Energy Management + Building Control Systems

Challenge:

A system developer has been asked to improve on an existing building control system by adding energy monitoring and control at specific points of use. Their client uses the same building control system in multiple locations.

Solution:

The system developer selected Akida’s e-PLUG and ECU devices to measure and control specific wiring circuits and electrical outlets. Since the devices could be configured to work on any communication platform, it was simple to integrate them into the existing network used for the building control system. The system developer was particularly pleased that Akida’s standardized communication protocol delivered data in ASCII format which meant that it could be input directly into the existing control system software with no cumbersome decoding. This flexibility of communication meant that an energy management system could be configured with any number and combination of devices based on operational circumstances across the various facilities.

Results:

The developer team saved at least ten months of engineering time that it would have taken to create an energy management system from disparate devices that did not readily integrate into the existing building control system. The final cost of the Akida devices was very reasonable due to volume discounts. Since the system was deployed ahead of schedule and resulted in immediate energy savings, the project’s ROI was above expectations. The devices were installed at a very small cost since no wiring or cabling was necessary resulting in no down time at the facilities. The developer’s client was pleased that tailored solutions were installed for each of their facilities and no meaningful change in the control system’s software was needed requiring nominal training. By incorporating a comprehensive energy management system their facilities were able to meet LEEDS standards and the business also qualified for preferential tax incentives.

Conclusion:

Akida’s TARAS technology allows easy integration of their devices into existing systems and platforms. This means that energy management can be added to existing installations cost effectively and in very little time.