Building Management System

Building management system (BMS) also known as building automation system (BAS) refers to a computer-based control system that needs to be installed within buildings to monitor and regulate the building’s electrical and mechanical equipment such as power system, lighting, and ventilation to confirm sustainability. Given that the systems connected to a BMS usually represent a building’s energy use of 40%, this percentage will approach 70% in case lighting is included. It is essential for a BMS to be set up because they are critical elements to intelligently manage the energy demand, for example, electrical system plumbing, fire alarm system, heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), electric power control, and illumination control. As a result, through BMS, building management requires electronic centralized regulation of a building’s air-conditioning, ventilation and heating, lighting, and other building systems.

Bearing in mind enhanced utilities’ life cycle, decrease in energy operating costs and consumption, building systems’ efficient operation, and comfort of the occupant, the BMS objectives require to be enhanced. Consequently, control systems on the computer networking of automation instruments should be structured to control and monitor the HVAC and humidity ventilation, control systems, lighting, flood and fire safety, security, and mechanical systems within a building. Therefore, the core functionality of a BAS should be retained within the building climate in a specified range, offer fault alarms to the maintenance staff of a building, monitor device failure and performance in all building systems, and lighting to rooms based on an occupancy schedule.

CHARACTERISTICS

Building management systems are most commonly implemented in large projects with extensive mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems. Systems linked to a BMS typically represent 40% of a building’s energy usage; if lighting is included, this number approaches 70%.

In addition to controlling the building’s internal environment, BMS systems are sometimes linked to access control (turnstiles and access doors controlling who is allowed access and egress to the building) or other security systems such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) and motion detectors. Fire alarm systems and elevators are also sometimes linked to a BMS, for monitoring. In case a fire is detected then only the fire alarm panel could shut off dampers in the ventilation system to stop smoke spreading and send all the elevators to the ground floor and park them to prevent people from using them.

MAJOR SUBSYSTEMS CONTROLLED BY THE BMS ARE:

HVAC System. The duct temperature, pressure, and humidity, as well as exhaust temperature are connected to the BMS, and if their value exceeds defined limits, an alarm is generated.

Central Fume Collection, Laminar Flow Units, Dust Collection System, Central Vacuum System, Heat blowers. The BMS monitors the performance of these systems, allowing for early identification of units requiring maintenance. Sudden breakdown would signal via alarms and then appropriate action can be taken to protect the product.

Technical Steam System. Should, for instance, the pressure or temperature in the piping system fall below the defined regulatory values for clean steam, the BMS shall trigger an alarm, indicating a threat to product quality.

Hot Water System and Central Heating. Temperature and pump control monitoring via the BMS allows for a proper functioning of hot water distribution through the facility.

Chilled Water System. Control of the facility chillers could be supervised by BMS to monitor proper behaviour of the system in terms of water/coolant temperature control or pump control to assure proper distribution within the distribution loop.

Sprinkler System (for fire safety).

Electrical Monitoring System. The BMS may monitor the consumed electrical power and the state of main electrical switches.

BENEFITS
  • Effective monitoring and targeting of energy consumption
  • Occupancy sensors allow automatic setback override during unoccupied periods as well as adaptive occupancy scheduling.
  • Possibility of individual room control
  • Increased staff productivity
  • Improved plant reliability and life
  • Effective response to HVAC-related complaints
  • Lighting controls reduce unnecessary artificial lighting via motion sensors and schedules as well as by controlling daylight harvesting louvers
  • Save time and money during the maintenance