Abstract
A well-designed and properly operated building automation and control system (BACS) is key to attaining energy-efficient operation and optimal indoor conditions. In this study, three healthcare facilities of a different type, age, and use are considered as case studies to investigate the functionalities of BACS in providing optimal air quality and thermal comfort. IBACSA, the first-of-its-kind instrument for BACS assessment and smartness evaluation, is used to evaluate the current systems and their control functionalities. The BACS assessment is reported and analyzed. Then, three packages of improvements were implemented in the three cases, focusing on (1) technical systems enhancement, (2) indoor air quality and comfort, and (3) energy efficiency. It was found that the ventilation system domain is the best performer in the three considered cases with an overall score of 52%, 89% and 91% in Case A, B, and C, respectively. On the other hand, domestic hot water domain scores are relatively low, indicating that this is an area where Danish healthcare facilities need to provide more concentration on. A key finding indicated by the assessment performed is that the three buildings score relatively very low when it comes to the impact criteria of energy flexibility and storage.
Highlights
A proper-designed, installed and operated building automation and control system is pivotal to attaining an energy-efficient operation and optimal indoor conditions in such facilities
The general results of this work will give to some extent a good assessment level of the building automation and control system design situation in Danish healthcare buildings in general
Based on the reBsualstesdreopnotrhteedreasbuolvtserfeoprotrhteedtharbeoevheeafoltrhtchaerethbrueeildhienagltsh, citacreanbubieldniontgesd, it can be noted that the construthctaitotnheyecaorn(sotrrubcutiioldninygeaarg(eo)rtbelulsildailnogt aabgoe)uttetlhlseaaulottomabaotuiotnthaendauctoonmtraotlion and control system installedsyasntedmitsinfustnacllteiodnaanlidtieitssafnudncctaipoanbailliittiieessainndDcaanpisahbihleitaieltshicnarDeafnacisilhitiheesa. lItthicsare facilities
Summary
Due to the nature of the new pandemic in terms of fast transmission and spread through air, the importance of the establishment of high levels of indoor air quality and thermal comfort within healthcare facilities is nowadays eminent In this context, a proper-designed, installed and operated building automation and control system is pivotal to attaining an energy-efficient operation and optimal indoor conditions in such facilities. The building automation and control (BACS) system is the heart of modern smart buildings It is the component allowing effective interaction and integration between various energy systems, services, controls, sensors, and meters [15,16,17]. Compared to other building components and specifications, very limited investigations and studies have been presented dealing with auditing and commissioning of such BACS, to ensure a proper design and optimal functionalities considering automation and control advancements and regulations
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