Urbanisation and a growing and aging population are social trends recognised as having a global impact. It is said that nearly two-thirds of the world's population will soon be living in major conurbations. This continuing shift will mean that airports will again increase in size and number in order to satisfy the booming demand for mobility. But higher passenger numbers, a multitude of cultural differences, growing numbers of flights with expanding volumes of baggage and cargo, all pose mounting problems for airport management. The challenge facing airports is to manage this expected growth efficiently and in a way that is compatible with the environment. It is a challenge that Siemens, one of the few companies in the world with the expertise to equip complete airports from top to bottom, has already started to tackle - with ultramodern transport concepts, its green portfolio, highly developed security and convenience solutions for building and technical infrastructure.
Satisfying ever-rising security standards
Within airport management, physical safety and information security have become more important than ever and these areas demand an integrated approach. There is little value in applying point solutions to unsecured areas. This means considering all aspects: from perimeter protection; through prevention of theft from car parks; efficient and transparent passenger processing; luggage and cargo screening procedures; to general airport operation and air transport management. By adopting an integrated approach, airports can better protect all operating and value chain processes. In terms of security this will typically include access control, intelligent algorithms in video surveillance, intrusion detection, alarm management and evacuation. Combined with passenger-related data, such as flight information, checked baggage, location, intelligent recognition systems and behaviour pattern recognition, these systems make the security picture as complete as possible.
Integrated management systems for terminals
As well as offering a safe environment for passengers, efficient terminal buildings fulfil a variety of functions. The same integrated approach to security can be adopted with other building management elements such as fire protection, energy management and automation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. Siemens offers a complete technical infrastructure portfolio for electronic security, fire safety, comfort and energy efficiency in buildings and public places. These solutions are tailored to meet the specific requirements of individual airports, not only enhancing the reliability and operational performance of buildings but also having a positive impact on the wider environment.
Futureproofing airport systems
To ensure long-term technical operability of complex systems - such as baggage systems, alarm, control and security systems - the best way to safeguard the viability of electronic processes is via strategies which give systems the option to be flexible and scaleable. This flexibility should accommodate the expansion of existing systems not only with the addition of more devices and with the interoperation with new systems, but also the integration with technologies not yet fully realised. For, in this way, new functionality can be added without the need to replace entire systems. Airport systems need to be able of accommodating such future growth, with a planned migration becoming ever more important.
The "World's Best Airport"
As the global leader in airport logistics, Siemens was enlisted to undertake the installation of the security, fire safety and building automation systems at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, recipient of several prestigious awards. The safety system at the Turkish airport comprises 200 cameras, 28 recorders, along with a Sinteso system of 9,000 fire detectors and 400 carbon monoxide detectors integrated into a danger management system. In the event of evacuation, an integrated voice-notification system using 4,600 loudspeakers, is brought into action. Having a large number of windows, the airport also has complex energy issues. The installed building automation systems from Siemens monitor 11,000 points, automatically raising blinds, turning off lights, reducing heating or increasing air conditioning to save energy and ensure a comfortable environment.
Integration of all these systems forms the heart of a typical Total Building Solution from Siemens. All disciplines are coordinated to make the airport buildings more secure, more comfortable and more economical. The solution at Sabiha Gökçen can be adapted or expanded at any time, thereby protecting the developers' original investment.
Source: www.siemens.com/bt/airports |
