Rejuvenating HVAC continued
Sustaining HVAC
Integration of building automation into an existing or newly constructed building is beneficial not only because it creates a modern building, but also because it addresses some of the most pressing concerns of the industry: sustainability and environmentalism.
“The most pressing topic is energy,” says Linda McDaid, market manager for Minneapolis, MN-based Honeywell Building Systems. “Owners and facility managers are asking, ‘how can my systems help me reduce energy and save money?’ The answer is by monitoring energy consumption to help make quick, effective decisions when something seems out of balance or appears to be using more energy than it should.”
Monitoring the system in such a way can be easily accomplished once the initial switch has been made from a traditional system to an automated one.
“HVAC systems are typically monitored at a front end computer—usually in the facility manager’s office,” McDaid continues.
This system can then be patched into a cell phone, PDA, or other mobile device of a facility manager’s choice. This allows for continuous monitoring of energy use, which, in turn, can help identify energy spikes and lulls.
If, for example, a facility manager programs the system so that once energy usage exceeds a certain level a message is sent to his or her PDA, a record of peak usage can be determined. If peak energy use occurs in the morning when employees are first arriving at work, the facility staff can troubleshoot the problem to reduce the amount of energy being consumed by pursuing other avenues. However, a system that has not been modernized will most likely be unable to recognize and chart the problem, and high energy bills could continue to be a mystery to the company.
“Integrated building automation and HVAC systems will give facility managers far better control and information with which to make better operational decisions,” says Duguid.
“ASHRAE is developing guidance on the proper way to evaluate the performance of efficient, healthy, and comfortable buildings, both new and existing,” adds Townsend.
In the near future facility managers can look to ASHRAE to publish new standards discussing how to become more energy efficient. The Advance Energy Design Guide Series will provide a resource that facility managers can turn to for guidance on how to manage sustainable buildings. The series will detail how to achieve 30%, 50%, and 70% toward a net-zero energy use facility.
If a facility manager is willing to be open to new ideas, his or her building will stay in good condition. By taking advantage of new technology problems can be addressed before they become major issues.
Information for this article was compiled through interviews with Duguid, Townsend, Hoffman, and McDaid. For more information on underfloor air distribution, visit www.cbe.berkeley.edu.
Have you recently installed or updated your HVAC system? Has building automation decreased energy costs or made your building easier to manage? E-mail you questions and comments to schwartz@groupc.com.
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