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Tracer ES is Web-based, building automation software that dramatically simplifies
the complex requirements of managing and operating multiple facilities. It gives
owners information about any of their buildings from any secure PC connected to
the Internet. Tracer ES excels as a Web-based BAS application due to its user-centered
design, robust search tools, intuitive navigation, open architecture, and autodiscovery
and self-configuration capabilities. Result: An especially easy to use online building
control system.
Tracer ES features:
- Online facility management
- Daily operator functionality
- Central, server-based software
- Remote access from any secure PC on the network
- Front-end system that works with both Trane and qualified non-Trane
BACnet systems
- Data collection and analysis tool
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• Comprehensive Project by Trane to Integrate HVAC, Lighting, Security and Multiple Other Systems in a 15-Building County
Library System
In 2001 Allen County Public Library (ACPL), one of the top U.S.
libraries, and its 14 locations had a varied collection of HVAC
systems, controls, fire alarm, access, security and other
systems. With the planned addition of 127,000 square feet
and renovation of 240,000 square feet at the main library in
Fort Wayne, ACPL used the opportunity to upgrade,
standardize and integrate buildings, systems and equipment.
ACPL called on MSKTD & Associates to develop an upgrade, integration and construction plan. Jim
Kelley, P.E. and Senior Mechanical Engineer at MSKTD, wrote the RFP and specifications that allowed
suppliers to bid the projects, as required when public tax funds are involved. All suppliers could bid,
but also had to prove that their products had open communications protocol allowing easy integration
with all other systems. Each top-end building automation system supplier had to prove their system
could integrate with, monitor, report, trend and control other makes of controls. Ultimately only Trane
met the specs. Trane literally collected and mounted other makes of controllers on demonstration
boards to prove Trane capabilities and earn the systems integration contract.
Work began on the main library in May, 2004, reopening to the public in January 2007. Branch
locations were upgraded in stages during those three years. Using a Tracer Summit™ ES Web-based,
multiple buildings facilities management system, Trane provided single-source responsibility, control,
monitoring, management and interoperability for these systems throughout ACPL buildings.
• In addition to supplying two new, reliable and efficient Trane Series R™ chillers and an
energy-saving CALMAC ice storage system for the main library, Trane monitors and controls a
number of Trane HVAC systems at branch locations for patron comfort and materials preservation.
• Monitor/control lighting systems for best lighting and efficiency.
• Fire Alarm: Trane partnered with Esco Communications to monitor/control fire protection
equipment throughout the library system.
• Evacuation Paging: Provide evacuation directions building-wide in fire or other emergency.
• Access Control: Trane and Esco Communications partnered to monitor and control personnel access
at all controlled doors.
• Intrusion Security: Monitor internal/external access points.
• Closed Circuit TV: Monitor and control in real time internal/external points.
• Monitor electric consumption at service entrance and other loads.
• Elevator Control: Monitor, intercept floor-to-floor service requests. Coordinates elevators during
emergencies and while operating on emergency power.
• Monitor/control backup and emergency power equipment, including generators which are also
used for load-shaving to maintain constant demand.
• Lift Station Monitoring: Monitor/control pumps, basin level alarms and controls for sanitary,
storm and other gray-water systems.
• Maintenance Control & Management: Monitor all serviceable equipment for run time,
start/stops and other metrics to develop and initiate preventive maintenance procedures. ACPL
chose Trane for a maintenance contract to preserve system continuity and single-source
responsibility. ACPL is exploring more Tracer Summit™ system uses such as paging personnel
if systems like the automatic book drop/return system go down.
ACPL is one of the most sophisticated, extensive integration projects completed by Trane. Jim
Gumbel, ACPL Properties Manager, said, "We can easily monitor and control the main library and
branch locations and make operating changes very quickly and easily. We are seeing significant
energy savings. In the past HVAC systems ran 24 hours a day. Now, 90 percent of those units go
into night setback. We have better lighting control for additional energy savings. We’ve worked
with Trane many years and were very comfortable when this project went to Trane. Trane stands
behind their products. If there is an issue, they’re just a phone call away."
Jeffrey Krull, ACPL Director, said, "The new systems are a dramatic change from the
hodge-podge of systems that we had. We now have unified, integrated systems that make it
easy to monitor and control all of the buildings within the library system. It gives us flexibility for
future expansion and changes in equipment and control systems. We truly are getting the most
benefit for the taxpayer’s money."
ACPL has served Fort Wayne and area since 1895. Today it includes the main library in downtown
Fort Wayne, 13 branches in the city and outlying communities, and a warehouse/IT services center.
Fort Wayne has been cited as the Best Read City in the United States by Places Rated Almanac, due
largely to ACPL’s collections. One of the finest and largest publicly-held genealogy centers in the U.S.,
ACPL is also well-known for its rare books collection and is a home to Internet Archive, an
independent operation that is part of a network of scanning centers that are putting rare books and
documents on the Internet for public use. ACPL was recently named a co-recipient of collections of
the Abraham Lincoln Museum of Fort Wayne that closed after 80 years. ACPL will receive numerous
documents, photos and books from the collection that is valued at more than $20 million.
About MSKTD & Associates
Based in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, MSKTD & Associates provide comprehensive design services
including in-house architecture, interior design, mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering
and cost estimating. Their portfolio includes a wide array of project types including healthcare,
educational, industrial/food processing, corporate and community facilities.