AutomatedBuildings.com Article - The Time and Resource Generator

The black hole of building management and control can be cost effectively transformed into a "Time and Resource Generator".

The same problems persist. Reduced staffing doesn't allow enough time to respond to tenants and their continuing demands for comfort and maintenance. The cut backs on personnel accompanied by the need to reduce operating costs is complicated by new technology that misses its promise to make life easier. Adding to the performance pressure from the building owners and tenants, the Federal and many State Governments have mandated reductions in energy consumption in an effort to reduce expenditures as well as help the environment. The problem is the time and resources to meet the deadlines. The black hole of building management and control continues unless you create a "Time and Resource Generator".

WebGen connects to buildings (either through any standard Building Management System (BMS) or directly to the key energy consuming devices) and, in real-time, manages the devices and the building, using industry best practices, customized for each building.

The result is a fully automated environment that delivers a more consistent level of comfort, a reduction in energy consumption of 10% to 25% and, because the computers and controls are off site, easy connectivity and no additional burden on the IT group. This real-time system still allows control to be maintained locally, when desired; but also allows management to "aggregate" data over large portfolios of buildings regardless of which types of BMS are in place.

The WebGen System "learns" the effectiveness of each device and how they work together (and alarms if a device is out of synch). Then, based on occupancy and weather forecasts, predicts the energy needs of the building. In doing so, it is proactive in managing comfort and generates significant savings. Additional benefits include automated reporting and audits of energy bills, preventive maintenance warnings, real-time access to consumption in KW, KWH and dollars (from devices through to portfolios of building and energy pools). Connectivity and interoperability with fire / life safety, security systems, etc. is available, offering a single interface. Demand Response participation is managed on a fully automated basis with the goal of minimizing comfort impact while meeting the energy reduction targets.

Because it is automated, it frees up time. Because it is proactive, it maintains better climate control. Because it is predictive, always maintains best practices and is working 24/7, it saves energy. Because it is real-time, it gives access to valuable performance data. On top of that, it is inexpensive and easy to use.

The system has been installed for as long as two years in some of the 200 plus buildings currently under control. Installation of an additional 200 buildings is in progress. Because of the extremely fast payback, averaging less than a year, and the proven effectiveness, the pace of expansion of the system has been accelerating. This is already enabling load shaping for utilities across large geographical areas

A recent article in AutomatedBuildings.com by Jack McGowan referred to the future of building automation as "Deep Integration". WebGen Systems takes that concept one step further and adds smart, fully automated control and optimization, to the package. And, it is affordable and available today.

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