the high cost of electricity in universities
There are several factors contributing to the high cost of electricity in universities. Conducting a comprehensive analysis to identify and summarize these reasons can be beneficial in addressing the issue more effectively and efficiently.
2.1 Low degree of automation and high operating and maintenance costs
The operation of electrical equipment in university classrooms is usually controlled by an IT administrator based on a predetermined schedule. However, due to the extensive employment of management and occasional human oversight, certain electrical equipment is frequently left on for extended periods, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. When the automation level of campus equipment management is low, it is easy to increase the cost of operation and maintenance.
2.2 Decentralized equipment deployment and high management costs
Universities commonly possess comprehensive and intricate infrastructure, which necessitates a significant consumption of electricity to support their various operations. These facilities comprise a diverse range of structures, including classrooms, laboratories, research centers, administrative offices, libraries, and recreational areas. The extensive utilization of lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and specialized equipment in these facilities leads to increased energy consumption.
Additionally, the distribution of classroom equipment installation is frequently decentralized, resulting in air conditioners being positioned in various locations, thereby posing difficulties in achieving uniform management. Moreover, there are instances where windows and air conditioners are left open simultaneously, resulting in significant energy wastage.
2.3 Long device startup time and safety hazards
Numerous university campuses operate 24/7, offering academic programs, conducting research activities, and providing student services that heavily depend on an uninterrupted flow of electricity. The perpetual demand for power, encompassing various aspects such as illumination, temperature regulation, and computational operations, results in escalated energy consumption, consequently amplifying electricity costs.
However, the overall electrical demand of the circuit will escalate with the utilization of power by each individual device. It is important to note that exceeding the rated load of the circuit wiring can lead to the circuit breaker tripping and cutting off the power supply to the entire circuit. In the event that a circuit breaker is not present, the act of overloading can result in the excessive heating of circuit wiring, which has the potential to cause the insulation layer of the wire to melt. This may pose a significant fire hazard.
3. What is campus green transformation?
According to the United Nations, if the current rate of electricity consumption persists, an estimated 660 million individuals will remain without access to electricity, and nearly 2 billion people will continue to rely on detrimental fuels and technologies for cooking by the year 2030. Therefore, it is imperative to advocate for the implementation of technological advancements in order to facilitate the transformation of the campus into a more environmentally sustainable and green space.
The concept of campus green transformation involves the adoption of sustainable practices and initiatives within a college or university campus. The aim is to reduce the environmental footprint, promote sustainability, and create a more environmentally friendly learning zone.
4. Settle issues by Q-NEX smart school solution
The problem can be addressed through the implementation of the innovative Q-NEX smart school solution, which aims to revolutionize the educational system. We have previously covered the connection between our product MBX and sustainable campus development in great detail. If one is interested in acquiring additional knowledge regarding the ways in which MBX’s adaptable broadcasting capabilities can contribute to the sustainable development of the campus, please click here to delve deeper into it.
4.1 The significance of implementing low-carbon technology on campuses
Low-carbon technology offers the dual benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Additionally, it makes campuses achieve long-term cost savings. By embracing low-carbon technologies such as Q-NEX NMP scheduled tasks to power off the classroom devices when class is off.
4.2 Device Centralized Control
Q-NEX campus solution offers an integrated control system that includes advanced features to enhance the eco-friendly aspects of campuses. The Q-NEX Networked Media Processor (NMP) serves as a control processor, facilitating the seamless integration of diverse audiovisual equipment and electrical devices, including but not limited to lamps, fans, air conditioners, and electric curtains. It is integrated with digital broadcasting, digital power amplifier, audio and video matrix switching, network switch, power control module, and communication control module.
This integration is facilitated by an AV control management platform, allowing for network-based media processing and unified device control and management. With the Q-NEX NMP, you can create an efficient AV control system. With its remote control capabilities, administrators have the ability to schedule device activation and deactivation, as well as adjust settings to maximize energy efficiency.
For instance, administrators can set specific temperature ranges for AC systems in classrooms, ensuring optimal comfort for students while minimizing energy waste.
Moreover, the Q-NEX Console and Q-NEX Web provide IT administrators with valuable insights into device usage and operational status. This information can be utilized to identify energy-intensive devices or areas that require optimization. By monitoring and analyzing data on energy consumption patterns, administrators can make informed decisions to further optimize electricity usage and identify opportunities for energy-saving initiatives.
4.3 Campus networked ecosystem
The comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities of the Q-NEX campus solution empower administrators to take a proactive approach toward energy management. By intelligently managing and optimizing the usage of devices and equipment in classrooms, universities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the creation of eco-friendly campuses.
Not only does this approach benefit the environment, but it also has a positive impact on operational costs. By optimizing electricity usage, universities can realize significant savings on energy bills, allowing them to allocate resources toward other important initiatives.
In summary, Q-NEX campus solution is a comprehensive control system. It incorporates remote control capabilities. This robust tool empowers universities to create environmentally sustainable campuses, while also enhancing resource efficiency and reducing expenses.
Summary
With the rapid advancement of educational informatization, the comprehensive development of intelligent campuses based on digital campuses has gained widespread acceptance among numerous educational institutions.
There still are several alternative approaches to tackle the issue of massive electricity. These measures encompass the execution of renewable energy initiatives, the performance of energy audits, and so on. By implementing strategies to optimize energy consumption and adopting sustainable practices, universities can effectively reduce their environmental impact while also realizing substantial cost savings over time. However, Q-NEX smart classroom solution can build a green campus from a longer-term perspective, creating a dynamic green learning space for academia.
If you are interested in a green campus that reduces costs and increases efficiency, please click here to consult us. Let us work together towards the goal of sustainable development!
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