MSE Audio has revealed that its IP-based PoE technology devices are reducing power usage at the historic Sinclair hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, with over 7,000 ports installed into its 165 rooms. Virtually every electronics system at the luxury venue is based on PoE devices, including lighting, motorised shades and curtains, door locks, fibre GPON connectivity, mini fridges, USB-C charging outlets, HVAC, smart bathroom mirrors, loudspeakers and more.
The Sinclair, Autograph Collection opened in early 2020, and it can now be revealed that adopting PoE protocols reduced the hotel’s power usage by 35%
To fulfill their energy efficiency goals, Sinclair Holdings worked with their vendor partners to use devices that could be powered over ethernet (PoE), and allowed communication and power to be distributed on a single cable. This eliminated typical energy inefficiencies when low voltage DC devices, like lights and window shades, are powered with high voltage AC power. While powering all systems with PoE creates greater energy efficiency, it also places all the endpoints on a network where management and intelligent communication can take place. Through their efforts using PoE technology, the Sinclair Hotel saves about 35% energy consumption compared to a hotel designed with traditional AC power.
“We knew that we wanted an upscale audio visual experience on the rooftop that matched the other spaces within the hotel like the Wicked Butcher Steakhouse in the basement,“ said Hannah Walker, technology designer for Sinclair Holdings. “It was very important that our vision of energy efficiency did not disrupt or give the guest a lesser experience in any of our spaces.
“When we were working on the rooftop bar, we looked for PoE speakers because of our energy initiatives. Our low voltage contractor, Terra Bridge, recommended MSE Audio SoundTube’s IPD-SM52-EZ-WH speakers because of their quality and robust outdoor capabilities. We evaluated the speaker’s aesthetics along with their sonic performance as we needed to ensure the sound quality could withstand wind interference. This was our first installation of the MSE Audio speakers, and we’ve been thrilled with their audio quality
While Sinclair Holding’s goal was to create an energy efficient hotel, the result has become a sustainable model for reduced energy consumption. “It was never our [original] end goal to be sustainable,” said Walker. “We just wanted everything we were doing to be way more efficient”. With a 40% reduction in power usage and the elimination of most electrical installation labor during construction, the PoE system created may become the new direction of how electrical systems are built worldwide.
