Building Management System Controls
Introduction to Building Management System (BMS) Controls
BMS controls automatically control building systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems from a centralized building location. BMS controls monitor equipment operations and optimize energy using a combination of controllers, actuators, and sensors to cut energy usage by 5%-30%.
BMS controls have a variety of functions including: scheduling equipment on/off, scheduling occupied/unoccupied temperature setpoints, optimizing outside air intake, dimming lights, optimizing static pressure and providing alarms when system parameters fall outside normal range.
How BMS Controls Work
BMS systems begin with a central “head end” computer which has software to store programming, trend data and can communicate with controllers throughout the building. The head end computer typically has graphics of all equipment being controlled. This computer also collects historical trend data, which the building operators can review to understand how their building is operating and diagnose problems. Multiple controllers are placed on key pieces of equipment and connected back to the head end computer. These controllers take information from sensors, or send commands to actuators/relays to control valves, dampers, motor, etc.
Average Lifespan: 5-20 years
Typical Payback Period: 5-20 Years
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