Building automation system (BAS) professionals increasingly receive requests to implement smart transformers into existing setups. These components can manage energy use, improve maintenance decisions and more. What steps should BAS experts take to ensure smart transformers fit smoothly into their current systems?
Consider Standardizing the BAS
Determining how many vendors’ solutions are part of the BAS before introducing the smart transformer is a good starting point. Professionals must ensure whatever product they select will operate within the various operating systems and software and hardware specifications associated with the building automation system.
Depending on their information-gathering results about the BAS and its components, decision-makers may realize that now is an excellent time to develop a widespread standardization plan. That was the approach taken when the federal government’s General Services Administration announced it would standardize its BAS solution to reduce security risks. An assessment revealed that almost all BAS vendors sell and service the organization’s selected brand, making expanding or maintaining the system much more manageable.
As people evaluate the available smart transformers, one of their priorities should be to ensure that possibilities of interest will work with their existing setups. That is a wise step, even if those involved do not spend time on a larger standardization effort. Otherwise, the transformer may not work with the BAS components immediately or in the future.
Evaluate the Transformer’s Operating Specifications
When BAS professionals familiarize themselves with commercially available smart transformers, many of the details they study are the same as those they must know when shopping for standard versions, such as the input and output voltages. Understanding the current manufacturing requirements for transformers is also helpful. For example, federal regulations stipulate that transformers must achieve 97.89% energy efficiency to align with standards introduced in 2016.
However, BAS professionals must also learn about a smart transformer’s connectivity needs and the data it provides authorized users. Many of these products have dedicated apps or dashboards for people to access. Some also send notifications via email or text message to designated individuals.
Asking the manufacturer about known cases where other customers have used the smart transformer with building automation systems is also valuable because it can reveal whether the producer caters to such clients. Knowing that others have successfully integrated the product into a BAS provides peace of mind and increases confidence.
Choose Which Data to Track
Deciding which data to analyze is one of the challenges of optimizing how an organization uses a BAS. Although the overall results of adding a smart transformer may be positive, that connected asset will add to the quantity of information generated. That information is only valuable if enough trained people can interpret it promptly.
For example, two BASs on a university campus collect 149,175 data points about 50 buildings. All data feeds go to a centralized reporting system that turns the information into actionable insights. Those tasked with reading it have a goal-oriented mindset centered on energy efficiency and savings.
People can learn from this example by narrowing down the main factors that interest them in using smart transformers. Then, they can examine how the new data they can now access fits into their larger goals.
Being specific about how and why the smart transformer will enable broad benefits for the organization should increase people’s willingness to use it. If that asset provides new data streams to directly support operations, those responsible for funding the transformer will be more agreeable to purchasing it.
Set Realistic Expectations
BAS technology is widely available, but under 10% of buildings have it. Difficulties in finding cost-effective centralized monitoring solutions are partially to blame for the low adoption rate. Some leaders may feel similarly hesitant about adding smart transformers to their setups, especially if they believe it will raise their overall operating expenses.
Compiling real-world data about other successful implementations of smart transformers is an effective way to overcome that barrier. Instances of these assets in BAS are not yet widespread. However, people can learn about the benefits of stand-alone smart transformers to understand the likely outcomes after the integration occurs.
In one example from the United Kingdom, an energy company has installed a smart substation to increase network resilience. It uses artificial intelligence to assess conditions and power usage and redirect energy flows to enhance stability. Those associated with this upgrade believe it could enable up to 50% more capacity, bringing a notable benefit when electricity infrastructure is under increasing strain.
Understanding what smart transformers can and cannot do is essential before integration begins. As people include these assets in their systems, they must remain hopeful but practical.
Unlock Smart Transformers’ Potential
These actionable tips can help BAS professionals optimize use cases and results when adding smart transformers to their setups. Applying them thoughtfully and patiently while considering an organization’s specific needs will pay off. Even if people encounter a few challenges, staying committed to their overall goals should keep them motivated and excited about the future.
