Commercial buildings can contain several heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems operating at the same time.
Fans, air conditioning units, extract systems and supply air equipment may all have separate control needs.
A suitable building management system can help manage several mechanical systems from one control arrangement.
For more information about how these controls work, see this guide to building management controls for HVAC.
How an HVAC BMS Works
An HVAC BMS can be used to manage fans, air conditioning units and ventilation equipment.
The exact arrangement depends on the mechanical systems connected to it.
Controls may be used to manage ventilation equipment, cooling systems and sensors.
This can make it easier to manage operating schedules.
Bringing HVAC Equipment Together
Commercial buildings often contain several connected HVAC systems.
A restaurant, for example, may have kitchen extraction, supply air, air conditioning and toilet ventilation.
A central control arrangement can help bring individual systems under one control strategy.
This can be particularly useful where extract and supply systems need to work together.
The Role of an HVAC Control Panel
An HVAC control panel can provide a central location for the controls used to operate ventilation and air conditioning systems.
The panel arrangement will depend on the building services design.
In a restaurant, for example, the control panel may manage kitchen extraction, supply air and air conditioning.
Suitable controls can also allow equipment to respond to programmed conditions.
Controls for Kitchen Extract Systems
A kitchen extract system removes contaminated air from the cooking area.
Replacement air then needs to enter the kitchen to balance the extracted air.
Controls can help coordinate kitchen extraction and replacement air.
If one system operates without the other, the building may experience reduced extraction performance.
Coordinated controls can therefore support more consistent system operation.
Controlling Restaurant Cooling read more Systems
Restaurant air conditioning needs to respond to changing customer numbers, cooking heat and external temperatures.
A dining area may require different temperature settings throughout the day.
Controls can allow individual areas to maintain separate settings.
This can be useful where kitchens, dining areas and staff areas have different conditions.
Using HVAC Operating Schedules
Many commercial buildings operate to predictable trading periods.
HVAC controls can allow equipment to start and stop automatically.
A restaurant may need ventilation and cooling to start before service begins.
Equipment may also need to remain active for some time after the kitchen stops operating.
Scheduling can help make system operation easier to manage.
How HVAC Controls Use Building Data
Sensors can provide information about how individual systems are operating.
The control system can use this information to adjust equipment operation.
This can give building managers a clearer view of HVAC operation.
The amount of monitoring required depends on the complexity of the HVAC installation.
Balancing Commercial Ventilation
Commercial kitchens can remove significant amounts of air through extraction systems.
Replacement air needs to enter the building to support the extract system.
Controls can coordinate replacement air and kitchen extraction.
Poor balance can lead to doors becoming difficult to open.
A suitable control strategy can help maintain balanced airflow.
Checking HVAC Controls
HVAC commissioning allows contractors to check that the installed systems respond correctly.
The process may include checking schedules, sensors and equipment responses.
Commissioning can also identify issues with control sequences.
These checks can be completed before handover to the building operator.
Making HVAC Controls Easy to Use
Building operators need to understand how their HVAC systems are controlled.
Clear labels and operating information can make systems more straightforward to operate.
Staff should know what they need to do if equipment does not operate correctly.
This is especially important in busy commercial environments.
Designing HVAC Controls From the Start
HVAC controls should be considered during the early design stages.
Designers need to understand what information sensors and controls require.
The location of control panels, sensors and associated wiring should also be included within the wider installation drawings.
A well-planned HVAC BMS can help bring multiple mechanical services under a coordinated control arrangement that reflects daily operating requirements.