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mobile phones are on. The building’s access points can
match the mobile number to the occupant for automatic
enhancement and security.

Looking Ahead: The IP-based BMS
Now that the initial technology is complete, Sinclair
is developing (with industry partners LG, Cisco and
VoltServer) a brand new open source IP-based sys-
tem for the BMS. They are moving away from the
typical BACnet-based BMS, made possible because
of the IP-address connectivity to every device, from
cameras to smoke detectors to AC units. All installa-
tions already have an interactive GUI-based system,
so communication is in place. It’s just a matter of
combining them to create a digital twin on a com-
mon platform.

requires partnering with companies and municipalities
that are forward-looking and understand the potential.
Sinclair began its journey by working with Cisco and
The Future of Stored Energy learning about their lighting projects; that led to other
All high-rises require emergency backup power for life partnerships with lighting companies and then organiza-
safety systems, typically a diesel generator. The Sinclair is tions that developed PoE drivers. Cisco’s Catalyst Digital
first in the world to use Lithium Ion Battery energy storage Building Series Switch is the first purpose-built switch for
to replace the diesel generator. City code does not spec- smart buildings designed specifically for powering and
ify backup type as long as it meets the UL 924 standard. connecting multiple siloed building subsystems (lighting,
Aslam had visited LG’s headquarters in Korea, where he HVAC, sensors, A/V, and security network) onto a single
discovered a similar compact Lithium ion battery system. unified low voltage IP network.
Modifications were made to make it compliant, and the
system passed with flying colors. Cities that partner with businesses for energy and
sustainability measures can greatly improve both
Aslam sees the industry moving towards the stored energy entities. “Fort Worth is the 13th largest city in the
model to avoid peak-energy-usage problems. He envisions nation, and they were great partners because they were
an 80-story high-rise with 10 different battery packs stra- amenable to new ideas,” says Aslam. “We changed
tegically placed. There may be a small wind turbine on the the industry standard.” The federal government is also
rooftop; the windows will have film that harvests energy. interested in the technology, promoting a healthy synergy
Achieving net-zero capability with this type of daytime har- between government and business.
vesting will become common in the same way that electric
cars have become mainstream. This high-tech hotel offers guests the seamless amenity
experience, and many lessons learned for the building
Public and Private Partnerships for Innovation industry. Cities would do well to look at what Fort Worth
Planning future projects with predictive technologies is achieving today.

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