Well prepared for the winter
Technology is only effective if it can be easily adapted to the unpredictable. This is especially true in times of crisis. Our operations department ensures that our customers are well prepared for winter and rising energy prices.
In a short series we present our operational services to you. This time it's about optimising operations in times of rising energy prices.
Thomas Wirtz currently has a lot on his plate. In addition to the ongoing monitoring of the more than 150 buildings controlled by MeteoViva, the head of MeteoViva's operations team is preparing for winter with his colleagues. Above all, this means developing emergency plan templates for customers. In view of the rapidly rising energy prices, the first property managers have already contacted him and asked how they can save even more gas in their buildings during the heating season.
Basically, the MeteoViva software already ensures that operations run in a resource-saving and energy-efficient manner on the basis of the digital twin. Based on this, however, the plant engineers can make adjustments for further savings in consultation with the customers.
Analysing building use
A first measure is to check the indoor climate profiles in the building together with the clients and update them if necessary. Which zones and floors are actually used on which days of the week? It may be possible to shut down entire floors for a few weeks and move workplaces to other floors. In the "empty" zones, the plant engineers can then lower the room temperatures at the click of a mouse.
Changing minimum and maximum temperatures
Another step with what savings can be achieved quickly (at the click of a mouse) is to lower the climate band. This refers to the range of maximum and minimum temperatures in the building set by facility management/property management. The German government is already showing the way. Economics Minister Robert Habeck only wants to heat public buildings to a maximum of 19 degrees. Every degree Celsius that can be reduced in the rooms saves valuable energy. MeteoViva is currently working on a study that evaluates the effect of such a reduction on the basis of real objects.
Restriction of system running times
Ventilation systems in particular do not need to run when the areas they supply are not being used. Since the fresh air brought in also has to be heated up in winter, the customers save not only the electricity for the fans but also the gas for heat generation when the running times are reduced. It is important here that there is a close exchange between the company and the staff on site to ensure that comfort is maintained.
Digital occupancy queries
With the help of a room booking system, this savings potential can be further exploited. If the system provides an interface for connection, the occupancy data can be automatically integrated into the simulation for room climate optimisation. In this way, the individual building zones are controlled even more optimally. You can read about how this works here.
Important: In all efforts to save energy, it is important to keep the legal requirements for occupational health and safety in mind. The recommended or prescribed minimum temperature depends, among other things, on whether predominantly standing or sitting activities are performed in a building. Often, however, the range of maximum and minimum room temperatures desired by customers is higher than the legal requirements, so that there is still room for manoeuvre.
Thomas Wirtz and his team quickly find out, together with the clients, how much room there is for adjustment. Those who draw up an individual plan of action with the plant engineers in good time can start the winter a little more relaxed.
