BMS Info

[keh7486]

Hi lads I've got a start next week working for a bms company, they know I've not got bms experience but just wondered if any lads knew of a site where I could have a read through to try and get some understanding.
thanks

 

[oldtimer]

Started 28 years ago working with Sauter and then SE assisting with the installation of a Trend system thats still up and running after 22 years. A brief history Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning or HVAC controls were electro/mechanical so the equipment was made by clock manufacturers hence why there was a few Swiss companies that had cornered the market then mainframe computers came out and the Building Management System or BMS oe Energy Management Systems as they are called in the US at first these were alarm panels that brought up a line of text or to setpoint a controller . Then Direct Digital Control or DDC came out this was the start of the IBM or what we call now PC based controls where the controller became a software module within the outstation ie digital in/out Analogue in/out and the Swiss controls companies suffered as the wanted to control the systems by proprietory software where system companies like Trend/JELThorn emerged as they went PC based.

First of all you need to learn basic control theory ie P PI PID P+PI I think CIBS has a manual on it also if you can get a copy of the Satchwell book I have one but you aint got a chance of getting it I was lucky I progressed from alarm systems to HVAC & BMS controls 30 years so you have a lot to learn ie temperature and humidity control theory, Plant control that includes chillers boilers pumps AHU,s AC units

 

[Stuuk1]

Hi lads I've got a start next week working for a bms company, they know I've not got bms experience but just wondered if any lads knew of a site where I could have a read through to try and get some understanding.
thanks

I was a sparx for a BMS firm for 3 years and like you, walked in to the job knowing absolutely nothing about it. I loved every single second!

It's very simple work, wiring A to B really. The tricky part is knowing where each item goes e.g. a boiler back end protection valve (kinda obvious that one!).

The next step in walking in to an enormous AHU and knowing where to mount the various sensors and why, the AHU may have a thermal wheel and a sensor to tell the system when to open which vent from temp readings etc.

The part I found hardest was usually in swimming pools were pipework goes absolutely everywhere to multiple pools, domestic water etc etc etc. The welder then asks you to mark out all the pockets in the pipe work... One wrong, he leaves site and it could be a disaster!

I've been away from that for almost 3 years now and can't remember a huge amount but would love to one day go back to it.

Congrats on your start and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

[Engineer54]

These day's they are all basically the same, it's only the system operating control programmes that differ!!
Ask for all the literature on the companies system so that you can study these. It will all show them your willingness to learn and create a good impression from day one!! And don't forget to ask questions on any area you don't understand!! Good luck to you!! I just hope for your sake, it's not Johnston controls!! lol!!

 

[AndyOz]

As already stated all BMS systems are very simular now. Without knowing where you will be working it is hard to give specific advice.

The best thing best thing will be to relax over the weekend and show a willingness to learn, work hard and be part of the tem on Monday. The rest will come. If there are specific problems you encounter then ask them on this forum. Someone will help.

Good luck in your new career.