Original equipment manufacturers can offer local control of ventilation equipment while, at the same time, helping meet building management system requirements, says Kevin Feeney.
In today's competitive market, engineers, contractors, owners and specifiers are looking for the right control solution for their hvac systems.

Traditional building management systems integrate many aspects within the building, including hvac, lighting, boiler and chiller plants. More energy efficient control has required the technology to become more advanced while, at the same time, also becoming more complex.

One company locked in

In most markets, local equipment controls are provided by a building management controls company. This arrangement exclusively locks in one company for the design, manufacture, installation and services of the control system.

By their nature, building management systems are flexible and tailored to the specific building and application, but these advantages also add more expense because of the associated programming requirements, engineering and the need for specifically trained installers.

So what advantages can original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) bring to local equipment control for the ventilation industry while, at the same time, meeting the building management system requirements?

We believe that many hvac equipment manufacturers possess the skills in mechanical and controls design and manufacture to achieve optimal performance from their own OEM ventilation products.

Our focus is to provide competitive solutions while also offering significant advantages that include application design knowledge, energy efficiency strategies and products with integrated controls and communication options.

This, we argue, is achieved through the experience and skills of engineers from mechanical, electrical and software backgrounds working closely to provide solutions that are right for the industry. These solutions incorporate the latest technologies and energy saving strategies available in one packaged solution.

Ensuring that options are available to integrate into the building management system seamlessly simplifies the installation and negates the need for building system designers to focus on hvac control strategies, but more on the important building automation and management processes that deliver the real benefits to the building.

Factory-fitted controls

Factory-fitted controls eliminate costly and time-consuming activities associated with field mounting controls and safety devices. In addition, where by products have been designed from the outset to include controls and electrical connection, the factory-mounted installations can be a higher quality solution compared with the often marginal quality of field installations that have the burden of working in site conditions.

Factory-mounted controls also enable skilled staff to do what they do best, with the design and installation of controls being carried out at the manufacturer's factory. This leaves m&e installers to concentrate on their core job of installing and commissioning the m&e services. Coupled with expert controls field commissioning by the original manufacturer, the air handling unit functions can be optimised for ventilation and energy performance. The added benefits of on-site support and training during site commissioning improves the handover process and future operation of the equipment. This benefits all parties including the user, contractor and equipment manufacturer.

Building managers and owners have ever-growing financial incentives for taking a proactive approach to energy management and the building automation process. Having immediate access to building-wide information such as hvac equipment performance and usage data, energy prices and financial data provides the tools to facilitate successful management strategies.

Open protocol systems

The availability of open protocol building management system means that the overall building controls supplier can easily integrate equipment into the management strategy.

This is achieved by providing a wealth of connectivity and interoperability options including BACnet, Modbus, KNX or TREND.

Also, having the ability to provide a client web interface for applications that do not have a building management system, but require remote control and management of the hvac system is a distinct advantage for the OEM manufacturer because it provides an engineered management solution, negating the need for specialist BMS controls suppliers.
So, in conclusion, factory-mounted controls from hvac manufacturers such as VES involve a wealth of experience and knowledge with the most up-to-date technology. This provides:

· Competitively engineered solutions for any application without sacrificing the overall building system control or quality.
· Energy efficient equipment that removes the burden of site installation and controls commissioning.
· Guaranteed optimisation and compatibility with the ventilation equipment.
· Simple installation and integration, reducing risks and increasing the peace of mind for the installer.

• Kevin Feeney is controls executive at VES