Building Automation System – BAS

Building Automation System – BAS

EMS stands for Energy Management System. As per the old school of thought EMS is a combination of hardware and software that helps you to:

1.    Monitor - Regular collection of information on energy consumption to establish a basis for energy management and explain deviations from targets.

2.    Analyze - An information system that stores and analyzes energy-consumption data. It helps you identify trends as to how energy was used at various production levels of a manufacturing process or ambient temperature for a building.

3.    Target - Setting targets to reduce or control energy consumption based on an appropriate standard or benchmark.

4.    Control – Implementing management and technological measures to correct any variances from the target. This is a conservative definition of an EMS system and is primarily centered on technology.

5.    Engagement - According to the improved approach, an Energy Management System (EMS) is people-centric. It is incomplete without “Engagement”. The main objective of engagement is to connect user’s actions with energy consumption. By displaying real-time consumption information, users see the immediate impact of their actions. Letting users know their real-time consumption alone can be responsible for a substantial reduction in energy consumption. Usually, customers think that installing an EMS system will itself reduce their energy consumption. This is an incorrect view. An EMS has limited capability of reducing consumption until it is supported by the commitment from people running it. EMS must be supported by proper utilization of the analyzed data. The hardware and software will only be of a limited utility without a supporting management program. You can also delegate this work to an external consultant, who can help you achieve the desired results.

6.     System Architecture – An EMS consists of smart energy meters, sensors, and devices that monitor energy consumption and factors effecting consumption. These devices transmit data over wired or wireless network to a central server. An interactive application helps you in analyzing and reporting information, while engaging users (BAS).

A building automation system (BAS) manages the HVAC system, lighting and other equipment. The BAS observes the building’s schedule and any load changes, allowing it to subsequently modify levels as needed, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for occupants always.

Integrated building automation offers benefits in many areas including limiting environmental impact, saving on energy costs and improving building security and safety. The systems not only regulate building functions, they compile data to help building managers determine ways to further cut costs and increase the efficiency and comfort of their buildings.

Energy Savings

it is estimated that a BAS can save a business between 5% and 30% on utility costs by

managing HVAC and lighting systems. HVAC and lighting are the two largest users of energy in modern buildings and are usually the first systems to be automated. Wireless BAS systems can monitor every zone of the building and make instant adjustments to maintain comfort while lowering energy usage. Lighting can be reduced remotely in areas of the building that are not occupied which also cuts energy costs.

Environmental Impact

By reducing the energy usage of a building, a BAS also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. A BAS can be integrated into plumbing systems to monitor and reduce water usage. By eliminating waste, these systems help buildings use resources more efficiently and reduce their impact on the environment. The systems also allow third parties, like government agencies, to collect data and validate the amount of energy consumed by the building.

Improved Security

The need for security depends on the nature of the business conducted in the building. A BAS can be programmed to lock doors and turn off lights at a designated time. Should an employee wish to access the building after that time, a key card will allow access and the system will turn on the lights in the area where the employee is working, but nowhere else. The system can also be programmed to control exterior lights in parking lots and security cameras. Should a security breach occur, the system will notify appropriate personnel?

Building Maintenance

In addition to monitoring energy usage, an integrated BAS monitors and collects data from all the zones in the building and reports the results on the system's computer. By reviewing the information provided by the BAS, an operator can identify and diagnose operational problems early without having to send a technician to locate it. Finding operational problems early and correcting them saves on the cost of building maintenance and prevents breakdowns which can interrupt business operations.

Operator Convenience

Many BASES can be accessed from any location with an internet connection so building operators do not have to be on site to access building data. Facilities with more than one building can integrate the systems of all the buildings onto a single front end computer which allows an operator to monitor the entire facility from a single source. Since the system provides the data to diagnose problems, it saves money by reducing the number of employees required to provide building maintenance.

There are many benefits to businesses from the use of BAS in their facilities and each system can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual company. Smart buildings help any business operate more efficiently while providing high levels of comfort and convenience to building operators and tenants.

esmsconsulting@naderawas.com