Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
A Smart Building Management System (BMS) integrates advanced technologies such as IoT, sensors, and artificial intelligence to optimize energy consumption, monitor environmental conditions, and manage building systems (HVAC, lighting, security). By automating processes and analyzing real-time data, it improves energy efficiency, reduces operational costs, and enhances sustainability, offering substantial savings while ensuring comfort and safety within commercial and residential buildings.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The concept of a Smart Building Management System (BMS) for energy efficiency and cost savings has emerged as a response to growing environmental concerns and the increasing demand for sustainable urban infrastructure. Traditional building management methods often rely on manual control systems, leading to inefficiencies, high energy consumption, and elevated operational costs. With the global push for reducing carbon footprints and achieving energy sustainability, the need for intelligent solutions to optimize energy use in buildings has become critical. A Smart BMS leverages cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sensor networks to automate and monitor various systems within a building, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, security, and more. By collecting and analyzing real-time data, it enables proactive decision-making, energy optimization, and predictive maintenance. For instance, the system can adjust lighting and temperature based on occupancy patterns or weather conditions, ensuring minimal energy wastage while maintaining occupant comfort. Additionally, a Smart BMS can provide valuable insights into energy consumption trends, identifying areas for improvement and offering recommendations for cost-saving measures. As businesses and residential buildings increasingly embrace smart technologies, the integration of such systems is becoming a fundamental approach to achieving energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing overall sustainability. This evolution marks a significant step toward greener, more efficient urban environments that support both environmental and economic goals.
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SUMMARY
A Smart Building Management System (BMS) for energy efficiency and cost savings is an advanced, integrated system designed to optimize the operation of building infrastructure while reducing energy consumption and operational expenses. By utilizing technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, this system enables real-time monitoring and control of building systems like HVAC, lighting, security, and energy usage. The BMS gathers data from various sensors placed throughout the building, including temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy meters, to analyze patterns and adjust systems accordingly. For example, lighting and HVAC systems can be automatically adjusted based on occupancy levels, outdoor temperature, or time of day, ensuring energy is used only when needed and minimizing waste. The system also provides predictive analytics, alerting facility managers to potential issues before they escalate, thus reducing maintenance costs. By providing detailed insights into energy usage, the BMS helps identify areas where energy is being wasted and suggests improvements for increased efficiency. Additionally, the system can generate reports that allow building owners and managers to track energy usage, operational costs, and savings over time. The result is a highly efficient, cost-effective building operation that not only reduces energy consumption but also contributes to sustainability goals by lowering the carbon footprint. This technology is becoming an essential tool for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings seeking to enhance performance, reduce costs, and support environmental sustainability initiatives.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Environmental Challenges and the Need for Smart Buildings
The world is currently facing several environmental challenges, including global warming, rapid population growth, resource depletion, and urbanization. These issues have a significant impact on the environment, prompting the need for sustainable and innovative approaches to mitigate environmental damage. In particular, the construction and operation of buildings contribute significantly to energy consumption and environmental degradation. To address these issues, there is an urgent need for buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Engineers are focusing on optimizing energy use while ensuring comfort, security, and sustainability in building design and operation.
Prioritizing Energy Efficiency in Modern Buildings
In the face of climate change and rising energy costs, achieving maximum energy efficiency in buildings has become a top priority. The concept of "optimization" not only involves reducing energy consumption but also ensuring that buildings provide enhanced comfort levels for their occupants. To achieve this, an effective balance between energy efficiency, comfort, security, and safety must be established. This requires adopting advanced technologies and design practices that minimize energy waste while maintaining a high quality of life for occupants.
The Role of Smart Buildings in Achieving Sustainability
Smart buildings have emerged as a key solution to these challenges. They integrate technologies such as sensors, automation systems, and renewable energy sources to optimize energy use and reduce waste. With the increasing focus on sustainability, smart buildings are designed to cope with diminishing resources and escalating energy prices. These buildings can help address global energy challenges while ensuring that occupants enjoy a comfortable and safe environment.
Research Insights on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Various studies have contributed to the development of smart building technologies. For example, Thomas Weng's research focused on reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings without compromising service quality. Weng suggested the use of sensors and suitable equipment to improve energy efficiency. A.H. Buckman and colleagues made distinctions between smart and intelligent buildings, emphasizing that smart buildings incorporate advanced technologies like PIR sensors to optimize energy use. Francesco Asdrubali proposed several strategies for improving building efficiency, such as incorporating renewable energy sources and using natural insulating materials. Peter R. Boyce’s research demonstrated that adjusting lighting levels in offices can lead to significant energy savings.
Benefits of Smart Buildings
Smart buildings offer numerous advantages, including:
• Resource Optimization: Smart buildings enable better use of resources by automatically adjusting lighting, heating, and cooling based on real-time occupancy and environmental conditions.
• Energy Efficiency: Through technologies like sensors and automation, smart buildings significantly reduce energy consumption, making them more environmentally friendly.
• Cost Reduction: Reduced energy consumption translates into lower operational costs, benefiting both building owners and occupants.
• Enhanced Safety and Security: Integrated systems, such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting, work together to ensure the safety of building occupants.
• Automation and Control: Smart buildings allow for automated systems that can adjust heating, cooling, lighting, and security systems to optimize performance and ensure occupant comfort.
The Project at Military Technological College (MTC)
At the Military Technological College (MTC) in Muscat, energy consumption in the form of lighting and HVAC systems is the primary source of high energy costs and environmental impact. To address this, the project aims to upgrade MTC’s buildings by integrating a solar power system and an automated energy control system. The system will utilize various sensing techniques to optimize energy use in lighting and HVAC systems, reducing energy consumption and costs. The goal is to improve the building’s energy efficiency by leveraging renewable energy and advanced automation technologies.
The integration of smart building technologies presents a promising solution to the growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. By combining renewable energy sources, advanced automation, and sensor systems, smart buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance occupant comfort and safety. The project at MTC is an example of how these technologies can be implemented to create more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, contributing to long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Introduction to Energy Management in Smart Buildings
Smart buildings integrate various technologies, including energy management, space utilization, safety, and security, among others. The focus of the current research is on energy management within smart buildings. Efficient energy management not only helps reduce energy consumption inside the building but also lowers other energy-related costs. By better controlling electricity usage, the building can minimize power consumption, reduce equipment maintenance, and lower energy-related expenses.
Energy Consumption Data for MTC’s Systems Engineering Building
Energy consumption data for the MTC’s Systems Engineering building from 2016/2017 is shown in the chart. As seen, the building's power consumption in 2017 was quite significant, with the Systems Engineering department alone consuming around 2852 kWh, which is higher than the consumption in other parts of the facility. This issue highlights the need for an effective energy management system to reduce energy use. One proposed solution is the installation of a solar energy system combined with an automation system to control the building's energy load.

