Energy Management Information System with Automated System Optimization

By combining siloed building systems data with external information sources, like weather, into a single integrated platform, an energy management information system (EMIS) can provide real-time situational awareness and increase building efficiency.

Researchers found that using machine learning to optimize air handling units (AHUs) informed by weather and occupancy saved between 5% and 11% of whole-building energy. As buildings become more complex, an EMIS with ASO can simplify building management and provide ongoing energy savings. View full-size infographic. [PDF - 330 KB]

GPG Findings 050, September 2022, ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION. Opportunity: How much energy can be saved with smart building control? UP TO 30%. ENERGY USE IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS CAN BE SAVED WITH AUTOMATED SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION. Technology: How does an energy management information system (EMIS) with automated system optimization (ASO) work? Aggregates historical and real-time data with machine learning and thermal modeling to optimize building performance. EMIS collects data from sensors, meters and IoT devices and integrates them. Data analytics transmits actionable information to the building engineer. Reports track improvements and measure savings. ASO uses machine learning to dynamically control and optimize building systems based on weather and occupancy. Where did M and V occur? NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY assessed the impact of an EMIS with ASO provided by Prescriptive Data at four testbeds representative of a range of GSA facility types and operating conditions. Results: How did the EMIS with ASO perform in M&V? 5-11% WHOLEBUILDING ENERGY SAVINGS. from controlling AHU fan speeds based on weather and occupancy. 95% ACCURATE PREDICTED DEMAND WAS WITHIN 5% OF MEASURED DEMAND. VISIBILITY INCREASED WITH MULTIPLE DATA STREAMS4 INTEGRATED DASHBOARD REVEALED OPERATIONAL ISSUES POSITIVE USER ACCEPTANCE. GSA Market Analysis for Automated System Optimization. At 5% annual savings, 90 out of 504 GSA buildings show positive cash flow. At 7.5% savings, 223 GSA buildings have positive cash flow. At 10% savings, 322 buildings have positive cash flow and at 12.5% savings, 424 buildings have positive cash flow. Deployment: Where does M&V recommend deploying an EMIS with ASO? BUILDINGS WITH HIGH ENERGY COSTS An EMIS with ASO can simplify building management and should be considered for deployment across the portfolio. Prioritize buildings with high energy costs. [PDF - 330 KB]


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Last Reviewed: 2023-02-03