Introduction

In modern buildings, electronics and mechanical systems are essential for

ensuring functionality, comfort, and safety. Electronics control power
distribution, lighting, and communication networks, while mechanical
systems manage HVAC, plumbing, and elevators. Together, these systems
form the backbone of building operations, optimizing efficiency,
sustainability, and occupant well-being. This paper examines the roles of
electronics and mechanical systems in buildings, their design
considerations, and their impact on overall performance.

Electronic Systems

Modern buildings rely on various electronic systems to ensure seamless

internet connectivity. These systems facilitate high-speed data transmission
and support both wired and wireless network infrastructure.

Key Electronic Components

1. Networking Equipment
Routers, switches, and hubs are the backbone of any network,
directing data between internal devices and the internet. These
devices must be properly configured to optimize performance.

2. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE technology allows data and electrical power to be transmitted
through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installations of network
devices like wireless access points (WAPs) and security cameras.

3. Wireless Access Points (WAPs)

WAPs provide wireless internet coverage, enabling devices to
connect without physical cables. Proper placement ensures strong
signal coverage throughout the building.

4. Data Centers and Servers

Data centers and server rooms house critical networking equipment,
including servers and storage devices, which manage and distribute
data across the building’s network.
Challenges

Implementing electronic systems for internet connectivity involves

addressing signal interference, ensuring data security, and planning for
future scalability to meet increasing network demands.

Conclusion

Electronic systems are crucial for ensuring efficient and reliable internet
connectivity in buildings. Their proper integration supports high-speed data
transfer, secure communication, and flexibility for future network needs.

Mechanical Systems

A. Vertical and Horizontal Transportation

Vertical and horizontal transportation systems are essential components of

modern building infrastructure, facilitating efficient movement within the
structure.

Elevators (Electric and Hydraulic)

● Electric Elevators: Used in tall buildings, powered by DC motors and

cables, offering fast, high-capacity vertical transport.
● Hydraulic Elevators: Suitable for buildings up to 5–10 stories, using a
plunger mechanism for reliable transport.
● Specialized Elevators:
○ Dumbwaiters: Small elevators for goods.
○ Freight Elevators: Heavy-duty elevators for large loads.

Escalators
Efficiently move people in high-traffic areas like malls and airports,
available in crisscross and parallel configurations.

Conveyors
Used for continuous horizontal movement, transporting goods or
passengers within buildings.

Elevator Hoisting Mechanism

● Electric Elevators: Use cables and DC motors for vertical transport,

ideal for high-rise buildings.
Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators use a plunger with a movable rod, ideal for buildings
up to 5–10 stories, offering slower but reliable movement.

Electric Elevator Traction Machines

● Gearless: Used in high-rise buildings, offering efficient, high-speed

operation.
● Geared: Suitable for mid-rise buildings, providing reliable
performance.

Key Components of Electric Elevators

1. Car/Cab: The enclosed platform for

transporting passengers or goods.
2. Cable: The load-bearing unit,
typically consisting of 4 to 6 ropes, which
support the elevator car.
3. Drive Machine: The motor and
associated equipment responsible for
driving the elevator's movement.
4. Counterweights: Balancing weights
that reduce the energy required for
elevator operation.
5. Guide Rail: Tracks that ensure the
elevator car remains aligned within the
hoistway.
6. Shaft/Hoistway: The vertical space
through which the elevator travels.
7. Penthouse: The structure housing
elevator machinery, typically located at
the top of the building.
8. Elevator Pit: The area at the bottom of the hoistway, containing the
power unit and balancing the elevator’s load.
9. Control Equipment: The electrical panel used to control the elevator’s
operation and functions.
Other parts of Electric Elevators

1. Control Panel: Manages elevator operation through an electrical

controller.
2. Motor Generators: Control motor acceleration, speed, deceleration,
and stopping.
3. Guide Shoes / Guide Rail: Maintain stability and alignment of the
elevator car.
4. Compensating Chain: Balances the weight of the hoist rope for
smoother operation.
5. Buffer: Stops the elevator or counterweights if they exceed travel
limits. Types include spring and oil buffers.
6. Governor: Mechanical device that controls the elevator’s speed to
prevent excessive motion.
7. Secondary Sheave: Pulley system in gearless machines to ensure rope
tension.
8. Safety Mechanism: Secures the elevator car in emergencies; invented
by Elisha Otis.
9. Limit Switches: Automatically stop the elevator at predefined limits.
10. Operating Device: Interface (buttons or touchscreen) for user control.

