[ Spotlight: BMS ]
and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). The amount of energy that can actually be saved from a BMS usually depends on how it is configured, but Andy Westmorland, technical consultant at Sontay, says: ‘Depending on whether the installation is a new build or a refurbishment, typically energy savings can be between 10 and 30 per cent.’
BMS v BEMS
The last few years has also seen the emergence of the close relative of the BMS – the building energy management system (BEMS). However, the two terms are often used to mean the same thing – so, what’s the real difference? Put simply, a BEMS is very similar to a BMS but, as the name suggests, focuses specifically on energy-based building services rather than items such as fire detection and security systems. Nowadays, the desire for energy management is often the primary driver for having these types of systems in place, and as the technology develops, they are able to monitor and manage all the components of a building’s infrastructure.
Station to station
Both BMS and BEMS calculate the preset requirements of a building and control its connected plant to meet its defined needs. Inputs such as temperature sensors, and outputs such as on/off signals are connected into outstations around a building.
The level of control provided is dependent upon the information received from the sensors and the way in which the system’s programmes are configured to respond to that data. As well as offering a precise degree of control to a building’s environment, it can be made to warn of individual items of plant failure and provide notification of alarm situations.
The various devices are usually linked together via a
particular technical standard. Ian Ellis, marketing manager at Siemens Building Technologies, states: ‘Open systems are now the norm, with protocols such as KNX, BACnet and LonWorks being used to ensure interaction between devices from different manufacturers, therefore allowing building users to have one system controlling their whole facility.’
A matter of protocol
Out of all the open systems interconnection (OSI) protocols, KNX has emerged as the dominant building management standard, and has enabled the wider use of products and systems that are more energy efficient. Contractors are now able to install a variety of off-the-shelf components that are truly interoperable. Christian Schiemann, LBU manager KNX/EWA at ABB, comments: ‘KNX can communicate with every BMS system on the market and offers planners, installers and operators a wide choice of solutions. KNX also reduces the amount of cabling run in a building, as well as the installation and maintenance costs.’ However, OSI systems can be tricky to implement. David Compton, Ex-Or’s product marketing manager, warns: ‘Standards can play a part but one size does not fit all. Many proprietary systems offer simpler implementations of the most important functions.’
There is a growing
realisation that monitoring and controlling energy use is the most effective way of making immediate savings
Aston Villa Football Club Back of the net
Formed in 1874, Aston Villa Football Club is steeped in history and its home ground, Villa Park, is one of the largest football stadiums in the country. Villa Park utilises a BEMS from Trend Controls, which allows the stadium’s maintenance manager, Josh Tooth, to quickly and easily adjust the set points of its facilities to suit specific requirements. He explains: ‘The BEMS is used primarily for the control of HVAC and lighting. It is also used at the training complex, located 10 miles away near Tamworth, and at our own pub next to the ground. These locations are connected through Ethernet links, which means that they can be monitored and controlled all at once.’
In order to have 24/7 access to all the energy usage data supplied by the BEMS, and to make adjustments where necessary, a Trend Controls 963 Supervisor has been installed. This is a graphical, real-time device that acts as a window to the BEMS and is connected via a local area network. A standard internet browser allows users to directly interface with its software through a variety of devices and in the event of a system malfunction or the activation of critical alarms a text message will be sent detailing the problem. The Trend BEMS plays a vital role in achieving energy reductions and lowering carbon emissions at the site, helping Aston Villa to meet is corporate social responsibility objectives. Tooth states: ‘The concourse lighting used to be on throughout the day and night, even when there was no-one present. Now the BEMS switches low energy light emitting diode (LED) luminaires on at certain times, while later in the night it switches the system off completely. We have also installed light sensors that can identify lux levels, and if they are over a specified figure the lighting does not switch on.’
July 2012 ECA Today 31
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