Figure 1: Power Consumption in the Systems Engineering Building

Figure 2. Off-Grid Solar Power System Configuration

Figure 3. Installation of Solar Panels

Figure 4. Inverters and Batteries

Proposed Solar Energy System
Installing a solar energy system in a building offers a renewable energy source that improves efficiency, reduces energy costs, and minimizes environmental emissions. The proposed system utilizes an off-grid solar energy solution to harness solar power. The solar panels used in the project are from Hollandia Solar Company and employ mono-crystalline silicon cells (HPS0280M), known for their durability, high efficiency, and long lifespan. The panels and their installation details are shown in the corresponding figures.
Solar Panel Specifications
The electrical specifications of the solar panel are provided in the table below:
Module Type HP S0280M
Power Output (Pmax) 280 W
Power Tolerance (∆Pmax) 0/+5 W%
Module Efficiency 17.24%
Voltage at Pmax 31.3 V
Current at Pmax 9.37 A
Open Circuit Voltage 38.5 V
Short Circuit Current 9.37 A
Inverter Specifications
The project also uses a pure sine wave inverter, which has several advantages over standard inverters. It ensures increased battery life, faster battery charging, and protection against short circuits and overloads. The inverter specifications are as follows:
Model Name Pure Sine Wave
Output Voltage 250 V
Output Current 10 A
MCB Input 6 A/240 V
Charge Controller Specifications
The solar charge controller used in this project is an Opti-solar charge controller, which helps manage the battery charging process by preventing overcharging. It employs a three-stage charging procedure that improves performance and reduces recharge time compared to other regulators. The specifications of the charge controller are:
Model Name SC 12-24-48 V/30 A
System Voltage Ratings 12 V, 24 V, 48 V
Current Rating (Battery Charge Control) 60 A
Current Rating (Load Control) 60 A
Max Operating Voltage 68 V
Pulse Power Rating 4500 W
Solar Power System Setup
The full setup includes solar panels mounted at a 45-degree angle to the east, which was determined to be the optimal orientation for maximum energy absorption. The charge controller regulates the voltage from the solar panels to 12V, preventing overcharging of the batteries. The inverter then converts the 12V DC from the batteries to 220V AC, suitable for powering various appliances and systems in the building.
A control box in the building is used to switch between power sources (grid and solar) as needed. The system allows for automated switching to solar power when available, reducing reliance on the grid and ensuring energy savings.

