The biggest problem with BMS installations in schools is age;it is by no means unusual to find installations that are 20 or even 25 years old.These installations may still be operational,but they fall a long way short of delivering the benefits that are available from modern equipment.

For example,the way in which schools are used has changed dramatically in recent years,with an increased emphasis on out-of hours use of school buildings.Often,only a few rooms are used after hours,so an old-style system,which makes little or no provision for separately controlled heating zones,is a sure-fire route to wasting money.

The most important shortcoming of older BMS installations is not, however,lack of flexibility.Rather,it is their poor – by today's standards – user interface.Until quite recently,setting up or adjusting a BMS was a complicated task,typically involving the use of hard-to-remember codes and equipment references,often coupled with complex menu systems.

Many users of these older systems find that attempting the simplest alterations can lead to unexpected and undesirable results.

They quickly decide,therefore,to leave the system well alone,thereby turning their backs on a whole range of opportunities for energy saving.

This situation is compounded by the tendency for school property managers(formerly known as caretakers)to change jobs frequently. This means they have little time to learn the quirks of an individual BMS.

What they want is a simple system which allows them to review current settings at the push of button,and which provides a straight forward and,as far as possible,foolproof method for making changes. Owen Williams has found that Siemens Desigo PX controllers are an excellent match for these requirements,and give users the confidence to make their own settings,thereby ensuring that they get the best from their BMS.

Upgrading existing schools installations by fitting a new BMS which offers flexible zoning options and a convenient user interface will produce energy and cost savings,but effective monitoring is the key to maximising those savings.The basis for monitoring is data produced by the BMS,which,ideally,should be analysed by a specialist in school applications.

The monitoring will certainly include,for example,a comparison of current and historic fuel bills,so that any savings are quantified and,conversely,any adverse changes are quickly identified and flagged for investigation.

In addition,effective monitoring will include close liaison with the users of the system.If a particular area is regularly too hot or too cold,for example,it is very easy to compensate by altering the setting of the local controller.An expert,however,may spot that the real cause is an incorrectly sized radiator,or pipework obstructed by sludge.More appropriate remedial action is then possible.

While the above points have largely been made in the context of upgrading existing installations,most are also valid for new build.

It is worth bearing in mind,however,that in new schools ventilation rates are often much higher than in older establishments.

Potentially,this means that more air has to be heated,and that energy consumption will be greater.An effective BMS which minimises wastage is,therefore,even more important for newbuild projects.

Whether discussing upgrades or new installations, cost of equipment is,of course,always an important issue for schools.

Modern BMS equipment,however,offers excellent value for money,and almost invariably has a short payback period.

The Owen Williams organisation is now making possible even greater savings by developing a range of standardised software modules for use with the versatile Desigo PX range of controllers from Siemens Building Technologies.

Specifically designed for school applications,these software modules not only cut development costs for individual projects,but also reduce the time needed for project completion.In addition,they offer users the security of knowing that their installation is based on software which is extensively tested and well proven.

A less technical,but very practical complication which is sometimes mentioned in relation to supplying BMS installations for schools is that the market is very fragmented,with individual boards of governors making decisions about the equipment that is to be used.In reality,however,this has not proved to be a major concern.On the contrary,those responsible for specifying school BMS installations are usually very receptive to advice and guidance.

There's no doubt that an effective BMS installation is an excellent investment for any school,old or new.Care must be taken,however,to choose a system which is convenient for its users,and which offers sufficient flexibility for the way schools are used today.

Such a system,preferably coupled with professional monitoring,is the real key to efficient energy usage.

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