What are the benefits of integrating lighting and shading with BMS for energy efficiency and comfort?

1 What is a BMS?

A BMS is a computer-based system that monitors and controls various aspects of a building, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, fire safety, and energy management. A BMS can collect data from sensors, meters, and devices, and use it to adjust the settings and operations of the connected systems according to predefined rules, schedules, or external inputs. A BMS can also provide reports, alerts, and feedback to the building owners, managers, and operators.

2 How does lighting integration work?

Lighting integration means connecting the lighting system to the BMS, so that the BMS can control the lighting levels, colors, scenes, and schedules according to the needs and preferences of the occupants and the building. For example, the BMS can use occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, or time clocks to turn on or off the lights, dim or brighten them, or change their color temperature or hue. The BMS can also use the lighting data to analyze the energy consumption and performance of the lighting system, and identify potential savings or improvements.

3 How does shading integration work?

Shading integration means connecting the shading system to the BMS, so that the BMS can control the position, angle, and operation of the shades, blinds, or curtains according to the external conditions and the indoor comfort. For example, the BMS can use weather sensors, solar sensors, or temperature sensors to adjust the shading devices to block or admit sunlight, heat, or glare. The BMS can also use the shading data to analyze the impact of the shading system on the thermal comfort and visual comfort of the occupants, and optimize the balance between natural light and artificial light.

4 What are the benefits of lighting and shading integration for energy efficiency?

Integrating lighting and shading with BMS can help reduce the energy consumption and costs of a building by optimizing the use of natural light and artificial light, and minimizing the cooling and heating loads. For example, by dimming or turning off the lights when there is enough daylight or no occupancy, the BMS can save electricity and extend the lifespan of the lamps. By adjusting the shades to block or admit sunlight, the BMS can reduce the heat gain or loss through the windows, and lower the demand for air conditioning or heating. By combining lighting and shading control with other systems, such as HVAC or renewable energy sources, the BMS can create a more integrated and efficient energy management strategy for the building.

5 What are the benefits of lighting and shading integration for comfort?

Integrating lighting and shading with BMS can also help improve the comfort level and well-being of the occupants by creating a more pleasant and adaptable indoor environment. For example, by controlling the lighting levels, colors, scenes, and schedules according to the activities and preferences of the occupants, the BMS can enhance the mood, productivity, and satisfaction of the users. By controlling the shading position, angle, and operation according to the external conditions and the indoor comfort, the BMS can prevent overheating, overcooling, glare, or darkness, and maintain a comfortable and consistent temperature and illumination. By allowing the occupants to override or customize the lighting and shading settings, the BMS can also increase the user engagement and empowerment.

6 How to integrate lighting and shading with BMS?

To integrate lighting and shading with BMS, you need to have compatible devices, protocols, and software that can communicate and coordinate with each other. For example, you need to have lighting fixtures, controllers, sensors, and drivers that can use standard protocols, such as DALI, KNX, or BACnet, to connect to the BMS network. You also need to have shading devices, motors, sensors, and switches that can use similar protocols to connect to the BMS network. You also need to have a BMS software that can integrate and manage the lighting and shading data, settings, and operations, and provide a user-friendly interface for monitoring and control. You may also need to have a commissioning process that can ensure the proper installation, configuration, and testing of the lighting and shading integration with the BMS.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?