With most of the world relying heavily on modern technology and the latest trends to assist us in our day to day living, it is no surprise that building automation is becoming an essential implementation in a growing number of commercial and industrial buildings.
Over the years, it has been referred to as Energy Management System, Building Automation, hvac controls or simply System Controls. Whatever term you may be familiar with, it all basically represents the same thing; complete system integration and control.
It is no wonder that several terms have been used to describe System Controls. Each term encompasses the essence of it.
Energy Management Systems, or EMS
The main concern for any savvy building owner or property manager is the bottom line. Integrating multiple systems for ease of use and control has several benefits within itself, however, how will it benefit you in the long term. Installing an Energy Management System, not only allows you to monitor and analyze your energy expenditures, it also allows you to identify and notify you of any potential energy inefficiencies in order to resolve the issue prior to energy loss. At the end of the day, it all results to the same thing; energy savings.
Building Automation
Imagine customizing your entire system to fulfill your exact needs and expectations, regardless of equipment, manufacturer or service. Building Automation allows you to integrate a variety of different HVAC equipment systems and manufacturers under one Automated controls system. This also includes lighting, irrigation, HVAC equipment such as chillers, cooling towers, pumps, boilers, VAV boxes and package units. Add into the mix fire prevention and connecting directly with security and you have a complete integrated building automation all at your fingertips.
System Controls
Customizing your occupied hours according to the demands of your clients needs is the first step in energy efficiency. System controls has the capability of forecasting the optimal time to start lowering set points during peak times or raising set points during off peak times. A second option controls automation allows you to take advantage of is the capability to set a controlled set-point throughout the building. If clients are looking to come in to use their office space during off peak times, then they are able to be billed accordingly. Specific performance data reports are able to calculate the exact energy expenditure for each area.
Web browser interfaces allows the user to remotely manage their system controls throughout multiple locations.
Demand Control Ventilation(DCV) is also monitored and adjusted as needed to optimize energy reductions. Overall, the capability to be able to view your complete system performance through a 360 degree view of your building on your computer, tablet or phone is an invaluable service that system controls offers.
Optimally, with a thorough inspection of your current HVAC system, also known as an energy audit, the first step is identifying the inefficient equipment that is draining your energy savings. Once the equipment is identified and replaced or updated, the next step would be to install your customized building automation system. The proper HVAC controls will enable you to manage your whole building as you see fit in order to significantly reduce energy costs in every area of your building. With such an integration, not only is the convenience factor significant, the increase in energy savings can be quite beneficial. So beneficial in fact that certain case studies performed when installing I-VU controls showed up to a 70% savings in energy costs!
Contact AC Power & Comfort today to schedule your complimentary building automation consultation!
