MINNEAPOLIS—Honeywell has launched Energy Manager, an advanced energy management and information system that integrates with building systems, and allows users to view and control energy use in a facility. With the tool, organizations can analyze data—including weather reports, market conditions and systems demand—to create a comprehensive picture of energy usage patterns so they can lower total consumption and utility bills.
“In times of energy market uncertainty, ‘best guesses’ don’t cut it for effective energy management,” says Mike Taylor, vice president of Americas marketing for Honeywell Building Solutions. “Companies need to know not just how much energy their facilities are consuming, but where energy is being consumed, right down to specific pieces of equipment.”
Energy Manager is a component of Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI), a building management system that boosts efficiency and reduces operating costs by integrating core building technology (e.g., HVAC, security and life safety systems) and allowing operators to view and control these functions from a single workstation. Energy Manager ties into EBI to collect metering and sensor data so facility managers can identify savings opportunities and better manage energy use.
Data Available Online
Unlike traditional systems, however, Energy Manager not only displays where inefficiencies occur, but also provides recommended improvements—essentially turning data into actionable information, which users can access via the Web. In addition to managing internal performance, this knowledge also helps facility managers or operators negotiate better rates with utilities and other suppliers.
Using the tool, organizations also can model various energy-saving scenarios by incorporating factors such as equipment efficiency, usage patterns and rate structures. And, because it integrates with building systems, Energy Manager enables users to automatically change individual systems and equipment.
For example, utility rates are often based on peak demand usage. If an organization’s consumption exceeds the agreed upon “peak”, the utility company will charge a premium for the energy used. To avoid the additional expense, Energy Manger can initiate load-shedding strategies when a facility reaches peak demand, such as modifying temperature set points, or cycling equipment like chillers on and off. With this added insight and control, users can manage current energy budgets more effectively and better predict future needs.
Specific features of Energy Manager:
Meter Management—Collects gas, water and electric meter data to establish a real-time energy usage baseline for meters in a facility or across multiple locations. Users can monitor usage against the established baseline and pinpoint potential problems quickly.
Predictive Energy Modeling—Creates predictive models based on weather patterns, past and present energy usage, and metering data to show how operational changes affect an organization’s energy consumption.
Facility Load Management—Monitors and analyzes energy consumption data to keep loads in line with set parameters established by the user. Energy Manager provides recommendations based on both external factors, including weather conditions and market prices, and internal factors for reducing energy consumption—especially helpful during peak demand periods.
Web-based Reporting—Converts raw data into actionable charts, graphics and customized reports that are Web-accessible. Types of reports include: facility comparison, meter history, demand distribution, invoicing and environmental.
“Energy Manager helps monitor and control the complex factors that affect consumption and costs,” Taylor says. “As a result, users can cut unnecessary usage, improve comfort and efficiency, and ultimately lower their energy bill.”
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