The features and benefits of a Building Energy Management System

Building operators are under constant pressure to reduce operating costs and maintain satisfactory conditions within their buildings. By installing a BMS, energy savings can be maximised whilst the efficiency of the running of the building can be significantly improved. The following control routines are some of the measures that a BMS can provide to assist with this improvement:

Optimum Start
The time that the plant starts is varied so that the required temperature is provided at the start of occupancy, avoiding unnecessary use of energy.

Optimum Stop
This allows the plant to be stopped prior to the end of occupancy without the occupants noticing any deterioration in conditions, saving energy.

Compensated Circuits
During occupancy, the temperature of the heating medium can be altered to match the outdoor ambient conditions. For example, if it is cold outside the heating medium will be warmer, improving comfort conditions.

Rotation and Sequencing
Multiple items of plant such as boilers or chillers can have their enabling signals sequenced and/or rotated. The load will be satisfied with equal run time operation for all of the plant.

Energy Monitoring
Utility meters can be monitored to provide information graphically on the energy usage. Monitoring and targeting of energy usage allows the operator to see where and when the energy is being used, optimise available resources, save energy and running costs.

Ease of Use
Prompts are provided to allow the user quick and easy access to system information such as temperatures and plant status. Dedicated push buttons are provided for altering operating parameters such as extensions or overrides.

Data Logs
Information such as temperature, humidity, pressure, energy consumption can be stored at user defined intervals and retained for future use. This allows the user to analyse past performance and fine tune building control programmes.

Alarm Logs
Any alarm generated by equipment or out of limit temperatures can be viewed locally at the controller or remotely at a PC. The logs can also be used to monitor automatic overrides and user facilities.

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