Hydraulic Elevator Major Parts

1. Car/Cab: The platform for transporting

passengers or goods.
2. Plunger: The hydraulic mechanism that moves the
car.
3. Spring Buffer: Absorbs shock at the end of travel.
4. Guide Shoes: Keep the car aligned in the shaft.
5. Guide Rails: Vertical tracks for the guide shoes.
6. Shaft / Hoistway: The vertical space for elevator
movement.

Additional Parts
7. Elevator Machine Room: Houses the hydraulic pump
and motor.
8. Elevator Pit: The space at the bottom of the shaft.
9. Control System: Regulates the hydraulic jack for
smooth operation.
Other Components

1. Floor Stop & Limit Switch: Ensures correct stopping.

2. Creepage & Leveling Car Switch: Levels the car with floors.
3. Car Gate Switch: Prevents operation when the gate is open.
4. Gate Valve: Controls hydraulic fluid flow.
5. Controller: Manages elevator operation.
6. Motor & Pump with Tank: Powers the hydraulic system.

B. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

HVAC systems are integral to maintaining indoor comfort by controlling

temperature, humidity, and air quality.

1. Window Air Conditioning Units (WACU)

WACUs are compact, standalone units used for cooling individual
rooms, offering an energy-efficient solution for smaller spaces.

2. Split and Multi-Split Systems

These systems consist of multiple indoor units connected to a single
outdoor unit, offering efficient, zoned temperature control suitable
for medium to large buildings.

3. Centralized Air Conditioning

Centralized systems provide comprehensive climate control for large
buildings by circulating cooled or heated air from a central unit,
ensuring uniform comfort across all areas.

Types of Air Conditioning (AC)

1. Window Air Conditioning Unit (WACU)

Typically installed through a wall or above a window (2.10m), WACUs
are self-contained units that cool small spaces efficiently.

2. Split Type / Multi-Split AC

○ Split Type: Includes a ceiling-mounted cassette, wall-mounted,

or freestanding unit.
○ Multi-Split: A single outside unit serves multiple inside units,
offering higher efficiency.
 ○ Components:
■ Inside Unit: Air Handling Unit (AHU), Cassette, Wall
Mounted, or Floor Mounted.
■ Outside Unit: Air Cooled Condensing Unit (ACCU), Tonner.
■ Cooling Process: Freon circulates between the evaporator
and condenser, cooling the air.
3. Centralized Air Conditioning
This system includes a mechanical room with a chiller, air handling
units (AHUs), and a cooling tower on the roof for heat removal.

Types of Cooling

● Passive Cooling: Uses natural ventilation, typically in spaces with a

2.70m floor-to-ceiling height.
● Active Cooling: Uses artificial ventilation, typically in spaces with a
2.40m floor-to-ceiling height.

Parts of a Window AC

● Inside: Evaporator Coil, Blower.

● Outside: Condenser Coil, Fan, Expansion Valve, Compressor, Freon.

How WACU Works

The WACU uses a cycle where Freon is compressed and expanded to cool
air, then circulated by a blower.

Parts of Split & Multi-Split AC

● Inside Unit: AHU (Cassette, Wall, or Floor Mounted).

● Outside Unit: ACCU, Tonner (Multi-Split).
● Cooling Process: Freon circulates between the evaporator and
condenser, cooling the air.

Air Conditioning Systems

● Variable Air Volume (VAV): Controls room temperature via

thermostats, offering independent control for each room.
● Constant Air Volume (CAV): Temperature is less adjustable and
remains constant throughout the system.
Centralized Air Conditioning Operation
The cooling tower removes heat, and the chiller cools the Freon. AHUs
distribute the cooled air through ducts to each room.

Other Cooling Features

● Flue Pipe: Exhausts gases from the building, particularly from

kitchens and restrooms.
● Air Curtain: Positioned above doors to prevent pollution, insects, and
retain cool air inside.

Sprinkler System in Buildings

The sprinkler system is a crucial fire safety feature in buildings, designed to

automatically detect fires and suppress or extinguish flames. It consists of
pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads that release water when activated by
heat.

There are different types of sprinkler systems, including:

● Wet Pipe Systems: Water-filled pipes activated by heat.

● Dry Pipe Systems: Pressurized air in pipes, with water released when
triggered.
● Pre-action Systems: Requires two triggers to release water.
● Deluge Systems: Releases water from all heads simultaneously.

Sprinkler systems help protect lives and property by minimizing fire

damage, and they are often integrated with other fire safety measures like
alarms and smoke detectors. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure
their effectiveness.