Many of us have heard about the advantages of implementing a building management system (BMS) when it comes to automating building features, increasing physical security and saving time.
\nBut what we often miss are the hidden benefits, such as lower energy consumption and resulting cost and resource optimization. The components and systems of building automation, in particular for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and renewables, offer the possibility to increase buildings\u2019 energy efficiency and optimize energy consumption even further than originally intended.<\/p>\n
Defining the building\u2019s electric energy consumption profile<\/strong><\/p>\n Every building has an electric energy consumption profile and a production profile as well if it uses renewable energy sources like photovoltaic or solar thermal systems. These consumption profiles are determined by the building\u2019s internal processes: heating, cooling, lighting, and internal loads. Once they are properly defined, they provide freedom for optimization purposes.<\/p>\n Starting points for optimizing energy processes in order to increase energy efficiency<\/strong><\/p>\n After defining the building\u2019s energy profile, building operators can start optimizing its processes for increased efficiency:<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0monitoring<\/strong>\u00a0energy consumption in various systems and detecting improvements or faults in the system: heating or cooling demand at the same time in different areas of the building, systems that are permanently running, broken valves, unnecessary lighting and so on.<\/p>\n