Building management systems: What a BMS is and how it works

Property owners strive to minimize operational expenses and ensure tenant safety and comfort. By connecting facility systems (IoT technology) and controlling them from one place, building management systems can make for a smart building and enable property owners to find hidden opportunities.

What are Building management systems (BMS)?

Building management systems (BMS) or building automation systems (BAS) are designed for commercial building installation to manage and monitor various subsystems effectively. The principal aim of the BMS is to streamline operations, making it easier to manage, monitor and improve. Subsystems may include the building’s electrical and mechanical equipment, like power, lighting, and ventilation.

How do building management systems work?

Smart buildings require complex monitoring of IoT networks that control the building system. Property owners can manage, monitor, and improve operations via building management systems or BMS user interfaces. A smart building can seamlessly integrate with other buildings, becoming an essential component of a smart city.

The main components of a BMS

Building management systems consist of three primary components, as listed below:

• Hardware
• Software
• Networking components

The hardware used in a BMS are workstations, servers, sensors, and cables to mention a few components. The software includes programming and configuring tools, graphics, and user interfaces. The networking components cover the subsystems controlled by building management systems.

The benefits of building management systems for building owners

Important properties of building management systems

Properties, in this sense, are all the subsystems in a building that building management systems can control. Any device with an IoT sensor can be connected. The BMS typically runs HVAC. Other important techniques, including lighting, power systems, and security devices, can be connected.

HVAC meaning

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is very common to run HVAC via the BMS. Below, we are taking a brief look at each of the elements.

Heating

To enhance efficiency, traditional heating controllers need to adapt to dynamic conditions, including changes in outside temperature patterns. By intelligently adjusting the heat to these conditions, costs can be reduced, and tenants’ comfort can be secured.

Ventilation

Factors like occupancy, outdoor thermal and air quality conditions, electricity grid needs, direct sensing of contaminants, and operation of other air-moving and air-cleaning systems can trigger responses from smart ventilation.

Air conditioning

Air conditioning is frequently misused in large buildings, leading to considerable energy waste. Using this smart can give major results in cost reduction and sustainability.

An open-source-based standard for integration is necessary

Property owners often need to integrate other systems within a building to become data-driven. The BMS and its data aren’t always enough. Other IoT systems and applications are frequently implemented beyond the scope of building management systems. Building information management (BIM) is crucial. The need to create a digital twin of the building and effectively and flexibly develop applications based on all types of data is necessary for the industry to develop and reach tenants’ expectations.

Different open-source standards exist that will make it possible to achieve the above. The most comprehensive standard is RealEstateCore.

RealEstateCore is a standardized way of naming and categorizing real estate data, making it possible to compare the information of different buildings. Visualizing property data in formats like 3D models is possible. Standardized communication from various technical real estate and external IT systems is enabled, creating opportunities for advanced data analysis, efficient application development, intelligent control, and building monitoring.

Future trends in BMS: IoT, AI, Sustainability

The evolution of technology and the world at large is bringing forth more sophisticated and intelligent building management systems (BMS) that have the potential to positively impact the environment. Building management is set to be revolutionized by the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability initiatives.

Emerging technologies

IoT is the interconnectivity of physical devices, buildings, and other objects through the internet, allowing for the exchange of data and information. IoT systems and applications are implemented beyond the scope of building management systems, making building information management (BIM) a critical element.

AI is making a significant impact on building management systems by analyzing vast amounts of data collected by IoT devices to optimize building performance. For example, AI algorithms can predict occupancy patterns, which can be used to adjust heating, cooling, and lighting systems in real-time, leading to energy savings and improved occupant comfort.

AI can also detect potential problems in building systems before they occur, leading to the prevention of downtime, reduced maintenance costs, and extended lifespan of building equipment.

Building management systems can be designed to be more sustainable by incorporating features such as energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources like solar panels. IoT and AI can also be used to optimize energy consumption and reduce waste, leading to more environmentally friendly building management.

In conclusion, the integration of IoT, AI, and sustainability initiatives is shaping the future of building management systems, leading to a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly future.