Building Management Systems (BMS) are most commonly installed in large buildings but with advances in technology, are very cost effective in even the smallest of buildings. Their function is to manage the environment within the building by time of day operation, temperature settings, carbon dioxide levels and humidity levels. BMS systems also control heating and cooling, manage the systems that distribute this air throughout the building (for example, by operating fans or opening/closing dampers), and then locally control the mixture of heating and cooling to achieve the desired room temperature. A secondary function is to monitor the level of human-generated CO2, mixing in fresh, outside air with waste air to increase the amount of oxygen while also minimizing heating and cooling losses.
Mechanical systems linked to a BMS typically represent 40%-50% of a building’s energy usage; if lighting is included, this number could approach 70%. Thus, BMS systems are a critical component to managing energy demand. Improperly configured BMS systems are believed to account for 20% of building energy usage, or approximately 8% of total energy usage in the United States.
As well as controlling the building’s internal environment, BMS systems are sometimes linked to access control (turnstiles and access doors which control 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 example, if a fire is detected then the system could shut off the dampers in the ventilation system to stop smoke from spreading, send all elevators to the ground floor, and park them to prevent usage.
ConServ, the service division of BCH provides full turnkey installation and service of controls, including Honeywell, Trane, Alerton, and Johnson, among others. Web-based solutions by Honeywell are most prominent in our design/build applications due to their clean and simple installations, robust applications, and non-proprietary
flexibility so as not to lock in the building owner.
BCH Mechanical has been a trusted name in Florida construction since 1976, delivering innovative design, high quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. BCH capabilities include HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, piping, sheet metal, LEED, Design/Build, 3D-CAD/BIM coordination, and HVAC service. Visit BCH on the web: www.bchmechanical.com.