Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year finalists: BAS, controls, energy management

Read about the eight finalists in the BAS, Controls, and Energy Management category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year program.

By Amanda Pelliccione April 6, 2015

Software with 3-D graphical interface

Ascent Compass software features a simple 3-D graphical interface that shows schematics of building zones and the layout and operating status of building systems—from the central plant to individual air handling units. Ascent Compass delivers complete user management of trend logs, alarms, and schedules via a Web browser. The software is built around HTML 5, which enables users to access the building automation system (BAS) on devices like tablets and mobile phones. It also has an enhanced navigation tree that enables each user, or group of users, to tailor the BAS to only present features pertaining to their work.

Alerton
www.alerton.com


Energy management solution for data centers, industrial applications

The Galaxy VM is an energy management solution designed for data centers and industrial applications and lowers energy costs through high efficiency ratings and ECOnversion mode. The Galaxy VM integrates into the electrical network using a wide input voltage range, high overload, short circuit capacity, and integrated backfeed protection. It also can link with the facility’s existing monitoring system and offers both traditional and modular energy storage flexibility with swappable modular battery modules and fans. Galaxy VM features top and bottom cable entry without the need for an additional side cabinet, full front service access, back-to-the-wall installation, and included startup service.

APC by Schneider Electric
www.apc.com


Scalable platform connected system controller

The ECLYPSE Connected System Controller is a modular and scalable platform providing BACnet/IP, wired, and wireless IP connectivity. The controller provides advanced functionality, customizable control logic, Web-based design, visualization interface with embedded ENVYSION, and local logging, alarming, and scheduling functions. It is fully customizable with control and monitoring sequences and Distech Controls’ EC-gfxProgram 5.0 graphical programming interface. The ECLYPSE Connected System Controller offers flexibility to meet all requirements by allowing users to choose implementation and integration architecture and leverage IT infrastructure to achieve convergence, minimizing traditional building management system installation and costs.

Distech Controls
www.distech-controls.com


Dashboard for real-time energy usage

Eaton’s Power Xpert Insight software provides a dashboard view into real-time energy usage, efficiency, and power quality for facility, energy, IT, and health care managers. The platform allows customers to view real-time information down to the device level, view energy usage, and demand data. It also can compare and trend data, and view a one-line representation of their electrical system. It also allows users to perform simulations of electrical load increases, set capacity thresholds, and model potential system impacts to help reduce the risk of unplanned downtime and provide adequate system protection prior to the addition of new electrical equipment.

Eaton
www.eaton.com


Web-based real-time data interface

The Bridge Data Manager v4.0 allows companies to capture data accurately and efficiently in real time. Users own and control their own data. The Bridge Data Manager is built on the powerful Microsoft .NET Framework to run as a Windows service. This data logging tool can be deployed in any network configuration, conforming to IT security policies. View collected data through Bridge’s intuitive, Web-based user interface. It is compatible with standard Microsoft Excel and SQL reporting tools; offers SSL security to prevent network attacks, data leaks, and secured data access; and can be integrated with Energy Star data using the Dept. of Energy’s Portfolio Manager.

QA Graphics
www.qagraphics.com


Integrated building management system

Schneider Electric’s SmartStruxure Lite is an integrated building management system designed to address the needs of facility owners and managers of buildings less than 100,000 sq ft. The solution provides tailored functionalities for facilities with a smaller footprint, such as retail stores, small offices, hotels, schools, and health care clinics. It integrates the management of HVAC, lighting, energy, and more into one interface. This allows building managers to improve resource use and occupant comfort, increase energy efficiency for both existing and new construction, and drive value with cost-effective building management through the lifecycle of a facility.

Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com


Automation controller for industrial, mission critical applications

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories’ SEL-3505-3 Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) combines the power of an IEC 61131 PLC logic engine with a communications processor. It has eight digital inputs, three Form C digital outputs, three serial ports, two Ethernet ports, and an operating range of -40 to 85 C. It is designed to add automation to utility, heavy industrial, and mission critical applications. Designed for data concentration, protocol conversion, SCADA system data, or automation control of critical processes, the SEL-3505-3 operates with a wide variety of communications interfaces and protocols, including DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850 GOOSE, and IEC 60870-5-101/104.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc.
www.selinc.com


Commercial room thermostat

RDY2000 is a self-contained, full-function commercial thermostat complete with onboard temperature and humidity sensors, compatible with most HVAC systems that use 24 Vac control circuitry. Firmware supports multi-stage conventional systems and heat pumps. With ventilation, economizer, and humidification interfaces, the RDY2000 provides the flexibility to optimize room comfort while reducing energy consumption. Proving its versatility, the RDY2000 can control conventional systems with up to three stages of heating and three stages of cooling, as well as heat pumps with up to two compressors and up to two stages of auxiliary heat.

Siemens Industry Inc.
www.usa.siemens.com


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Author Bio: Amanda is the Research Director and Project Manager of Awards Programs for CFE Media and its publications.