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Solution

Maximizing the efficiency of HVAC
systems with BACnet

This improvement necessarily goes through inte-
grating HVAC systems into building management
systems (BMS) running under an open commu-
nication protocol such as BACnet. By integrating
and centralizing the control of the HVAC system
into the BMS with BACnet, building managers
can monitor how the system uses energy and
make the consequent appropriate data-driven
decisions.

One example of maximizing the efficiency of
HVAC systems in large buildings is the group-
ing of control areas; since different areas have
varying occupancy levels, their cooling require-
ments also vary. By controlling specific zones
independently, energy is not wasted in cooling
areas that do not require it. BACnet control sys-
tems can automatically adjust the cooling levels
in response to occupancy sensors, ensuring that
only the necessary zones are cooled. Intesis 700Series Air, the gateway for multi-brand HVAC integration into BACnet. © HMS Networks

Also, external humidity and temperature sen-
sors can be connected to the building system
and predict the effect of external conditions
on the building’s comfort without pushing the
HVAC system into alarm operation mode. All this 700 Series Air gateways: the last bet for
reduces the overall strain on the HVAC system, HVAC integration by Intesis
expanding the lifespan of equipment and reduc-
ing the maintenance costs to significant levels. One of the challenges for HVAC system integra- same piece of hardware to support several of the
tors is adapting to the diversity of sizes and tech- major HVAC brands (12 for now and counting)
The benefit of efficiently controlling the cooling nologies involved in an integration project. Even and the availability of different licenses with dif-
needs is not limited to improving energy usage. when dealing only with BACnet on the BMS side, ferent capacities, covering any zone’s range of
Still, it also ensures better comfort for the build- on the other side, they may find a good amount size (from four to up to 128 indoor units under
ing occupants, boosting productivity in offices, of different HVAC brands. With these adapta- control per gateway). Besides, the 700 Series
encouraging people to spend more time (and tion needs in mind, Intesis, the HMS brand for Air gateways are provided with a connection for
money) in commercial spaces, and reducing ten- building automation gateways, launched its new energy metering devices and with the Intesis
ant turnover in residential buildings. And let’s not generation of gateways for HVAC systems inte- Power Estimation Algorithm, which allows build-
forget that it also increases the monetary value gration: The 700 Series Air. The pillars of its ing managers to estimate the energy usage of
and reputation of the building. adaptability are the possibility to configure the the HVAC system.

Jaume Carballo
Technical WriterHMS Networks (Intesis Business Unit)
jaca@hms-networks.comwww.hms-networks.com

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