Web based Software on a PC can help operators monitor HVAC systems from a central location or through Web. This allows instant operator interaction with building’s system or many systems. They can provide a picture of what is going on in the building via a computer screen. They can also change system operation from the same central location. These operations could include opening/closing valves, starting/stopping fans, changing setpoints, etc..

Networked DDC systems communicate alarm conditions to central and/or remote locations. Alarm management features help operators assess the situation and, in many cases, provide the necessary actions to take in response.

Most, if not all, DDC systems provide some type of data management and analysis tools. These utilities can be used to create trends for critical or problem areas. Commonly trended data includes temperature, pressure, humidity, time and source of operator commands, and many others. Data can be recorded by the second, for an hour, a day, or even a year or more. The resulting information can then be viewed as graphs, spreadsheets, or even customized user-defined reports. This data is persisted in the central monitoring system for later review and is critical to the proper tuning of a building’s DDC systems for optimal performance and efficiency.

Energy management should always be at the forefront of the design, operation, and maintenance of a building. PORPHYRA can help your company save money by analyzing your facility’s infrastructure offering cost effective solutions with realistic payback periods.

Listed below are some common strategies utilized in buildings today.

One of the most effective ways to improve building energy efficiency is to utilize the variable frequency drives (VFDs). … In a VFD-equipped system, the DDC adjusts the VFD speed based on the system load requirements and operation schedule using meters and sensors, resulting in a dramatic cut in energy consumption.

ASHRAE Standard 62-99 identifies the outdoor air ventilation required for indoor air quality. The traditional method of accomplishing the ventilation rates was to set the outdoor air quantity to maximum design occupancy. This can result in a tremendous waste of energy when the occupant load is not at maximum or intermittent use of the space. Carbon dioxide monitoring and control is an acceptable method of reducing ventilation rates when occupancy is below the design load. This ensures ASHRAE standards are being met and only expending the necessary amount of energy.

When the outdoor temperature and humidity are mild, economizers save energy by cooling buildings with outside air instead of by using refrigeration equipment to cool recirculated air. A properly operating economizer can cut energy costs by as much as 10 percent of a building’s total energy consumption, depending mostly on local climate and internal cooling loads.

At PORPHYRA we can help analyze your buildings HVAC systems for the most cost-effective strategy. We consider building energy load, schedules, ventilation demand, control systems then compare the cost to implement the economizer strategy against the energy savings realized.

For automatic control and for saving energy purposes, lighting systems work well with simple time scheduling – automatic switching at fixed hours of the day. Overrides allow users to turn on the lights after hours (using wall switches).

Time scheduling can be accomplished with simple standard schedule or holiday schedule or event schedule.

Some people prefer lower overhead lighting levels (especially if daylight is available). Lower light levels are often preferred for computer use, meetings or tasks that are not visually demanding. Bi-level switching control can be provided remotely. For example, in a typical 2-lamp fluorescent fixture, the second lamp is switched separately from the first lamp, allowing the operator to switch on one or two lamps. This low-cost measure can provide a simple means of load-shedding during peak hours.

Automatic daylight dimming, or “daylighting,” uses a light sensor to measure the amount of illumination in a space. Then, light output from a dimming ballast is adjusted to maintain the desired level of illumination. The combination of daylight dimming with appropriate task lighting is often very effective.

Corridors and open cubicles near windows, particularly those with task lighting, are good candidates for daylighting controls. Private offices with windows can also be equipped with individual daylight sensors. Initial commissioning and calibration of light sensors and controls is critical for effective daylighting, however; poorly calibrated daylight sensors can result in little or no savings, and may annoy occupants.

During peak demand periods utilities often charge significantly higher prices for electricity. Remote operation of dimming ballasts or bi-level switching helps operators to respond to price signals or utility requests to shed load to help avoid power outages.