Overview of Building Management Systems (BMS)
A Building Management System (BMS) is a comprehensive control system designed to automatically regulate non-GMP facility subsystems. It maintains predetermined parameters (setpoints) and controls their functionality to ensure safe facility operations. Additionally, the BMS monitors and optimizes the efficiency of these subsystems to enhance operational effectiveness. Key subsystems managed by the BMS include:
- HVAC System: The BMS monitors duct temperature, pressure, humidity, and exhaust temperature. Alarms are triggered if these values exceed preset limits.
- Central Fume Collection, Laminar Flow Units, Dust Collection System, Central Vacuum System, Heat Blowers: The BMS oversees these systems, detecting early signs of required maintenance and signaling breakdowns through alarms to protect product integrity.
- Technical Steam System: If pressure or temperature in the clean steam piping system drops below regulatory standards, the BMS triggers an alarm to indicate a potential threat to product quality.
- Hot Water System and Central Heating: The BMS monitors temperature and pump control, ensuring the proper distribution of hot water throughout the facility.
- Chilled Water System: The BMS supervises facility chillers, managing water/coolant temperature and pump control to maintain effective distribution in the system.
- Sprinkler System: For fire safety.
- Electrical Monitoring System: The BMS tracks electrical power consumption and monitors the status of main electrical switches.
The integration of subsystems into the BMS and the extent of control are influenced by investment decisions. However, HVAC control and electrical system monitoring are typically prioritized in BMS installations.
What Comes After the Low-Hanging Fruit? Energy Efficiency: Building Management Systems
Glenn Platt, Josh Wall, in Energy Efficiency, 2013
Understanding Building Management Systems in Large Commercial Buildings
In large commercial buildings, a Building Management System (BMS), also referred to as a Building Automation System (BAS), manages various HVAC components such as compressors, fans, heaters, and air louvers. The BMS uses inputs like indoor temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels to control HVAC equipment and maintain a desired indoor environment.
Typically, a BMS is a personal or embedded computer running specialized BMS software, which communicates with HVAC equipment through an industrial control network. The primary objective of a BMS in managing HVAC systems is to maintain specific indoor conditions—commonly a temperature setpoint of 22°C in office buildings. Traditionally, energy consumption was not a primary concern for the BMS; it would utilize any available energy to achieve the desired setpoint. Moreover, this setpoint is usually consistent throughout the year.
