BUILDING MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM
BUILDING SERVICES
Building Management System
A Building Management System, is a network of hardware
and software that enables centralized control and monitoring
of various building systems. It acts as the nerve center,
connecting and managing crucial elements such
as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning),
lighting, security systems, fire safety devices, elevators, and
more. At its core, a BMS collects data from sensors
throughout the building to monitor conditions
like temperature levels or energy consumption. This
information is then analyzed to identify patterns and
anomalies so that adjustments can be made accordingly.

For example, if an area is consistently overcooled during

certain hours of the day when it’s not occupied, the BMS can
automatically adjust temperature settings to save energy. In
addition to monitoring functions, a BMS also allows
remote access control which means authorized personnel can
manage different aspects of the building from any location
using mobile applications or web interfaces.
Application of Building Management System
• HVAC – controls constant airflow to keep up particular
humidity levels, temperature levels, control dampers, etc.
• Light control – regulates lights according to the daytime
and schedule.
• Electric power control – enhances the proper
functioning of crucial mechanical equipment and
electrical devices.
• Ventilation – changes the window louvers/panes as per
the climatic conditions.
• Heating – keeps up a particular temperature and
regulates on/off the system switch.
• Security – warns against coerced intrusion and
promotes proper surveillance.
• Fire alarm – smoke control/detection device switches
on the alarm in hazard times.
• Elevators – shows elevator videos and shows its status.
• Plumbing – regulates valves, monitors water
temperature, and monitors hydraulic flow.
Besides ensuring the building management process remains simple, the Building Management Systems also have
several applications that help to enhance the construction’s performance. These include:

• Offer hassle-free access and management to construction operations.

• Turns off services offered in unoccupied locations to reduce energy consumptions.

• Synchronizes HVAC & more services to maintain a comfortable temperature in the indoor environment.

• Adjusts artificial lighting through sensors and maximizes natural light to save electricity.

• Saves cash and the much-needed time to maintain the systems.

• Monitors energy consumption efficiently.

With the growing market for cities and smart buildings, it’s obvious that the Building Management System is the
hereafter of the building industry. Besides saving huge amounts of energy, the Building Management System is
also an economical device that you can customize as per your requirement. Generally, the Building Management
System falls under the smart solutions for control of several infrastructure services.
Components of Building Automation System
It is a combination of different components working together towards a combined goal of maintaining environmental
conditions.
Every user can have different components tailored to their needs, but they mainly fall into the following categories:

• Controllers
• Sensors
• Mechanical Actuators
• User Interface
• Network
• Controllers:

The controller component of a building automation system is

the central control unit that coordinates all the elements
within the system. It monitors various sensors and actuators,
makes decisions based on the data received from these
components, and then sends out commands to adjust
variables such as temperature, lighting, or ventilation in
order to maintain desired conditions.
The controller can be a single unit or multiple units,
depending on the size and complexity of the building
automation system. The controller is also responsible for
communication between different components, allowing
them to interact in order to optimize energy efficiency and
improve overall performance. Most controllers are
programmable using a variety of software platforms that
enable users to customize the system based on their needs.
• Sensors:

The sensor component of a building automation system is an integral part of the overall system. The sensors are
used to detect changes in temperature, humidity, air quality, light levels, and other environmental parameters.
These sensors can be wired or wireless and typically communicate with the central control system through
standard communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, or LonTalk. The data from the sensors is then used to
adjust the operation of HVAC equipment such as air conditioners, fans, and valves. In addition to environmental
parameter control, building automation systems are also used for security purposes such as motion detection or
intrusion detection. Sensors can be installed both indoors and outdoors in order to provide a comprehensive view
of building automation system performance. The sensors also provide an important link to energy management
systems as they can be used to detect energy usage and monitor for inappropriate usage. By properly utilizing the
sensor component of a building automation system, buildings can be more comfortable, safe, and efficient.
• Mechanical Actuators:

An actuator is a component of a building automation system that receives

signals from another part of the system and activates equipment to respond
accordingly. This could include motors, switches, valves, or other devices
which are used to adjust the temperature, airflow rate, pressure levels, etc.
in an environment. Actuators can be controlled by either manual or
automated systems, depending on the application and needs of the building.
Actuators are the power behind a building automation system. They are
used to adjust parameters such as temperature, humidity, air flow rate,
pressure levels, and other variables which would otherwise be difficult to
control manually. By providing feedback to the central control unit
(computer or server), actuators are able to adjust the environment in a more
efficient way.
Actuators come in many shapes and sizes, from small switches up to large
motors which can move heavy objects around.
The most common types of actuators used for building automation systems
include electric motors, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and
solenoid valves. All of these devices are designed to be controlled by an
automated system and can offer important feedback on the status of the
environment.
• User interface :

