Temperature Sensor?

BMS (Building Management System) temperature sensors are devices used to measure the temperature within the built environment. These sensors are crucial in building control as they provide real-time data that helps Building Management Systems engineers /building managers optimize HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and ensure occupant comfort whilst maintaining efficient control.

BMS temperature sensors are often used in conjunction with other sensors to collect data on a building’s environmental conditions, such as humidity, air quality, and light levels. This data can then be analysed and used to adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to maintain optimal conditions for occupants.

By monitoring temperature levels throughout a building, BMS temperature sensors can help building engineers and managers identify areas of inefficiency and implement targeted improvements. For example, they can identify areas where too much heating or cooling is occurring, or where windows or doors are allowing heat to escape. By addressing these issues, less energy is wasted, utility bills are lowered, and occupant comfort is increased.

Location is key!

It is important that BMS temperature sensors are in the correct place because their accuracy and effectiveness in controlling the temperature of a building depend on their location. If temperature sensors are located in the wrong place, the readings they provide may not accurately reflect the temperature in the area where occupants are located, resulting in discomfort and wasted energy.

The same applies to pipework and ductwork sensors, if these are positioned incorrectly this could have catastrophic effects on the control of plant.

Office Environment Project BMS

Here are some reasons why it’s important to locate BMS temperature sensors in the correct place:

  1. Occupant Comfort: The main purpose of a BMS is to maintain occupant comfort. To achieve this, temperature sensors should be located in areas where occupants spend the most time, such as workspaces, living areas, and bedrooms. If temperature sensors are located in other areas, such as hallways or utility closets, the readings they provide may not accurately reflect the temperature in the areas where occupants spend the most time, resulting in discomfort.
  2. Energy Efficiency: By accurately measuring the temperature in key areas, BMS temperature sensors can help optimize HVAC systems and reduce energy waste. If sensors are located in the wrong place, the HVAC system may not respond correctly to changes in temperature, resulting in wasted energy and increased energy bills.
  3. Airflow and Drafts: The location of temperature sensors can be affected by airflow and drafts in a building. If space sensors are located near windows or doors, they may detect drafts or temperature changes caused by air leaks, resulting in incorrect temperature readings.
  4. Effective control: Plant sensors are just as crucial when maintaining comfort and efficiency within a building. If pipework sensors are installed on the wrong side of a valve the BMS will not be receiving an accurate measurement of the controlled temperature resulting in loss of control, comfort and efficiency.

In summary, locating BMS temperature sensors in the correct place is crucial for maintaining occupant comfort, optimizing HVAC systems, reducing energy waste, and avoiding inaccurate readings caused by drafts or other environmental factors. Proper placement of temperature sensors should be determined based on the building layout, services schematics, and the specific needs of the occupants.

The most common type of sensor!

Belimo Thermistor Sensor

Thermistors are the most popular type of temperature sensors in building management systems (BMS) because they offer several advantages over other types of temperature sensors:

  1. High Sensitivity: Thermistors have a high sensitivity to changes in temperature, which makes them very accurate and able to detect even small changes in temperature. This is important for BMS applications where precise temperature control is required to maintain occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
  2. Wide Temperature Range: Thermistors are available in a wide temperature range, from -100°C to +300°C, making them suitable for a broad range of BMS applications.
  3. Low Cost: Thermistors are relatively inexpensive compared to other temperature sensors, making them a cost-effective solution for BMS applications.
  4. Small Size: Thermistors are small and compact, which makes them easy to install in a variety of locations throughout a building.
  5. Fast Response Time: Thermistors have a fast response time, which means they can quickly detect and respond to changes in temperature.

Overall, the high sensitivity, wide temperature range, low cost, small size, and fast response time of thermistors make them a popular choice for temperature sensing in BMS applications.

Having said that, the days of singular stand-alone sensors may be numbered. As building are becoming smarter and users are understanding the benefits of big data it often makes sense to install many networked sensors.

Some benefits of networked sensors:

  1. Improved Data Collection: Networked sensors can collect data from multiple locations in a building, providing a more comprehensive picture of the temperature and environmental conditions throughout the building.
  2. Cost Savings: Installing many individual sensors can be costly and time-consuming, requiring multiple sensors and wiring for each location. Networked sensors can be connected through a single network cable, reducing the cost and complexity of installation.
  3. Scalability: Networked sensors can be easily expanded and scaled to accommodate changes in building use or occupancy. This allows building managers to add or relocate sensors as needed without the need for significant rewiring or reinstallation.

Smart Sensors Project BMS

Overall, installing many networked sensors in a BMS can provide improved data collection, cost savings, scalability, and real-time monitoring. This can help building managers optimize HVAC systems, reduce energy waste, and maintain occupant comfort, while also improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of building operations.

Examples

ROOM TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Building management systems (BMS) room temperature sensors are designed to measure the temperature of a specific room or area and provide data to the BMS for controlling heating and cooling systems. They are typically installed in areas where temperature control is critical, such as server rooms, laboratories, and storage areas. Room temperature sensors can be either wired or wireless and are available in a variety of types, including thermistors, and thermocouples. These sensors play a crucial role in maintaining stable environmental conditions and protecting sensitive equipment from damage. Proper placement and calibration of room temperature sensors are essential for their accuracy and effectiveness in building control.

OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE

Building management systems (BMS) outside temperature sensors are designed to measure the temperature of the outdoor environment and provide data to the BMS for controlling heating and cooling systems. They are typically installed in a location that is representative of the outdoor environment, away from sources of heat such as buildings or direct sunlight. Outside temperature sensors can be either wired or wireless and are available in a variety of types, including thermistors and thermocouples. These sensors play a crucial role in optimizing HVAC systems and reducing energy waste by providing accurate information on the outdoor temperature, which is used by the BMS to adjust heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Proper placement and calibration of outside temperature sensors are essential for their accuracy and effectiveness in building control.

PIPEWORK

Building management systems (BMS) pipework temperature sensors are designed to measure the temperature of fluids flowing through pipes and provide data to the BMS for controlling heating and cooling systems. They are typically installed at key points in the pipework, such as near the boiler or chiller, and at the outlet of each heating or cooling circuit. Pipework temperature sensors can be either wired or wireless and are available in a variety of types, including thermistors and thermocouples. These sensors play a crucial role in maintaining efficient operation of HVAC systems by providing accurate information on the temperature of the heating or cooling fluid. The BMS uses this information to adjust the temperature of the fluid to maintain optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Proper placement and calibration of pipework temperature sensors are essential for their accuracy and effectiveness in building control.

DUCTWORK

Building management systems (BMS) ductwork temperature sensors are designed to measure the temperature of air flowing through ventilation ducts and provide data to the BMS for controlling heating and cooling systems. They are typically installed at key points in the ductwork, such as near the air handling unit or at the outlet of each heating or cooling duct. Ductwork temperature sensors can be either wired or wireless and are available in a variety of types, including thermistors and thermocouples. These sensors play a crucial role in maintaining efficient operation of HVAC systems by providing accurate information on the temperature of the air. The BMS uses this information to adjust the temperature of the air to maintain optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Proper placement and calibration of ductwork temperature sensors are essential for their accuracy and effectiveness in building control.

Additional Information

For more information about physical IO points within a Building Management System check out this post!

For Building Management Systems Modbus basics check out this post!

Interested in becoming a BMS Engineer?

Check out the following link to the BCIA website for more information.

https://bcia.co.uk/training/