2. Introduction
•Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) control the functions of
building, allowing a smooth operation and efficient functioning of the
building.
•The IEA (1997) uses the following description of a BEMS:
“an electrical control and monitoring system that has the ability to
to control monitoring points and an operator terminal. The system can have
attributes from all facets of building control and management functions such as
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to lighting, fire alarm system,
security, maintenance and energy management.”
• Another common description is that BEMSs are control systems for
individual buildings or groups of buildings that use computers and
distributed microprocessors for monitoring, data storage and
communication.
•Other terms frequently used for this technology are Building
System (BMS) and Energy Management System (EMS).
3. BEMS technology is a broad concept of building control, and can have a
variety of characteristics.
However, the term BEMS is limited to use for sophisticated and advanced
control systems (IEA, 1997). Therefore, while all buildings require and have
some form of control system, BEMS technology is substantially different
from previous control systems.
The main point in which a BEMS differs from other control systems is the
characteristic of communication:
• Information of the processes and functions of the building can be
received and controlled at a central, single operating unit. Therefore,
decisions can be made based upon the received information (IEA, 1997).
•It allows for optimization of the system.
For instance, the central and single operating unit can receive
information of temperature and building occupancy and can make the
decision to lower the temperature in parts of the building that are not
occupied. These decisions, therefore can increase energy efficiency.
4. Figure illustrates a possible BEMS configuration in which multiple buildings
are connected to each other and are connected via the internet to a central
operating unit to allow smooth cooperation among the buildings and
increase efficiency. Increased cooperation among different buildings
through the BEMS allows for additional increased energy efficiency, as
functions of the different buildings can be coupled.
5. Several common functional capabilities of Building Energy
Management Systems:
(Source: MOD, 2001)
Optimisation of building and plant operations.
Provision of energy management information.
Remote monitoring and control of services and functions of one
several buildings.
Possibility of automatic control of services and functions. For
instance, automatic switch-on, switch-off of appliances.
Monitoring of building status and environmental conditions.
6. Common benefits from the use of a BEMS (IEA, MOD, 2001)
•Increased energy efficiency
•Improved environmental conditions
•More efficient use of staff
•Improved fire, security and other emergency procedures
•Improved standards of plant/building functioning
•Improved management of the building
7. Disadvantages:
•Higher initial costs for design and installation.
•Operation and maintenance costs might be higher compared to
simpler management systems. However, the BEMS is also capable
of reducing overall costs through improved energy efficiency and
more efficient use of staff.
•Need for a skilled operator.
•requires commitment at all levels throughout its operational life
to maintain maximum effectiveness.