BEMS Optimisation Checklist
General System Review
- Review building occupancy patterns and update time schedules to match actual usage.
- Inspect current setpoints for temperature, humidity, and pressure to ensure they align with energy efficiency goals.
- Audit custom control logic for redundancies or inefficiencies and update as needed.
- Analyze historical trend logs to identify patterns of excessive energy use or equipment inefficiencies.
- Evaluate alarm logs for recurring faults or conditions requiring optimization.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Implement seasonal setpoint adjustments to reduce energy consumption during mild weather.
- Review and optimize HVAC system start/stop times to avoid unnecessary operation.
- Test demand-based control strategies (e.g., CO2 or occupancy-based ventilation) to minimize energy waste.
- Adjust night setback and free cooling strategies to enhance passive energy savings.
- Verify and optimize plant sequencing to ensure equipment is running at optimal load conditions.
Control System and Software
- Test control loops to ensure stable operation and eliminate excessive cycling or hunting.
- Fine-tune PID control parameters to improve system responsiveness and efficiency.
- Verify sensor readings and recalibrate devices to ensure accuracy in control responses.
- Optimize deadbands to avoid unnecessary heating and cooling conflicts.
- Check override settings and return any manually overridden equipment to automatic control where appropriate.
Graphics and Data Visualization
- Review graphical user interface layouts to ensure ease of monitoring and diagnosis.
- Add or adjust trend logs for key performance metrics, including energy use, setpoints, and system outputs.
- Ensure data points are labeled clearly and consistently for quick interpretation.
- Verify live data streams and address any lags or inconsistencies.
Networking and Communication
- Test communication between devices (e.g., controllers, sensors, actuators) to ensure reliable data exchange.
- Review network topology for bottlenecks or unnecessary latency and address as needed.
- Ensure all devices are running the latest stable firmware to improve performance and security.
- Test remote access functionality to ensure uninterrupted monitoring capabilities.
HVAC Equipment Performance
- Verify the efficiency of boilers, chillers, and heat pumps by analyzing trends and checking modulation levels.
- Optimize fan and pump speeds via VSDs to align with actual demand.
- Check air and water flow rates to ensure they match design specifications.
- Inspect dampers and valves for proper modulation and seal integrity to prevent energy losses.
- Implement plant rotation schedules to evenly distribute wear and extend equipment lifespan.
Energy Monitoring and Reporting
- Analyze energy meter data for spikes or irregularities and investigate root causes.
- Ensure sub-metering is properly configured to monitor specific equipment or areas.
- Generate reports on energy performance and identify trends for further optimization.
- Benchmark building energy use against industry standards or previous performance.
- Recommend actionable changes based on insights from energy data analysis.
Maintenance and User Engagement
- Ensure all peripheral devices (sensors, actuators, switches) are operating accurately to enable optimized control.
- Train facilities management staff on energy-saving techniques and system operation.
- Engage occupants with feedback on energy performance and comfort to encourage energy-efficient behavior.
- Schedule regular system reviews to maintain optimal performance and align with changing building needs.