Discussion on Capital Cost Savings Potential for Energy Management and Control Systems in Commercial Buildings Using Existing Data Networks and Wireless Communications

Michael Kintner-Meyer, D. Chassin, and D. Hatley, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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Abstract

This paper presents a general discussion on cost savings opportunities for building energy management and control systems (EMCS) when utilizing existing business data network infrastructures that are prevalent in almost all U.S. office buildings. Potential issues regarding network reliability, bandwidth, and security when sharing networks are presented. This paper discusses cost savings potentials when deploying wireless communication technologies for a specific application in which the ‘last' meters of the controls network are bridged using low cost radio frequency devices. A cost comparison is presented in which hardware and wiring costs for a conventional EMCS design are contrasted to that of a low cost control system concept using existing business data networks and wireless communications. The cost comparison is based on a hypothetical 48,000-ft2 (4,460-m2) office building. This paper closes with reflection on plug and play concepts for building control systems and their benefits.