A growing interest in building energy usage and management is pushing advancements in commercial controls for HVAC and multiple other systems found in commercial structures. For the gold winner in the 2014 Dealer Design Awards Commercial Controls category, multiple system control integration helped push Jackson Systems LLC’s Web Comfort Energy Management System to the top. The system integrates HVAC, lighting, fans, metering, and plug loads to provide an integrated energy management solution. The HVAC, lighting, thermostat, fan control, and metering software operate as an integrated application, sharing the Web Comfort Energy Manager. The compact device receives input from environmental sensors, local controls, and metering devices throughout a facility. Based upon sensor input, scheduling, local input, curtailment, event information, lighting adjustments, HVAC, fans, networked computers, and plug devices are implemented in real time in an effort to minimize energy waste.
According to the company, the system is a cost-effective alternative to other solutions. Primarily used for light commercial applications, the system can be controlled anywhere in the world through the no-cost Internet portal. Detailed reporting, system alerts, and user security levels are available through the portal. Other popular applications include churches and large residential homes.