Automated System Optimization (ASO) technology, for example, provides benefits associated with each category. It works by automatically adjusting BAS control settings to cut HVAC energy use, reduce demand charges and maintain comfort. 

I'll illustrate ASO technology by describing one of the one of the field's leaders, BuildingIQ. The company has impressive partners (Schneider Electric, Siemens, Johnson Controls, etc.) and collaborators (U.S. Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, Berkeley Lab, etc.). 

Its product qualifies for Mass Save incentives--which are determined on a case-by-case (custom) basis. 

 

BuildingIQ's platform learns a building's energy use patterns; reads points on its BAS and meters; and knows incremental weather forecasts. It uses this data to predict heating and cooling loads and the property's anticipated peak demand periods--and controls the HVAC system accordingly.

 

The company provides its customers with a real-time dashboard display and management reports. It sends alerts when necessary. BuildingIQ detects high-level faults, but its product is not a comprehensive fault detection system.

 

Customers have no capital costs--they pay a monthly fee instead. Mass Save incentives, if approved, would reduce this fee.

 

BuildingIQ uses the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol to calculate its impact on each building. It reports that its customers reduce HVAC energy bills by 10% to 25%--several times the monthly fee. Its first U.S. hotel customer, M Resort & Casino (390 rooms), cut HVAC energy use by 12% and peak load by 13%. Other case studies are here.

 

A BuildingIQ representative will speak at our June 30 meeting.