Figure 5. Complete Circuit of the Solar Power System with Motion Sensor Integration
Energy Load Calculation for Office Room
In terms of the energy load for the office room, the total load calculation for lighting and ventilation systems is detailed below:
Load Lighting System 1 Lighting System 2 Lighting System 3 FCU1 FCU2 Total Power
Voltage (V) 230 230 230 230 230
Current (A) 2.08 0.95 0.95 0.47 0.47
Power (W) 480 220 220 100 100 1120 W

Cost Breakdown for Solar System Components
The estimated cost for the installed solar system components is as follows:
Component Units Cost (OMR)
PV Panels 4 496
Batteries 1 105
Inverter 1 75
Solar Charge Controller 1 45
Total 721
This breakdown provides the essential details for the solar power system, including load calculations and component costs, ensuring an efficient energy management setup for the building. By utilizing solar power and automation systems, the building can effectively reduce energy consumption and costs, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient operation.
Theoretical Analysis
The analysis was performed for two conditions: with and without the sensor. The load calculations were based on the lighting and ventilation systems, with an approximate total load of 1120 W [15].

Load Calculation
Lighting System:
• Light G1: 15W × 4 lamps × 8 units = 480W
• Light G2: 36W × 6 lamps = 220W
• Light G3: 36W × 6 lamps = 220W
Total Load (Lighting): 480W + 220W + 220W = 920W
Ventilation:
• FCU1: 100W
• FCU2: 100W
Total Load (Ventilation): 100W + 100W = 200W
Total Load in One Office: 920W + 200W = 1120W
PIR Sensor Benefit Calculation
Total Price Without the Sensor (Monthly): Assuming the lights are on for 7 hours each day (from 7 AM to 2 PM):
• Daily consumption: 1120W × 7 hours = 7.84 kWh/day
• Monthly consumption: 7.84 kWh/day × 22 days/month = 172.48 kWh/month
(Note: weekends are not included, assuming 22 days in one month)
Cost per kWh = 0.020 OMR (as per Muscat Electricity Distribution Company)
Cost Without the Sensor (Monthly): 172.48 kWh × 0.020 OMR/kWh = 3.4496 OMR
Total Price With the Sensor (Monthly): Assuming the sensor reduces light usage to 3 hours per day:
• Daily consumption: 1120W × 3 hours = 3.36 kWh/day
• Monthly consumption: 3.36 kWh/day × 22 days/month = 73.92 kWh/month
Cost With the Sensor (Monthly): 73.92 kWh × 0.020 OMR/kWh = 1.4784 OMR
Money Saved Per Month: 3.4496 OMR - 1.4784 OMR = 1.967 OMR
Battery Requirement for the System
For a 12-Volt inverter system, every 100 Watts of inverter load requires approximately 10 DC Amps from the battery. To operate the system with a load of 1120 Watts, the battery must deliver about 112 Amps DC for 1 hour (1120W ÷ 12V = 112A). The battery used in this system delivers 100 A.H, with a price of 105 OMR each.
Batteries Needed Without the Sensor: Assuming 8 hours of operation per day:
• Required A.H per day: 112A × 8 hours = 896 A.H/day
The system requires about 9 batteries.
Cost for Batteries Without the Sensor: 9 × 105 OMR = 945 OMR
Batteries Needed With the Sensor: Assuming 3 hours of operation per day:
• Required A.H per day: 112A × 3 hours = 336 A.H/day
The system requires about 4 batteries.
Cost for Batteries With the Sensor: 4 × 105 OMR = 420 OMR
Money Saved Using the Sensor: 945 OMR - 420 OMR = 525 OMR
Return on Investment (ROI)
Office Load:
• Lighting system:
o Light G1: 15W × 4 lamps × 8 units = 480W
o Light G2: 36W × 6 lamps = 220W
o Light G3: 36W × 6 lamps = 220W
Total Load (Lighting): 480W + 220W + 220W = 920W
• Ventilation:
o FCU1: 100W
o FCU2: 100W
Total Load (Ventilation): 100W + 100W = 200W
Total Load in the Office: 920W + 200W = 1120W
Solar Energy Cost:
• Cost of 4 solar panels: 4 panels × 124 OMR = 496 OMR
• Cost of batteries: 1 battery × 105 OMR = 105 OMR
• Cost of inverter: 1 inverter × 75 OMR = 75 OMR
• Cost of one solar charge controller: 45 OMR
Total System Cost: 496 OMR + 105 OMR + 75 OMR + 45 OMR = 721 OMR
Return on Investment Calculation:
The solar system can generate:
• 721 OMR ÷ 0.020 OMR/kWh = 36050 kWh
Energy provided by the solar system in one year:
• 1.120 kW × 12 hours/day × 365 days/year = 4905.6 kWh/year
Years to Recoup Solar System Cost:
• 36050 kWh ÷ 4905.6 kWh/year = 7.3487 years
It will take approximately 7 years and 4 months to recover the investment.
Benefit Years After Recouping the Cost: The average lifespan of solar panels is about 25 years, so after recouping the cost in 7.4 years, the remaining benefit period is:
• 25 years - 7.4 years = 17.6 years.
Results and Discussion
The power generated by the solar panels was measured, and the load requirements for the building were outlined in Tables 6 and 7. The load demands of the lighting systems and FCUs were adequately met by the power generated by the solar panels.
The sensor's integration into the system was found to reduce the operational hours, leading to a decrease in energy consumption and overall system costs. Figure 7 illustrates the comparison of power consumption with and without the sensor. As designed, the system efficiently switched off when no occupants were present in the room and switched on when the room was occupied.
Table 6: Measured Power Generated by Solar Panels
Parameters Panel 1 Panel 2 Panel 3 Panel 4 Total
Voltage (V) 31.698 31.589 31.585 31.567 126.439
Current (I) 8.89 8.942 8.9458 8.9619 35.7397
Power (W) 281.8 282.47 282.26 282.9 1129.43
Table 7: Load Measurements of the Office Room
Load Lighting Systems Ventilation Total
Light G1 439.5 W
Light G2 220 W
Light G3 220 W
FCU1 113.2 W
FCU2 111 W
Total Power 1102 W
Return on Investment
The calculations show not only a reduction in energy consumption costs but also a significant reduction in the battery requirements for the solar energy system. Variations in power, voltage, and current were noted, influenced by factors such as solar radiation.

