Components of a building management system

The older buildings mostly need to be retrofitted to include building management systems. But today, it is rare to see a new building being constructed without an integrated BMS, where all the competencies are incorporated into the building from the first day, and a master controlling system controls the components.

The primary function of building management systems is usually to control the heating, HVAC and ventilation systems, but there are many other functions. The primary components of a building management system and its basic functionalities are following:

• Ventilation: adjust based on occupancy controls
• Boiler controls: maintain a constant temperature and switch boilers on/off at particular times.
• Plumbing and water monitoring: sense hydraulic flows; close/open valves automatically; monitor or observe temperature deviations
• HVAC: maintains a specific air state concerning humidity and temperature, controls dampers and fans, and handles air units and fan control units.
• Heating: schedules the system off and on and maintains a set temperature point.
• Lighting control: at a specified schedule, turns lights on or off
• Elevators: Video display of elevators and status system
• Electric power control: monitor and control core electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Fire alarm system: activates alarm location; smoke control system
• Security and observation: access control and surveillance and intrusion detection.
• Numerous building management systems have additional capabilities and characteristics: some can even be designed specifically for the ability itself. Usually, these types of systems utilize a mixture of software and hardware to monitor and manage, incorporating a central server or servers, remote sensors and monitoring stations (for systems administrators), as well as software that permits you to interact with the system.A basic BMS version contains a server with a database, smart sensors connected to an Internet-capable network, and software. Smart sensors around the building gather various data and send it to the BMS, sorted in a database. If a sensor detects data that falls outside pre-defined conditions, the BMS will trigger the alarm. For example, in a data centre, the BMS might trigger an alarm when a server rack’s temperature exceeds acceptable limits.Advantages of a building management systemSome of the benefits you should consider before investing in a BMS
  • It simplifies your facility’s management, making it simpler to access and control any portion of the building’s operations.
  • It protects your most costly equipment by permitting you to keep a close focus on it and making sure it functions properly.
  • Even though it can be a bit expensive, it helps your building operate more cost-efficiently through occupancy control and automatic scheduling.