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Energy Management Systems (EMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS) refer to centralized, computer-based systems that monitor and control building systems and energy use. These systems vary in capability and functionality, but are all designed to give some level of centralized oversight and remote control of HVAC systems, lighting and other building systems. EMS systems can also interface with other building automation systems that control building functions such as fire and life safety, security systems, elevators and manufacturing processes in industrial facilities. Some centralized systems also provide the capability to monitor and integrate the functions of multiple buildings from a central location. The ability to conduct multi-site monitoring and control over the Internet is a rapidly emerging function and will significantly improve the management of geographically diverse operations. Some EMS also monitor and analyze energy use and costs and can help building operators manage energy costs across their entire enterprise. The table below summarizes typical functions of an EMS. EMS vendors estimate that an EMS can reduce energy bills by 10 to 20 percent while providing other valuable building management functions.
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Energy Management System Functionality
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Function
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Description
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Scheduled start/stop
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Turning equipment on and off according to a set schedule.
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Optimal start/stop
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Restart equipment at the latest possible time prior to building occupancy while still maintaining setpoint conditions.
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Temperature setback/setup, reset
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Change indoor or system temperature setpoints according to building occupancy patterns or other variables such as outdoor air temperature.
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Economizer control
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Use “free cooling” from outdoors whenever conditions are suitable.
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Equipment optimization
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Optimize operation of sophisticated HVAC equipment such as central chillers in order to balance operation against loads.
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Demand limiting
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Shed loads according to a load shedding regime when building peak electrical demand approaches a pre-set limit.
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Duty cycling
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Cycle equipment on and off according to an established schedule to reduce energy use or for demand shedding.
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Status monitoring and alarm
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Monitoring of equipment operating parameters such as on/off status, temperatures, and pressures, and alarm notification of equipment failures or out-of-bounds operating conditions.
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Energy use and demand monitoring
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Monitoring and reporting of energy use and peak demand by time interval. A potentially important attribute of multi-site energy management.
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Maintenance history reporting
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Logging and reporting of equipment failure, downtime and maintenance histories.
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Trend logging and reporting
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Trend logging of a variety of parameters such as energy use and demand, equipment run time, and temperature.
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More energy management systems and controls answers
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