HVAC Integration—The Key to Intelligent Building Management
If you've ever heard a high pitched squealing noise used to alert building occupants that something was wrong with the air conditioner, then you'd know that someone would call a repair technician to change the belt. It's understandably annoying if soon after, a clunking or clanging noise alerts everyone of a problem in the heating system and the technician needs to come a second or third time.
Integrated HVAC systems eliminate the need to put out all these fires. HVAC companies have a toolbox of predictive tools to monitor heating, ventilation, and cooling systems and ensure they are running at optimal levels. Predictive maintenance would not be possible without systems integration.
HVAC Integration
The importance of systems integration is often overlooked in an HVAC system. Before banging noises can alert of problems, the HVAC control system is alerted to a faulty electrical wire. Or, airflow or temperature sensors may sound the alert. With the early warning, the problem is fixed before the compressor or heat pump starts short cycling.
Third-party integration is the game-changer. Different wireless protocols, sensors, and IoT devices must be able to work together. Without logical communication sequences, the system becomes "dumb." When all systems work in tandem, on the other hand. optimal efficiency is achieved.
New Functionality
Achieving this level of seamless HVAC integration, however, is becoming more complex. As new functional demands are made on HVAC systems, the number of devices, sensors, and subsystems are multiplying. A smartly integrated HVAC system will expand functionality with the order of replicating DNA machinery. Each new system must receive the correct information to function properly.
The smart building is adding even more functionality. Security systems are integrating with lighting and occupancy monitoring. Lighting and occupancy control also regulate ventilation, room by room.
Automation and Control System
This complex balancing act is managed by the building automation system. Multi-connectivity and extensibility ensure data flows across different protocols. Today's new equipment will be tomorrow's legacy system. And also like a biological system, the more a function is dependent on by other systems, the more important it becomes within the HVAC system.
These advanced control systems are the heart of building energy savings. Without them, variable speed compressors would not be able to adjust HVAC systems output according to temperatures. In the process, building owners can see huge energy savings.
Contact local HVAC companies to learn more about the process. With a properly integrated HVAC system, smart control systems remotely predict and prevent problems before they occur.
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