Saving energy through intelligent networking
Bus systems and energy IT are key ways of monitoring power consumption
Tougher demands in terms of building energy efficiency are leading to greater interest in building automation systems. Intelligent systems for building services offer the promise of long-term energy savings coupled with a rapid return on investment, although awareness among investors and operators is still low. New power management systems can unlock energy savings beyond those achievable with insulation and more efficient plant technology.
Summary
Networked systems for building services
Energy efficiency and cost-cutting are the key objectives of standardised installation bus systems like KNX, LON and BACnet. Frequently deployed in mixed installations, these systems control lighting, solar shading, space heating and air conditioning in green buildings, as well as equipment such as boilers and cooling or ventilation systems. These electronic helping hands can be programmed using a central control unit connected via gateways. Intelligent systems for building services are modular in structure, allowing new functionality to be added as required. They can also be reprogrammed to accommodate different space layouts and user requirements.
Energy-saving applications for bus systems
- Heating: The heating system controls the temperature for each room separately depending on usage and specific requirements (individual room control)
- Blinds: Blinds and shutters are controlled according to brightness, time of day and demand
- Climate control: Heating, ventilation and blinds work together to create an energy-optimised, comfortable indoor environment
- Lighting: Custom control of lighting with intelligent, energy-efficient light management
- Energy management: Automatic use of cheaper electricity tariffs for equipment with high power consumption
- Timing: Time-dependent management of lighting, heating, blinds, shutters and household appliances
A 2008 study commissioned by KNX Deutschland clearly illustrated the energy-saving potential of room and building automation systems for the first time:
- Source: German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (ZVEI)
Power monitoring
Automated power monitoring systems featuring M-BUS technology are an easy, cost-effective way of collecting consumption data. All energy cycles within the building are documented and evaluated as the first step towards making systematic energy savings.
Smart metering
Since 1 January 2010, electricity suppliers in the EU are legally obliged to fit smart meters in new builds and total refurbishments. A smart meter is an advanced meter that communicates information back to the energy provider. Not only do these meters show consumers their power consumption in real time, they also make it easier to analyse the data so that specific measures can be taken to save energy. In future, smart meters will enable precision monitoring of power consumption.
Energy-saving packages featuring environmentally friendly energy sources
What makes smart meters even more compelling is the fact that from the end of December 2010, power companies in the EU must offer a variable electricity tariff or one that depends on the time of day. Like with a call-by-call system, in future consumers will be able to select an individual tariff package from a wide range of available tariffs. As well as seeing how much electricity they are consuming and when, consumers can change their behaviour towards consuming power when energy is cheaper. For businesses, smart metering facilitates effective management of potential energy savings while also making it easier to incorporate renewable energy sources into their energy cycle.
- Smart metering and new electricity products with tariffs that vary according to usage and the time of day give companies the opportunity to manage potential energy savings effectively and incorporate renewable energy sources into their energy cycle.
Source: Intercon
Energy performance contracting
This type of performance contract is an arrangement between a building owner and a qualified energy services company, the contractor. The latter invests in and implements energy-saving measures within the building, recovering the cost by way of the building’s reduced energy bills. Guaranteed energy savings are a key feature of energy performance contracting. As a benchmark, the contractor sets a minimum savings target with regard to energy consumption and costs. If the savings fall short of this figure at any time, the contractor must pay the customer the difference between the energy savings achieved and those guaranteed.
The owner of the building therefore bears no risk, does not have to fund the investment and yet still benefits from an energy-efficient building. As a consequence, companies with annual energy costs exceeding 80,000 euros are increasingly opting for energy performance contracting.
"A Green Building Monitor" for the lobby
Tracking energy use is big news. A Green Building Monitor can now track a building’s energy use and performance data and display it publicly. The screen provides an exciting medium for companies to showcase their environmental credentials and the progress they have made in boosting a building’s energy efficiency. At the same time, visitors and employees are made more aware of the need to use resources responsibly.
