High-Performance Buildings & Automation

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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.

This month’s Facility File will focus on the B2B March test for the commercial building energy retrofit HVAC application.

It’s not necessarily a plug-and-play situation, but these chillers can play key roles and deliver meaningful savings in several scenarios. Waste heat, CCHP, standalone, and even renewable solar as part of the refrigeration cycle can all provide the setting for absorption success.

Generally, when we think about BAS, it is in the context of large commercial buildings, those well over 25,000 sq ft. According to the latest government data though (from the 2012 Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey), 88% of all commercial buildings are 25,000 sq ft or less.

OK, before we get to that, I have some great news to pass along for readers who work with backup generators and the like.