Some building automation systems are equipped with interactive floor plans that change color as rooms deviate from setpoints.
A Building Automation System (BAS) is more than just a graphical interface for building owners and property managers to monitor mechanical systems: security, HVAC, lighting, security systems, elevators, and more. While this may have been true 10-15 years ago, newer BAS systems offer increased functionality that, when used properly, can be a powerful tool used to reduce maintenance and energy costs. Remember, a BAS is only as good as its operator.
The Not-So-Secret Secret to Building Automation System (BAS) Operation
Today, building operating systems provide end users with a one-stop shop of sorts for building and mechanical operations.
- Operators can add advanced links to graphics that can access information to related systems or provide additional information about the current system being viewed.
- Some building automation systems are equipped with interactive floor plans that change color as rooms deviate from setpoints, giving the end user invaluable and up-to-the-minute actionable data.
- Operators can run a report and set alarms on room temperatures, as well as build virtual setpoints and calculations for minimum, maximum, and average temperatures for specific rooms.
- Users can perform a virtual test of terminal units during unoccupied hours weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. Once complete, the BAS generates a report, pinpointing terminal units that require attention.
- Users can input the optimal ranges for control valves and receive notifications when the maximum valve command is too high or too low.
- Automatic trend logs should be set up for 24 hours to up to three days, as longer timelines on a graph are difficult to easily notice any issues. Furthermore, over-trending can deplete system memory, while under-trending fails to show enough information.
- When tight temperature or humidity control is critical and the BAS only can only trend at a minimum of every minute, change of value (COV) trending is the best solution.
Maximize Commercial Facility Efficiency with Mechanical Contractor, Crockett Facilities Services
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) will evaluate the performance of your Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS) to identify and implement both operational improvements and energy efficiency measures. We re-tune sensor and actuator calibration, HVAC scheduling and temperature/pressure set points to obtain maximum system efficiency.
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To learn more about how Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. can assist your and Building Automation efforts, please contact CFSI at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com.
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Sources:
A Gameplan for Building Automation Systems and Energy Efficiency