Enbala Power Networks and NorthWrite Inc. have announced a new partnership through which the Symphony by Enbala distributed energy resource (DER) management platform will integrate with NorthWrite’s Agile Volt building management system.
Energy efficiency is driving innovation in policies, practices, and technologies, and with that is becoming much more significant to our economy, noted speakers at the 2016 Energy Efficiency Forum, held at the National Press Club in Washington, District of Columbia, cosponsored by Johnson Controls and the U.S. Energy Association.
United Technologies announced a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Designed to provide visitors a new way to interact with current and emerging building technologies, the facility will also serve as the global headquarters for UTC Climate, Controls & Security.
As information and operational technologies converge, sensors play a crucial role in facilitating intelligent building solutions that can provide actionable insight through data-driven tools, notes Navigant Research. Wireless connectivity expands these sensor capabilities.
ABB demonstrated advanced occupant tracking sensors from PointGrab — in which ABB’s Technology Ventures arm made an investment in December 2015 — at Light+Building 2016. PointGrab uses edge-analytics connected sensors to deliver actionable occupant tracking information for smart homes and buildings.
Located in Zuidas, Europe’s fastest growing business and knowledge district, The Edge in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is heralded as the world’s most sustainable office building. Officially opened in May 2015, this 40,000-square-meter, multi-tenant, Class A office building was conceived by OVG Real Estate.
With another AHR Expo in the books, it’s clear that even though the industry is gradually progressing, overall it’s ripe for innovation. Four areas in particular stand out where forward-thinking manufacturers can have a powerful impact.
By providing data that can improve building performance, advanced sensors play a critical role in transforming regular facilities into intelligent buildings, notes Navigant Research. These devices can strengthen the operations of specific building systems, such as HVAC and lighting, but also support more comprehensive business strategies.
As building energy management systems (BEMS) gain greater market penetration, building control algorithms are beginning to provide data beyond energy efficiency, including details on space utilization and operational efficiency.