Predicting building performance to save money and energy
Energy performance of buildings is very dependent on many variables such as occupants behavior or weather. These are the hardest parts that are not easily modeled in energy modeling programs. Thus energy models are currently used rather to evaluate alternatives than reliably predict energy performance.
There are some solutions that cope with that issue. Recently, I’ve come across a product called “BuildingIQ”. It sounds really smart! The description is very promising:
The BuildingIQ system is the only energy management system that predicts energy demand and directly adjusts heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system parameters to continuously optimize energy use. BuildingIQ communicates with your building management system (BMS) and automatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining or improving tenant comfort. At the core of our system is a sophisticated thermal model that automatically learns your building’s energy performance and then adapts to changes in internal or external conditions. BuildingIQ is the only system available today that factors in weather forecasts, occupant comfort, peak demand factors, and demand response signals to minimize energy cost and consumption for building owners.
http://www.buildingiq.com/
Think of BuildingIQ’s product as a brain that makes buildings smarter. The software sits on top of existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and building management systems. It efficiently and automatically regulates temperatures by factoring in environmental characteristics, like the weather forecast and humidity, and building characteristics, like how well the building holds heat or cold, what occupants are likely to be wearing, and how air flows inside.
http://venturebeat.com/2010/10/19/why-your-office-could-soon-be-smarter-than-your-home/
It appears, that this program can somehow revolutionize the way energy is managed in the whole commercial building sector. BuildingIQ gains popularity and credibility. Originally from Australia, now makes inroads in the North American market. I’ll definitely keep an eye on the future development of this cutting-edge system.
Below I’ve embeded some videos with Michael Zimmerman, a CEO who’s behind BuildingIQ’s development. Michael explains the main features of BuildingIQ, describes the market potential, growth opportunities and talks about business model.
Got the bug? You can expand your knowledge on BuildingIQ by reading this article or by visiting BuildingIQ website.
I found a specific case study that proves the abilities of BuildingIQ.
The system was launched in 2009 and it already has managed to win a whole lot of awards. Recently, it has been honored by EcoGen 2011 Award for Most Outstanding Clean Energy Technology Innovation.