Published: 16 September 2011
Category: News
In continuing to simplify the notoriously complex task of energy management for customers, Schneider Electric has launched its most holistic yet easy-to-use solution yet – the SEMS (Simple Energy Management Solution).
Completely unique, the SEMS combines all of the inherently independent mechanisms of metering, monitoring and simple control with a straightforward user interface for information to create one true solution. The technology has been specifically designed for use in small to medium size buildings, such as retailers, health centres and small offices, after Schneider Electric realised the need for a more comprehensive energy management solution for smaller commercial outlets.
At the hub of the SEMS system is an iRIO controller, which collects metering and status data from devices such as circuit breakers, power meters, gas and water meters and temperature sensors. The controller then generates the necessary databases, dashboards, curves and reports as well as being able to transmit the data remotely.
To make life simpler for users, data is presented as clear and easy to read as possible, meaning no specialist training is required. Plus, information is provided in real-time at the source, so users can know exactly where and how energy is being used.
This innovative approach allows for maximum data visibility. Users are able to manage WAGES (Water, Air, Gas, Electricity, Steam) consumption in order to identify the most relevant areas for improving energy usage and verify the effective impact of energy measures. They can also use the data to perform comparative calculations and show trends to identify further savings areas.
Cost allocation reports mean users can drive accountability in every area of the building thus giving them ownership of their electricity costs and motivation to use energy wisely.
Furthermore, the SEMS is unique in that it can be delivered in two ways, depending on budget and performance requirements. The first option is as an on-site energy solution. This puts the customer firmly in control with each user given their own energy dashboard for the building, enabling them to collect information for specific analysis.
A key benefit of this approach is that the information can be displayed as required, in line with user preferences. For example, in a retail environment, the user may require energy usage to be displayed in relation to per square foot of retail space. Conversely, when used in conjunction with carbon reporting, it might be more applicable to have the data displayed in terms of CO2 emissions per tonne of material dispatched.
Conversely, for those seeking a more comprehensive approach, SEMS is available as a full services solution hosted by Schneider Electric. This is where energy usage data is collected on site and sent to a remote energy monitoring bureau where it is thoroughly analysed in line with the user requirements and turned into user-friendly, actionable information. This is particularly beneficial for customers who do not have the in house resource or expertise for data analysis and require extra support.
David Lewis, Marketing Development Manager for energy efficiency at Schneider Electric comments: “While major corporate organisations tend to have their own dedicated energy specialists, the majority of smaller businesses do not have the internal resource to fully focus on the growing issue of energy management.
“With this in mind, we have placed significant investment in developing the SEMS, to provide an effective way for smaller buildings to gain a full and detailed insight into their energy usage as they require it.
“In terms of energy and cost savings, the benefits to be had are endless. On average, customers can expect to see an energy reduction per building of eight to ten per cent. Plus, through enabling a more consolidated view of infrastructure to benchmark, users can identify any problem areas for action to ensure ultimate efficiency at all times. The result is a higher building performance rating and optimised building operations, ensuring environmental aims become a reality.”
For further information on effective energy management solutions go to: www.schneider-electric.co.uk.
At the hub of the SEMS system is an iRIO controller, which collects metering and status data from devices such as circuit breakers, power meters, gas and water meters and temperature sensors. The controller then generates the necessary databases, dashboards, curves and reports as well as being able to transmit the data remotely.
To make life simpler for users, data is presented as clear and easy to read as possible, meaning no specialist training is required. Plus, information is provided in real-time at the source, so users can know exactly where and how energy is being used.
This innovative approach allows for maximum data visibility. Users are able to manage WAGES (Water, Air, Gas, Electricity, Steam) consumption in order to identify the most relevant areas for improving energy usage and verify the effective impact of energy measures. They can also use the data to perform comparative calculations and show trends to identify further savings areas.
Cost allocation reports mean users can drive accountability in every area of the building thus giving them ownership of their electricity costs and motivation to use energy wisely.
Furthermore, the SEMS is unique in that it can be delivered in two ways, depending on budget and performance requirements. The first option is as an on-site energy solution. This puts the customer firmly in control with each user given their own energy dashboard for the building, enabling them to collect information for specific analysis.
A key benefit of this approach is that the information can be displayed as required, in line with user preferences. For example, in a retail environment, the user may require energy usage to be displayed in relation to per square foot of retail space. Conversely, when used in conjunction with carbon reporting, it might be more applicable to have the data displayed in terms of CO2 emissions per tonne of material dispatched.
Conversely, for those seeking a more comprehensive approach, SEMS is available as a full services solution hosted by Schneider Electric. This is where energy usage data is collected on site and sent to a remote energy monitoring bureau where it is thoroughly analysed in line with the user requirements and turned into user-friendly, actionable information. This is particularly beneficial for customers who do not have the in house resource or expertise for data analysis and require extra support.
David Lewis, Marketing Development Manager for energy efficiency at Schneider Electric comments: “While major corporate organisations tend to have their own dedicated energy specialists, the majority of smaller businesses do not have the internal resource to fully focus on the growing issue of energy management.
“With this in mind, we have placed significant investment in developing the SEMS, to provide an effective way for smaller buildings to gain a full and detailed insight into their energy usage as they require it.
“In terms of energy and cost savings, the benefits to be had are endless. On average, customers can expect to see an energy reduction per building of eight to ten per cent. Plus, through enabling a more consolidated view of infrastructure to benchmark, users can identify any problem areas for action to ensure ultimate efficiency at all times. The result is a higher building performance rating and optimised building operations, ensuring environmental aims become a reality.”
For further information on effective energy management solutions go to: www.schneider-electric.co.uk.