How to Reduce Peak Demand With Building Automation
Building automation systems (BAS) are sophisticated networks of hardware and software that monitor and control a building's mechanical and electrical systems. These systems optimize building operational efficiency, comfort, safety, security and indoor environmental quality. BAS can also play a key role in helping facilities reduce peak demand charges.
What is peak demand?
For many facilities, electrical costs come in two forms — consumption (measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh) and demand (measured in kilowatts or kW). System demand on the grid varies throughout the day, peaking usually in the afternoon when most businesses are fully operational.
High demand puts a strain on the electric grid, and more expensive power sources are needed to meet that demand. Those extra costs can become a part of your electric bill in the form of demand charges. By reducing your demand during peak periods, you can reduce your peak demand charges and, therefore, your energy costs.
How BAS can help
A variety of strategies are available to help reduce and manage demand during peak periods. Here are five ways you can leverage BAS to implement those strategies.
1. Load shedding. Building automation controls can automatically shed or reduce non-essential loads during peak demand periods, reducing energy consumption and demand. You can achieve this through pre-programmed settings or real-time monitoring and control.
2. Demand control ventilation. BAS can control your facility's ventilation system based on occupancy and indoor air quality, reducing ventilation rates during periods of low occupancy or when outdoor air quality is poor.
3. Lighting control. Peak demand periods often occur when natural daylight is also at its peak. You can use BAS controls to take advantage of this by dimming or turning off non-essential lights and using free daylight to illuminate spaces.
4. Thermal storage. Thermal energy storage systems produce and store chilled water at night when rates are low to help cool the building during the day. BAS controls can be used to coordinate the charging and discharging of stored thermal energy with HVAC system operations to help reduce demand during peak periods.
5. Real-time monitoring. BAS can provide real-time information on energy use and demand, allowing you to identify the best opportunities to reduce demand during peak periods. With the help of automated controls, the system can also adjust energy use based on changing conditions, such as occupancy, weather and energy rates.
By using your building automation system to implement these demand reduction strategies, you can lower your energy costs and contribute to a more reliable and sustainable electric grid.
We’re here to help with all of your energy needs. Contact us and see how we can help.
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