Feature
Benjamin Child | Unsplash
DIGITAL STRATEGIES FOR
SMART BUILDINGS OF THE FUTURE WITH BMS
Compiled by Benjamin Brits
With the continual advancement of cloud offerings , the internet , connectivity , and data , it would not be unrealistic to have truly integrated systems to not only create smart buildings , but smart cities and countries – and that future is here now .
Diverse building management system ( BMS ) solutions exist !
This statement may get some wondering , but the reality is that modern day technology is already capable of so much more – all that was really needed is a means for all components to ‘ speak the same language ’.
Now , to make that happen is not entirely simple because components are made by different companies , and historically each company had a certain methodology or language they want their components to use , making the ultimate goal more complex to achieve .
Today , driven by the demands of the end users , integration capability is practically a must , and will leave those companies not stepping into the future now , behind . What has changed in a big way is the mindset of the people using the building , or the building owners – they want to use technology and see how the building is working , and if everything is running as efficiently as possible .
Buildings of the future will already prepare the indoor climate based on several data points such as weather patterns and even individual preference .
IMPACT OF DIGITAL STRATEGIES For many , a digital strategy or digital migration continues to be nothing more than an item on the ‘ to-do list ’ and is also a budget agenda item that is regularly bypassed . Because this technology has evolved at such a fast pace , it would be reasonable to assume that many people don ’ t understand the significance of a digital transition , and therefore their perception of this important strategy becomes highly neglected .
This inaction , however , will ultimately result in inefficiency , or being left with little option but to try to retrofit which is a lot more costly .
As a simple explanation , a digital strategy is the adoption of ( various ) technologies to increase efficiency and optimise performance . This strategy can be applied to mechanical systems , processing , manufacturing , or entire facilities through the controllers that were discussed in the September issue of the RACA Journal , as well as the advancement of sensors and wireless connectivity .
This functionality enables forward thinkers to feel more comfortable that their company deploying technology , or their building as the owner , is further looking after the environment by ensuring the most efficient use of available resources and being able to identify in real-time anything affecting that outcome . Everyone then essentially contributes to improving a lower demand , especially in energy consumption for countries like South Africa , by making the smallest adjustments through their BMS .
FUNCTION OF A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM A building management system enables the ability to take data , that is at the mechanical plant level - as an example , and bring that into a visual platform . Historically looking back the terminology here used to be referred as MMI , or man machine interface while
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RACA Journal I November 2021 www . hvacronline . co . za