Building automation systems are designed to provide users with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for controlling
a variety of devices. This includes thermostats, lighting controls, security systems, window treatments, and more.
The user interface is typically web-based or mobile app-based, depending on the system. With these interfaces,
users can easily set temperature and lighting levels, program schedules, monitor security systems, view energy usage
data, and more.
The interface component of building automation systems is an important component for ensuring user satisfaction
with the system. It should be designed to be intuitive and easy-to-use, while still providing all the features and
functions needed by the user. With a well-designed interface, users can easily control their environment, saving time
and energy in the process.
In addition to user interfaces, building automation systems also requires a variety of other components for complete
operation. These include analytics software that interprets this data; communication protocols that enable devices
to communicate with one another; and cloud-based servers that store all of the system’s data.
By integrating these components, building automation systems can provide an efficient and cost-effective solution
for managing a variety of devices in the home or office.
By utilizing these components, building automation systems are able to provide a safe and comfortable environment
while also reducing energy costs.
• Network :

Building automation systems rely heavily on a reliable and secure network to communicate data between the
various devices, sensors, controllers, user interfaces, and other components of the system. Networking is an
essential part of any building automation system as it allows connected devices to communicate with each other and
share information. The network should be designed with fault tolerance in mind, so that in the event of a network
failure, the system will still operate as intended.
The most common type of network used for building automation systems is an Ethernet-based local area network
(LAN). This allows devices to connect and communicate with each other over short distances. Other technologies,
such as Wi-Fi, can also be used to provide a wireless connection between components.
In addition to physical connections, other network elements, such as routers and switches, must be in place to
ensure the flow of data is routed correctly. Firewalls are also essential to protect the system from malicious external
threats. Security protocols, such as IPsec or SSL/TLS, should be in place to ensure the data is encrypted and secure.
Finally, in order for the building automation system to operate correctly, there must be a strong connection between
the network and the cloud. Cloud-based services can allow users to monitor and control their devices remotely, as
well as store data securely in case of system failure. The cloud also allows for easy updates and upgrades to the
system, provided that the network can handle the traffic.
Input devices detect measurements like room temperature and whether equipment’s powered on. Output devices adjust these
measurements, like reducing temperature or turning off equipment. The controller manages all the devices in a building’s
primary systems, so it processes data from the input devices and sends any necessary changes to the output devices. These
components have a shared language, or communications protocol, such as BACnet. The output devices carry out the
controller’s commands according to programmed responses. For example, automatically increasing ventilation when CO 2 is too
high. Finally, the user interface displays data visually. This can be a computer, or even a web-based tool. But the user interface
doesn’t need to actually run the controls; it just provides a single place for all of the readouts coming through the input devices.
But it’s actually easier than it sounds.

For example, when you want to adjust settings, your interface signals the individual system controls through the output devices
and makes your adjustments. The building automation system (BAS) can link to the internet or just be internally connected—all
depending on your property’s needs. Have a large portfolio with buildings in several cities, or a large campus with multiple
buildings? An internet-connected BAS can unite them to give you centralized control.
Type of building and key requirements
• When it comes to choosing a Building Management System (BMS) for your specific building type, there are
several important factors that need to be considered. Each building has its own unique requirements and
challenges, which means that the BMS needs to be tailored specifically to meet those needs.

• One of the key factors to consider is the size of the building. Larger buildings often have more complex systems in
place, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. Therefore, a BMS for a large building needs to have advanced
capabilities and scalability to effectively manage all these systems.

• Another factor is the purpose of the building. For example, an office building will have different requirements
than a hospital or a hotel. The BMS should be able to integrate with any existing systems in place and provide
seamless control over various aspects like temperature regulation, access control, and energy management.

• The location of the building also plays a role in selecting the right BMS. Climate conditions vary from region to
region and can greatly impact the efficiency of heating or cooling systems. A BMS that can adapt and optimize
energy usage based on local weather patterns can significantly reduce operating costs.

• Furthermore, it’s crucial to consider future expansion plans when choosing a BMS for different building types. If
there are plans for adding new wings or floors in the future, it’s essential that the chosen system allows for easy
integration with additional equipment without disrupting existing operations.
• Lastly but equally important is considering budget constraints while selecting a BMS solution. It’s crucially
important not just upfront investment cost but also long-term maintenance expenses including support
contracts as well as training programs availability so staff members are well-prepared when operating this
sophisticated technology-based system.

• In conclusion having an efficient Building Management System (BMS) installed into your facility can bring
numerous benefits such as improved energy efficiency & cost savings along with greater comfort levels
throughout all occupied spaces within your facility regardless if you’re managing an office tower or hospital
complex. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider all the factors mentioned above and