HVAC Control and Automation for Efficient Buildings

In a modern building, energy efficiency and indoor air quality do not depend solely on good equipment: they depend above all on how this equipment is controlled and managed, and this is where HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) automation comes in.

In a scenario where digitisation and smart integration shape the future of buildings, HVAC control and automation play an essential role for those seeking energy efficiency in air conditioning, greater reliability and better indoor air quality. This approach not only optimises consumption and extends the useful life of equipment, but also contributes to the development of smart and sustainable buildings, in line with current requirements for efficiency and environmental responsibility.

This is the path that OCRAMclima® has been consolidating: developing reliable, intelligent and tailored solutions, ensuring comfort, performance and sustainability.

The role of control and automation in HVAC performance

An efficient system needs to react to changes in the environment. An AHU should be a dynamic system that responds in real time to changes in the ambient and internal temperatures of the building.

With intelligent automation, the unit automatically adapts its operation to ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance.

Thanks to automatic and precise controls, energy consumption is reduced, components suffer less wear and tear, and operating costs become more predictable. For occupants, the result is greater comfort, and for building management there is the clear advantage of lower operating costs and more predictable maintenance.

How does the control system of an Air Handling Unit work?

The efficient operation of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) depends on the coordinated integration of various field devices. Among the main ones are:

• Temperature, humidity and CO₂ sensors – continuously monitor air quality;
• Differential pressure switches and pressure transducers – monitor flow conditions and filter status.

The information collected is essential for automatic control of the AHU. Based on this data, the actuators dynamically regulate:

• The heating and cooling water valves;
• Air registers (dampers), controlling air flow and adequate renewal.

The ‘brain’ of the system is the Siemens Climatix® programmable controller, responsible for executing the operating logic. This controller, which can be configured and programmed according to the needs of each HVAC project, enables:

• Management of operating modes (occupied/unoccupied, summer/winter, etc.);
• Temperature and humidity regulation with adjustable setpoints;
• System protection, such as dirty filter alarms detected by differential pressure switches;
• Integration with supervision systems (BMS – Building Management System) through native protocols such as BACnet and Modbus, or optional protocols such as KNX.

Thanks to HVAC automation and centralised control, AHUs ensure a comfortable, efficient and energy-optimised indoor environment.

More than just controlling, automation should optimise. Strategies such as dynamic setpoints, intelligent heat recovery and flow balancing are now fundamental practices for increasing energy efficiency in air conditioning and ensuring more sustainable buildings.

Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)

The integration of Siemens Climatix® with Building Management System (BMS) goes beyond simple climate control. It is an approach geared towards intelligent HVAC automation, which allows the full potential of the HVAC installation to be exploited efficiently and sustainably.

Through BMS, it is possible to monitor the entire system in real time, generate detailed reports, and implement data-driven predictive maintenance.

This integration translates into truly intelligent HVAC management, in which sensors, controllers and actuators work together to reduce consumption and maximise environmental comfort.

Intelligent and adaptive HVAC automation

• Dynamic management of operating modes: the system automatically adjusts to schedules, occupancy levels and outdoor conditions, ensuring comfort only when necessary.
• Energy optimisation: through real-time data analysis, it is possible to reduce consumption, avoid waste and extend the useful life of equipment.
• Predictive maintenance: alarms and logs recorded by the controller enable you to anticipate failures and plan interventions more efficiently.

Integration with other building systems

Thanks to its compatibility with standard protocols (BACnet, Modbus, KNX), Climatix® can be integrated with other building subsystems, such as:

• Automatic lighting and blinds to enhance energy efficiency;
• Security and access systems, for coordination between comfort and protection;
• Renewable energy production, aligning consumption and local production.

Global benefits

With these advanced strategies, HVAC automation is no longer just a matter of thermal comfort, but rather a tool for overall building management, contributing to:

• Reduction in operating costs;
• Achievement of sustainability targets;
• Greater comfort and productivity for occupants;
• Appreciation of real estate assets.

Benefits of HVAC automation for different types of buildings

The integration of the HVAC control system with Siemens Climatix® and BMS offers advantages tailored to the specific needs of each type of building:

Offices

• Thermal comfort and air quality adjusted to occupancy;
• Reduction of energy costs outside working hours;
• A healthy environment that improves employee productivity.

Hotels

• Customised climate control per room or zone;
• Greater efficiency by adjusting consumption according to occupancy rates;
• A more comfortable experience for guests, increasing satisfaction.

Hospitals and clinics

• Strict control of temperature, humidity and pressure in critical areas (clean rooms, operating theatres);
• Centralised monitoring to ensure security and service continuity;
• Reduced risk of cross-contamination through controlled ventilation.

Shopping centres and retail

• Efficient management of large areas with different occupancy profiles;
• Optimisation of energy costs in common areas and shops;
• Improving the customer experience through comfortable environments.

Schools and universities

• Adjustment of climate control based on the actual presence of students and teachers;
• Monitoring indoor air quality, essential for well-being and concentration;
• Significant savings during holidays or periods of non-use.

Industry and logistics

• Environmental control for sensitive production processes;
• Integration with energy and production systems (e.g. photovoltaic, cogeneration);
• Reliability and operational safety in warehouses and industrial areas.

HVAC control and automation are now key elements in achieving energy efficiency, reliability and comfort in any building. OCRAMclima® develops and implements control and automation systems tailored to each project, ensuring scalability, efficiency and reliability.

With integration into Building Management System (BMS), we combine advanced management, continuous monitoring and specialised technical support so that each building operates at its maximum potential.

Would you like to optimise the performance of your HVAC systems?