Figure 6

Figure 7: Power Consumption with and Without Sensor
The measurements in Figure 7 display the difference in power consumption between systems with and without the sensor.
This project successfully developed an energy-efficient system that reduces electricity consumption in office spaces. Results indicate that the proposed system will provide free energy for 17 years after the payback period. The PIR sensor not only reduces operational costs associated with energy consumption but also minimizes battery costs in the solar energy system by decreasing the number of batteries required, a novel concept in this domain.
The control box circuit, a first-time implementation in the MTC building, proved to be an effective solution for small-scale projects that require two different energy sources. By eliminating the need for a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system—often used in large-scale solar installations but costly—this control box serves as a more economical option. Although the project was initially tested in a single office room, its application across the entire building would yield significant energy savings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAM
Figure 1: Power Consumption in the Systems Engineering Building
Figure 2. Off-Grid Solar Power System Configuration
Figure 3. Installation of Solar Panels
Figure 4. Inverters and Batteries
Figure 5. Complete Circuit of the Solar Power System with Motion Sensor Integration
Figure 6: Return on Investment Over Time
Figure 7: Power Consumption with and Without Sensor , Claims:1. Smart building management system for energy efficiency and cost savings claims that The system optimizes energy usage by automatically adjusting lighting and HVAC operations based on occupancy, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
2. It incorporates a PIR sensor to minimize energy wastage by switching off systems when rooms are unoccupied, contributing to significant cost savings.
3. Solar panels generate power to meet the building's energy demands, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering electricity costs.
4. Energy consumption is tracked in real-time, providing data to assess and optimize the building's energy efficiency.
5. The system uses a cost-effective control box that eliminates the need for expensive SCADA systems, making it suitable for small-scale projects.
6. Power consumption is significantly reduced by adjusting the operating hours of lighting systems and ventilation units, based on occupancy data.
7. The integration of solar energy systems helps in reducing operational costs by supplying free energy after the payback period is achieved.
8. The system's design allows for seamless monitoring and control, improving user convenience and reducing manual intervention.
9. Battery requirements for the solar energy system are minimized by optimizing energy usage with the sensor, lowering initial setup costs.
10. The project demonstrates potential long-term savings, with a payback period of approximately 7.4 years and continued benefits over the next 17 years of solar panel life.