How to Maximize Energy Savings Using BEMS
Step 1: Optimize HVAC Setpoints
Properly setting temperature and humidity levels can significantly reduce energy use. Begin by reviewing your heating and cooling setpoints.
Heating Setpoints
Lower the winter heating setpoint to 19°C to save energy while maintaining comfort. Higher temperatures, such as 21°C, can drastically increase heating costs.
Cooling Setpoints
During summer, raise the cooling setpoint to 24°C. This reduces the workload on your air conditioning systems without sacrificing occupant comfort.
Humidity Levels
Maintain relative humidity between 40–60%. Use sensors to avoid over-humidifying or dehumidifying, which wastes energy.
Step 2: Adjust HVAC Schedules
Your BEMS allows you to create and automate time-based schedules. Leverage this feature to align HVAC operations with building occupancy.
Analyze Occupancy Patterns
Use BEMS data to determine peak occupancy hours and adjust HVAC schedules accordingly.
Program Start and Stop Times
Set the HVAC to start 30 minutes before occupants arrive and shut down 30 minutes after they leave.
Zone-Specific Schedules
For spaces like meeting rooms, apply shorter schedules aligned with booked times, while storage areas can remain unconditioned.
Use Holiday Modes
Activate holiday or unoccupied schedules during weekends or public holidays to minimize energy use.
Step 3: Leverage Demand-Led Control
Demand-based strategies optimize system performance by responding to real-time conditions.
Use CO₂ Sensors
Adjust ventilation rates dynamically based on occupancy. For instance, reduce airflow in sparsely occupied zones to save energy.
Room-Specific Heating and Cooling
Use occupancy sensors to ensure HVAC systems only operate in areas where people are present.
Review Demand Trends
Analyze demand-led data from your BEMS to identify low-occupancy zones and adjust settings for those areas.
Step 4: Implement Free Cooling and Night Purge
Use natural cooling strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
Free Cooling
When outdoor temperatures are cooler than indoor conditions, bypass chillers to bring in fresh air. This is particularly effective in spring and autumn.
Night Purge
In summer, program the system to ventilate the building with cool nighttime air to precondition spaces before the workday starts.
Set Automatic Controls
Configure your BEMS to switch between free cooling and mechanical cooling based on temperature thresholds.
Step 5: Analyze System Data
Your BEMS collects valuable data that can help identify inefficiencies.
Monitor Trends
Review daily and weekly energy consumption patterns. Look for anomalies, such as unexpected spikes during unoccupied hours.
Set Alarms for Key Issues
Program alarms for critical inefficiencies like simultaneous heating and cooling, stuck dampers, or high CO₂ levels.
Benchmark Performance
Compare current energy data with historical usage to evaluate the impact of optimizations.
Step 6: Maintain Equipment for Optimal Performance
Routine maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently and reduces unnecessary energy use.
Clean or Replace Filters
Dirty air filters increase energy consumption by forcing HVAC systems to work harder. Inspect and clean filters regularly.
Inspect Dampers and Actuators
Ensure all moving parts are operating correctly to avoid energy waste caused by stuck or leaking dampers.
Calibrate Sensors
Regularly calibrate temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors to maintain accurate control.
Step 7: Use Energy-Saving Modes
Energy-saving modes help reduce consumption during periods of low activity.
Eco Mode
Program HVAC systems to switch to energy-saving settings during off-peak hours. For instance, set the cooling temperature to 25°C overnight.
Load Shedding
Automatically turn off non-critical equipment during peak pricing periods to avoid excessive energy costs.
Step 8: Upgrade Critical Components
Replacing outdated or inefficient components can lead to long-term energy savings.
Install Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
Use VSDs on pumps and fans to match output with demand, significantly reducing energy use at partial loads.
Upgrade Boilers and Chillers
High-efficiency models use less energy and perform better under varying conditions.
Step 9: Train Your Team
Ensure your facilities management team is equipped to make the most of your BEMS.
Conduct Regular Training
Provide staff with hands-on experience in using the BEMS interface, adjusting schedules, and responding to alarms.
Host Optimization Workshops
Collaborate with key stakeholders to explore further opportunities for energy savings.
Step 10: Evaluate and Refine
Energy optimization is an ongoing process. Regularly review system performance and refine settings as needed.
Schedule Regular Audits
Use your BEMS data to identify areas for further improvement, such as underperforming zones or equipment.
Incorporate Feedback
Gather input from building occupants to balance comfort with energy efficiency.
