Building Management System A Building Management System (BMS) is a control system (computer-based) installed in buildings that controls and

monitors the buildings mechanical and electrical equipment such as HVAC, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems. A BMS consists of software and hardware. There are 3 basic functions of BMS: Controlling Monitoring Optimizing the buildings mechanical and electrical equipment. BMS brings benefits to three parties: Building tenant/occupants Good control of internal comfort conditions Possibility of individual room control Increased staff productivity Effective monitoring and targeting of energy consumption Improved plant reliability and life Effective response to HVAC-related complaints Save time and money during the maintenance Building owner Higher rental value Flexibility on change of building use Individual tenant billing for services facilities manager Central or remote control and monitoring of building Increased level of comfort and time saving Remote Monitoring of the plants (such as AHU's, Fire pumps, plumbing pumps, Electrical supply, STP, WTP etc.) Maintenance Companies Ease of information availability problem Computerized maintenance scheduling Effective use of maintenance staff Early detection of problems More satisfied occupants A more advanced control system of BMS called Building Automation System(BAS) provides a more intelligent control building management.

The diagram below shows an example of the layout of a Building Automation System which consists of two major components (HVAC and lighting).

With the same purpose, a smaller version of BAS control system with respect to controlling the mechanical and electrical equipment in a room is called room automation. HVAC Control in Building Management System Generally, most of the energy consumed is for maintaining acceptable comfort levels within buildings. From this, lighting and HVAC systems are largest energy consumption source. Studies show that HVAC consumes 10% to 60% of the total building energy consumption depending of the building type. This indicates the important of controlling HVAC system in building management. A simulation has been conducted by Mathew E.H on a Conference Center by optimizing the HVAC system control to increase the buildings energy efficiency. With the aid of the integrated simulation tool Mathew E.H. predicted that the building save 744 MWh per year (32% building energy saving and 58% HVAC system energy saving) by implementing these control strategies. These control strategies can be implemented in the building with a direct payback period of less than 6 months.