High-Performance Buildings & Automation

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The production of thermal power is critically important in carrying out the mission of health care facilities where it is used for space heating, humidification, domestic water heating, and for processes in dietary, laundry, and sterilization departments.

There is a fair amount of press about the concept of the “Internet of Things” — or as it is commonly abbreviated, IOT. The concept of IOT is simply defined as a network of physical devices. 

As an engineer there are two choices — improve the “norm” or forge ahead with something new or borrowed from previous generations.

Since the early ’80s, building automation technology  (BAS) have played an integral role in engineers’ ability to aid facility owners and operators in achieving operational efficiency, dependable comfort, and lower energy costs. However, despite significant capital investments, often times the full potential of these systems is not realized, resulting in less than optimal building performance.

One of the most important factors in the efficiency of any HVAC system is the selection and implementation of the proper control sequence of operations. 

There are many who believe that combined heat and power (CHP) will be the norm in building design for the next generation of engineers. 

Modern buildings are truly amazing structures, with highly complex and integrated building systems that are energy-efficient and sustainable. 

We have reached the point where any new (or replacement) BAS is expected to support one or more open protocols. 

We almost always think about the BAS as a tool that is a critical part of energy management, so these systems are typically focused on those systems that directly use energy — notably the HVAC and lighting systems.