The consumption of energy for HVAC in commercial buildings is a key contributor to total global energy use, notes Navigant Research. According to a new report from the research firm, shipments of advanced controls devices for HVAC in commercial buildings will grow from 33.8 million units in 2014 to 70.4 million in 2023.
Offering automated, real-time control of every major system in commercial buildings, networked building controls can provide building owners and operators with significant cost savings through more efficient use of energy, notes Navigant Research.
Modifying an off-the-shelf control knob used in avionic systems stopped repeated service calls for a major maker of commercial rooftop units. Electronic Hardware Corp. (EHC) was able to change its standard PT70 control knob to fit on a small circuit board inside the different HVAC models.
Reliant has teamed up with EnTouch Controls to bring energy management systems to Texas small and medium-sized businesses. Through an easy-to-use controller, business customers have the potential to reduce their electricity usage by 15 percent, according to EnTouch.
ABB and Philips have announced a collaboration to simplify the integration of building automation and connected lighting systems for commercial buildings.
Echelon Corp. has released findings from an online survey that shed light on plans for building automation systems of the future. Survey results indicate that a majority of planners intend to integrate HVAC, lighting, and security systems onto a common platform.
The automation of various building systems — including HVAC — promises to improve energy efficiency, as well as enhance the comfort and health of occupants. Building automation systems have reached a tipping point, says Navigant Research, where embedded computing and digital communications are driving accelerating adoption.
Johnson Controls recently honored Kele Inc. as its 2012 Authorized Refrigeration Wholesale Distributor of the Year. Kele is a supplier of building automation products and services in Memphis, Tenn.
Building automation systems rely on networks of sensors, switches, and other devices, along with software tools, to provide a real-time view of the current state of a building. The market for networked building controls is expanding as building owners and operators realize the cost savings offered by automated, real-time control.
Honeywell announced that it won four Control Trends Awards at the organization’s annual ceremony held in New York City. Honeywell won awards in four different categories including: Building Automation System of the Year, Thermostat of the Year, Marketing Tools and Support, and HVAC Controls Executive of the Year.