Control System Solutions
Control systems, known as a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), as with all HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems) and lighting systems, vary in size and complexity. The differences in complexity can serve to provide the client with a system that, if used correctly, can ensure the optimisation of most HVAC systems. However, it can also provide areas where users can adjust settings that can have a negative impact on the operation of the system and subsequently, energy usage and user comfort.
It is important to understand how critical a good, if not a great BEMS is to an efficient and comfortable building environment. However, this also requires the HVAC system to have been designed, installed and commissioned correctly, as the BEMS can only control what plant is installed. For instance, boilers have a turn-down ratio which is dependent on the model and manufacturer. The BEMS can control the heating system to ensure that the heating system is not providing heat where the temperatures are acceptable. However, and for example, and to provide a simplistic overview, a boiler with a turn ratio that is 2:1 (operating at 50% minimum of its heat output capability), is not as efficient in operation as a boiler that has a 4:1 ratio (operating at 25% minimum of its heat output capability). The first boiler will mean that a heating system may only require 30% of the heating system output as the BEMS has closed valves to suit, the boiler will still operate at 50% of its capability. This uses more energy and may increase environmental discomfort. Thus, BEMS and the HVAC plant go together to ensure minimum energy usage and comfort of the environment
Our survey in relation to the controls systems, will include review of the system on site, setpoints, and information provided by the Operation & Maintenance manual. Our first meeting will always include a discussion surrounding the client’s current experience with the BEMS and the systems which it is controlling. This will allow us to focus on certain areas of concern, allow RPJ to make adjustments that can be made to improve the operation and where possible, improve comfort for the client. It may be that the simplest solution requires a demonstration to the client to improve their understanding of the system, and allow the BEMS to carry out its intended design function with less manual interference.
Where we believe systems are either not monitoring and managing sufficient setpoints, or where the control strategy is not adequate to provide optimised energy efficiency and comfort, we can repair or replace them. These works may in turn, highlight issues with HVAC systems that will improve the environment for the client. Our focus at all times is to provide an efficient solution for the customer, and we will always ensure this is carried out with integrity.