Smart moves
Jody Muelaner explores how a building management system works
and the range of equipment and systems with which it can work
as re protection and security. These
control systems are referred to as a
building management system (BMS) or a
building automation system (BAS).
Building management systems are
already well-established for large new
commercial buildings. However, even
in these applications, sub-optimal
con guration can increase energy use
by 20%. Use of BMS in smaller buildings
and even homes is now increasing as the
use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is
enabling much greater use of lower-cost
connected devices, a trend sometimes
described as the forth industrial
revolution (Industry 4.0). Within this
trend, buildings tted with a BMS are now
being referred to as ‘smart buildings’.
As well as saving energy, a BMS can
make a building safer, improve plant
reliability and life, reduce maintenance
costs and increase sta productivity. If
poorly implemented, a BMS can have
negative impacts by removing occupants’
ability to control their environment.
HVAC & LIGHTING
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
(HVAC) is generally the most powerconsuming
aspect of building
operations. A BMS allows individual
rooms to be controlled depending on
occupancy, but this may require more
responsive heating and cooling. It also
allows better use of passive heating and
cooling through the opening and closing
of windows and control of blinds and
other shades.
It is relatively straightforward to
control lighting for occupancy, since
lights can be turned on and o instantly.
Heating and cooling, however, often
have considerable lag, so they require
more careful consideration. This can
be dealt with in two fundamental ways:
rst, by using more responsive heating
ENERGY – BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
B uilding operations and
construction use more
energy than any other sector.
Energy use within buildings
accounts for about 28% of
global CO2 emissions, mostly for heating,
cooling, ventilation and lighting. It has
been estimated that better control of
energy use in buildings could save 6%
of all energy use (www.is.gd/miceva).
This energy use often represents a
signi cant cost for businesses, as well
as an opportunity to demonstrate
environmental credentials.
Better management of building
systems can dramatically reduce energy
consumption. Computer-controlled
systems are the best way to do this, with
the ability to control and monitor heating,
cooling, ventilation and lighting, as well
as less energy-intensive functions, such
42 www.operationsengineer.org.uk Autumn 2020
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