BuildingIQs Five-Part

Series on PEO

What is Predictive
Energy Optimization?
1 of 5

Predictive Energy Optimization (PEO) is the

trademarked term for BuildingIQs software
platform designed to improve the energy-efficient
operations of large, complex buildings, whether
commercial, public, or academic. Running as a
software-as-service (SaaS), PEO optimizes around
system efficiency, occupancy comfort and lowest
cost. Energy reductions in the range of 10-25% are
typical, with reductions climbing to as high as 40%
during operational peaks.

First step
learning
PEO begins with
physicsa set of
generic rules that
govern the heat transfer within all buildings. This
forms the core of the model. Then the models
algorithms set about the task of learning the
specific dynamic responses of the building to a
wide variety of continuously changing conditions
everything from temperature and humidity, to
occupancy profiles. Measurable data inform
hundreds of parameters that monitor and ultimately
control the buildings dynamic responses.
Day 1 of the learning process begins by comparing
actual data to the models first 24-hour simulation.
Early parameter fittings can be miles apart from

reality as more data becomes available. The model

goes to school. With more information, more
comparisons, and what-if combinations, the model
tries to bring the model simulations and the actual
readings closer together day by day, even as the
weather around the building changes. Its a little
smarter on the second day, possibly surprised on the
third day, a little smarter still on the fourth day, and
so on.

Second stepprediction
The BuildingIQ learning process, which is designed
to work in concert with the existing building
management system (BMS), is one of gradual
convergence between parameter based simulations
and actual readings. It takes some 4-6 weeks for
the model to truly understand the unique dynamics
of the building thermodynamically, as people enter
and leave, congregate and disperse in various
zones, as weather conditions change, and as the
train of heating and cooling equipment labors with
partial load or hums along at peak efficiency.
Accurate prediction of the buildings thermal
behavior, in aggregate and zone by zone,
under changing conditions is the precursor to
optimization.

Five-Part Series on PEOWhat is Predictive Energy Optimization?

Pre-cooling and
Demand Response

Building IQ in Action

100

400

Zone Temperature

90

Ambient Temperature
80

70

60

200

50

Temperature (F)

Power (KW)

300

Baseline Power
BIQ Optimized Power

40

100

Work Hours

30

20

0
3AM

6AM

9AM

Optimized Start

12PM

3PM

6PM

Time of Day

High Peak/Low Demand Charge Tariff

Third step:
optimization
Tenant comfort is one of
the key priorities, but
cannot be controlled as an absolute constant,
and should not eclipse all other priorities. Multifunctional decision-making is part of the design
of PEO.
Temperature can and does vary in a given space
by one, two, perhaps even three degrees without
noticeable discomfort. This variance, coupled
with the ability to predict the buildings dynamic
response to various contingencies, opens the door

to BuildingIQs optimization of comfort, cost,

and efficiency. Knowledge of power prices in the
marketplace, as they rise and fall during the day
and by season, as well as the economic benefits for
participating in demand-response (DR) programs
are factored into the decision making process of
the model.
The result is the optimum power profile to yield the
lowest cost, highest level of HVAC system efficiency,
and maximum comfort. The building might be
cooled several degrees below midlevel comfort
during the morning in order to let the temperature
drift upward, while backing off on power demand
during peak pricing on a hot afternoon.

About BuildingIQ
BuildingIQ is a leading energy management software company with a mission to redefine and enhance the
way energy is managed in commercial buildings. BuildingIQs unique, patent-pending Predictive Energy
Optimization technology is the foundation for reducing energy cost and consumption. It is designed to help
building owners, managers and tenants get more value out of their existing energy systems. BuildingIQ has
leveraged over 25 man-years of building controls, modeling and comfort research by world-leading experts at
CSIRO, Australias national labs, and BuildingIQ to create this innovative platform in energy intelligence. The
company has been honored as Winner of the AIRAH Award for Excellence in Innovation, Tech23s Greatest
Potential Award, ED+C and Sustainable Facilitys Readers Choice Award and Red Herrings Asia 100 Award.

Predictive Energy Optimization

The BuildingIQ system is the only energy management system that predicts energy demand and directly adjusts
the HVAC system parameters in real time to optimize energy use. BuildingIQ communicates with your BMS
factoring in weather forecasts, occupant comfort, peak demand, and demand response signalsin order to
automatically reduce energy consumption, cost, and emissions while maintaining or improving tenant comfort.

2014 BuildingIQ, Inc. All rights reserved

1065 East Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 310
Foster City, CA 94404 USA
www.buildingiq.com
biq-sales@buildingiq.com
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