Energy Management Systems and Software in Your Community

EMS are computer-aided tools that monitor, control, and optimize the performance of the generation and transmission of electric utility grids. Energy Management Systems can be used to centrally control devices like HVAC units and lighting systems across multiple locations. EMS also provide metering, sub-metering and monitoring functions that allow facility managers to gather data and insight to make more informed decisions about energy activities across their sites.

Operating Systems EMS rely on a model based approach. Traditional planning models and EMS models were always independently maintained and seldom in synchronism with each other. Using EMS software allows planners and operators to share a common model reducing the mismatch between the two as well as cutting model maintenance.

A Common User Interface allows for Easier Information Transition from Planning to Operations

EMS Suppliers began to deliver solutions based on industry standard hardware platforms with Windows based solutions and blade servers occupy a fraction of the space previously required; a blade rack of 20 servers occupy the same space previously occupied by a single server.

Energy Efficiency EMS can also refer to a system designed to achieve energy efficiency through process optimization by reporting on granular energy use by individual pieces of equipment. Newer, cloud-based energy management systems provide the ability to remotely control HVAC and other energy-consuming equipment, gather real-time data and generate intelligent guidance on finding and capturing the most compelling savings opportunities.

ESCo is an energy and water service/savings company that provides design, implementation and financing of energy/water saving projects, retrofitting, conservation, infrastructure outsourcing, power generation and supply, as well as risk management.

Building Automated Systems energy management system also refers to a computer system designed specifically for the automated control and monitoring of electro mechanical facilities in a building which yield significant energy consumption such as heating, ventilation and lighting installations for single or groups of buildings. Most of these energy management systems also provide facilities for the reading of electricity, gas and water meters. The data obtained from these can then be used to perform diagnostic and optimization routines on a frequent basis to produce trend analysis and consumption forecasts.

Energy Management Software is a general term and category referring to a variety of energy-related software applications which may provide utility bill tracking, real-time metering, building HVAC and lighting control systems, building simulation and modeling, carbon and sustainability reporting, IT equipment management and energy audits.

Tools for Energy Cost Reduction and Consumption in Buildings and Communities

Data Collection is for three main purposes: Reporting, Monitoring and Engagement. Electricity and Natural Gas are the most common utilities measured, though systems may monitor steam, petroleum or other energy uses, water use, and even locally generated energy:

Reporting tools are targeted at owners and executives who want to automate energy and emissions auditing. Cost and consumption data from a number of buildings can be aggregated or compared with the software, saving time relative to manual reporting.

Monitoring tools track and display real-time and historical data with various bench marking tools such as energy consumption per square foot, weather normalization or more advanced analysis using energy modeling algorithms to identify anomalous consumption.

Engagement refers to automated or manual responses to collected and analyzed energy data. Building control systems can respond as readily to energy fluctuation as a heating system can respond to temperature variation. Another objective of Engagement is to connect occupants’ daily choices with building energy consumption. By displaying real-time consumption information, occupants see the immediate impact of their actions. The software can be used to promote energy conservation initiatives, offer advice to the occupants, or provide a forum for feedback on sustainability initiatives.