Energy Security Interface (ESI) utilises physical security to provide intelligent control of lighting and air-conditioning for optimal energy efficiency.

ESI is a software system which uses the Interlogix (formerly GE Security) Facility Commander Wnx or Gallagher Command Centre security platform and attached security devices to monitor security status of rooms and intrusion zones, then intelligently instructs the building management system (BMS) to control air-conditioning and lighting. It uses motion sensors to detect actual room occupancy, security switches for contraindications (such as doors being left open) and intrusion zones to determine arming status as input parameters for its energy control algorithm. It also comes with a SQL Server database which allows lighting and air-conditioning to be controlled via booking schedules to support preparatory room heating and lighting.

ESI will interface to any BMS which supports the BACnet control protocol. However, if there is no BMS, or the building management system does not control all of the lighting and air conditioning appliances, the ESI Solution can control lighting and air conditioning directly through power control relays. This ability to support both BMS communication and direct control methods means ESI is a good option for improving energy efficiency regardless of the lighting and air conditioning systems already in place or whether an organisation is already using a BMS.

Significant savings on electricity costs can be achieved with the added benefits of improved asset security and raised awareness among personnel of practical initiatives to reduce their electricity consumption.

Savings

ESI is cost-effective providing quick return on investment (1-2 years) and immediate results. St Peter’s School Cambridge has achieved 50% savings on their air conditioning costs, with a return on investment in only 14 months.

In a fairly well-disciplined work environment such as a small office where people work regular hours, savings are likely to be around 20-30%. In an educational facility where rooms are not used continuously and there is a lot of people movement in and out of rooms, savings of around 50% can easily be achieved. In an environment where energy efficiency is very difficult to manage due to high demand (because of climatic extremes) and undisciplined use (such as an accommodation area of a mining camp) savings can be as much as around 70%.

How it works

ESI automatically turns lighting and air conditioning on and off based on whether rooms are scheduled to be used, or whether the rooms are actually occupied. It uses a variety of control methods ranging from simple schedule-only control to a combination of scheduled, occupation detection, manual override and intrusion zone controlled.

While the ESI solution controls lighting in real-time (e.g. as soon as a door is open the lights come on), Intelligent Control Methods have been included specifically to reduce wear on the air-conditioners and to optimise heating and cooling effectiveness - "Countdown to Turn Off" and "Persistant Activity Required".

Success story – St Peters School Cambridge, New Zealand

ESI has saved St Peters School Cambridge a massive 50% off their heating and cooling costs without compromising the temperature comfort in any room. Return on investment has been achieved in only 14 months. By linking to their school management database ESI automatically turns air conditioners on and off based on scheduled occupancy and actual detected occupancy. ESI also provides a method of re-enforcing good energy efficiency practices and has provided the additional advantage of significantly improving security in each classroom. By implementing the ESI St Peters School is enjoying major cost savings, enhanced environmental awareness and improved asset security.     Read Case study