BMS RPA Control for Fast Building Load Response to Grid Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building management systems (BMS) face challenges in efficiently and effectively modifying utility consumption, particularly electricity, due to the complexity of interfacing with various devices and custom configurations, making it difficult to automatically respond to grid events and reduce energy demand.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of robotic process automation (RPA) generates scripts based on user interactions with BMS interfaces to automate load reduction by establishing remote access connections, allowing for real-time control of building management systems to adjust parameters such as temperature and airflow, thereby simplifying the process of responding to grid events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If building management systems manually control devices to modify utility consumption, then energy demand can be reduced during grid events, but the process is time-consuming and complex due to the large number of different types of devices and custom configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring automation scripts and establishing remote access connections before grid events occur. When a grid event is detected, the pre-prepared scripts can be immediately executed to modify device settings, eliminating the need for manual configuration during the event and significantly reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The building management system implements self-service through automated scripts that autonomously control building devices in response to grid events. The robotic process automation interface enables the system to automatically adjust device parameters without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in modifying utility consumption during critical periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building management systems use custom configurations for each building, then they can address specific building requirements, but the complexity of interfacing with various devices increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic process automation interface implements a universal approach by using standardized scripting mechanisms that can control multiple different device types through a common interface. Instead of requiring custom integration code for each device, the system uses adaptable scripts that can be configured to work with various building management systems and device types, reducing interface complexity while maintaining building-specific adaptability.
3Extent of automation
If building management systems manually adjust device parameters, then they can respond to grid events, but the process requires significant human involvement and is difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated digital processes. Instead of operators physically adjusting device parameters or navigating complex interfaces, robotic process automation scripts digitally control the building management system through automated sequences, substituting human manual operations with programmable automated actions that are easier to replicate and execute consistently.
Data Source
AI summary
Responding to grid events is provided. The system determines, based on an event, to modify an electrical load of a site. The system selects a parameter for the site to adjust to modify the electrical load. The system identifies a script constructed from previously processed interactions between a human-machine interface of the building management system to adjust the parameter for the site. The system establishes a communication session with a remote access agent executed by a computing device of the site to invoke the building management system of the site. The system generates a sequence of commands defined by the script to adjust the one or more parameters for the site. The system transmits the sequence of commands to cause the remote access agent to execute the sequence of commands on the human-machine interface of the building management system to modify the electrical load of the site.